Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes was left to rue vital efforts from Jack Butland, James Tavernier and Tom Lawrence as Rangers rallied from behind to earn a stunning 2-1 win at Rugby Park on Wednesday night.

Two wins. Two very different wins.

But, as far as Rangers are concerned – Philippe Clement’s side scraping a 2-1 triumph on the road away to a team who defeated them on the opening day – these three extremely hard-earned points could yet prove to be a decisive moment in an enthralling title race, on a night in which Celtic entered seventh heaven at home to Dundee.

Not for the first time, those in blue were thankful to a pair of magnificent contributions at each end from his two most seasoned campaigners. Jack Butland showed exactly why he has been linked with an England re-call as he denied Matty Kennedy with Kilmarnock 1-0 up. Ensuring that James Tavernier’s latest exquisite free-kick was an equalizer rather than a deficit-reducer.

Tom Lawrence’s quick, snapshot winner on the hour mark, meanwhile, ensured that 1-0 became 1-2 inside hte space of just four second-half minutes.

Rangers bounce back to overcome Kilmarnock.

“Butland’s save at 1-0, it just confirms how good he is. That is a crucial moment for Rangers in the context of the game,” sighs McInnes.

The former Aberdeen boss lauded the resolve and the fight of Clement’s visitors, while also complimenting his own side’s performance in Ayrshire.

“Tavernier’s free kick, having seen it again, the height he gets to get it up and over. Top class,” McInnes adds. “He’s done that time and time again for Rangers. So there’s two moments

“(For the third goal) Rangers counter press can be good in these moments. The ball breaks to Lawrence and it’s a tremendous strike. So there’s three Rangers players there who have played a significant part, definitely in the game.

“Butland, Tavernier and Lawrence.”

Philippe Clement’s side stay top

Lawrence’s 59th minute victory ensures Rangers are remain two points clear of Old Firm rivals Celtic at the top of the Premiership table, even if Brendan Rodgers’ clinical Hoops outfit did cut the gap in the goal differential stakes.

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk