Rangers: How James Penrice’s dream debut helped ignite Derek McInnes reign

Rangers were far from convincing in a first half in which they went two up, but they offered plenty of encouragement to a St Mirren side that pulled a goal back before the break.

After the interval, however, 27-year-old Penrice epitomised a much-improved second-half showing from McInnes’ men, providing a relentless attacking threat from the left.

That was highlighted in the 52nd minute. The full-back raced up the left-hand side on the counter attack before teeing up Djeidi Gassama with a perfect first-time pass.

Two minutes later, Penrice was on the scoresheet himself, slamming in a loose ball from close range to give Rangers a three-goal cushion.

“For James Penrice to get on the scoresheet and also have an outstanding performance here in his first game at Rangers was another added bonus,” said former Rangers striker Steven Thompson on BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound.

“You could hear it inside the stadium, the shift in how the Rangers fans are feeling. [The win] will give everyone at the club a lift.

“A lot of positives for Derek McInnes.”