Steven Davis hails ‘important win’ as Rangers begin Scottish Premiership title defence

Masterclass: Steven Davis produced a man of the match performance for Rangers against Livingston. Credit: Lewis Storey/Getty Images

Gavin McCafferty

Northern Ireland hero Steven Davis has hailed a strong start to the season by Scottish Premiership champions Rangers after another midfield masterclass form the Cullybackey man on Saturday.

Steven Gerrard’s side opened their campaign with a 3-0 win over Livingston at Ibrox, with the 36-year-old Davis producing another man of the match performance.

In what was Gers’ 20th consecutive home league victory – a new club record – Ianis Hagi, Scott Wright and Kemar Roofe were all on-target for the Light Blues to register the three points.

“It’s an important win, it’s really important to get off to a good start, especially at home,” said Northern Ireland skipper Davis.

“The three points and a clean sheet is very pleasing. We got off to a fantastic start and there were periods in the game when we were perhaps a bit sloppy but we need to be patient with the ball and we are delighted with the good start.

“I thought we counter pressed well and limited their attacks. Our overall control in the game was excellent and Scotty’s goal was a fantastic finish. We could have scored more goals with a bit more quality but we have to be delighted with the start.

“Since he’s come in Scott has been a ball of energy, he’s brought something different to the squad and made a big impact.

“John Lundstram came on and he’s settled in very well. He’s obviously a top quality player and he brings something different. There’s real competition for places in midfield and you have to play well to keep your shirt, that’s good the club moving forward in what will hopefully be a successful season.”

Gerrard, whose side are away to Malmo in the Champions League tomorrow, was delighted the champions got off to a wining start.

“I am really happy with the performance for large parts,” he said. “I thought we played with a lot of control - Jon (McLaughlin) has had a relatively quiet afternoon which is what we want here and we got the clean sheet and three good goals.

“I thought from when we took the lead to when we got the second goal, I thought we could have been better in-terms of keeping that intensity up and keeping asking more questions of the opposition.

“I thought at times we were taking too many touches and we slowed our play down but from 0-1, until we took the lead, really good, really strong and we came out the blocks fast and then when the second goal came, I think it calmed us down and then we were excellent from that moment until the end.

“The subs brought class and quality which is important again, and the team selection is right now as with an eye on Tuesday, a few have been offloaded and they will be ready to go, so I am pleased about that.”

Rangers’ Premiership unbeaten streak now stands at 40 matches and the result never looked in doubt in front of the 23,000 home fans.

The contribution of Wright thrilled Gerrard, who added: “Scott probably deserved to start the game but we have got four games in 10 days so I am going to need him to be ready.

“He came on for Ianis Hagi, but we are hoping he is going to pull through and be okay, but Scott has taken his chance - I thought he came on, was direct, was quick, played a lot of penetrating passes and scored a wonderful goal and that is the part of the game we are on his case over as we want him to keep getting numbers in his game and be a killer in the box and he was today.”

Meanwhile, Livingston player-assistant manager Marvin Bartley has praised the Rangers fans for their ‘uplifting’ response to the players taking the knee.

Bartley, who has been a big advocate for the anti-racism movement and has spoken out often against racism and the booing of the gesture at other grounds around the UK, admitted he was nervous ahead of the game.

This was the first Scottish top flight match with fans inside the stadium for the taking of the knee and the former Hibs man was unsure how the crowd would react.

He tweeted: “I was extremely nervous about taking the knee today with fans in the stadium!

“The Rangers fans were absolutely fantastic during it and they should be applauded massively because if it had gone the other way headlines would have been written.

“I thank you all, truly uplifting!”