Injury-time winners are always crowd pleasers, and Bojan Miovski's late winner to seal a deserved three points against a much-improved St Mirren was timely in reminding the Rangers management team and the support of his ability as he remains with the squad following the closure of the transfer window.
Whilst it looked like he may have been the odd man out following Rangers' big-money signing of Kevin Kelsy from Portland Timbers late in the window, a significant hamstring injury suffered by Lawrence Shankland in the early moments of the weekend victory over Motherwell has re-opened the door for the North Macedonian international.
Coming on as a late substitute for Djeidi Gassama as Derek McInnes went back to a 4-4-2 formation that had worked well in the first half against Craig McLeish's Paisley side, his deft flick over Buddies keeper Jacob Chapman following a Ryan Naderi header once again showed Miovski's natural striking instinct.
The former Aberdeen striker took his opportunity when it mattered, producing the clinical finish that Rangers had been lacking earlier in the game.
Naderi had been presented with gilt-edged opportunities that could have made the match more comfortable for McInnes' side, but Miovski's penalty-box instincts ultimately proved decisive under the Ibrox lights.
And McInnes was delighted to see a player he rates highly deliver when his team needed him most.
"It's a testament to him and his professionalism, he always trains with motivation."
The Rangers boss acknowledged that Miovski could have been wondering where he fitted into the picture after the club strengthened its attacking options.
"When we first came in obviously the club had invested a lot of money in Youssef and Ryan and then Lawrence comes in and he's probably thinking where am I going to fit in here?"
But McInnes pointed to Miovski's goalscoring record as evidence of the quality Rangers possess in their ranks.
"His goals per minute both for Aberdeen and Rangers and the Premier League is top class."
A chance for Bojan
With Shankland now facing an extended spell on the sidelines, the opportunity exists for Miovski to further prove his value to the squad.
Shankland is due to undergo surgery on his hamstring in London, with McInnes confirming that the decision to operate could add another three or four weeks to his recovery.
That potentially leaves Miovski as an important option for McInnes while Kelsy adapts to his new surroundings and Naderi continues to develop the clinical side of his game.
McInnes believes Rangers are fortunate to have a striker with Miovski's experience available to call upon.
"I'm just delighted that we've got somebody of his calibre, his prowess in the building, his experience."
"We're not littered with experience, it's just somebody to come on and stay calm in those moments."
That calmness was on full display when the chance arrived.
"His experience and his execution of the goal was first class. So pleased for him."
Miovski, as more of a penalty-box striker, may well have gobbled up some of the opportunities created during a fluent first half from Rangers.
His late winner therefore saved the night from being a frustrating one and, with four wins on the bounce, Rangers head into the Old Firm double-header with some momentum.
Questions nevertheless remain about how McInnes can best manage his resources at the top end of the park, particularly with Shankland now facing surgery and the forward options continuing to evolve.
McInnes believes Miovski's popularity within the Rangers dressing room will only increase if he continues to deliver decisive moments.
"He's such a popular boy with the staff, the players and I'm sure he'll keep scoring late winners like that with the supporters."
Bouanani makes Ibrox bow
Badredine Bouanani's lively first-half showing on his Ibrox debut will have him in strong contention to start on the right side of Rangers' attack this Sunday.
Gassama again showed flashes of brilliance with his ball-carrying ability, although his composure to find the finish or final ball was severely lacking against St Mirren.
He will likely retain his place from the start on the left-hand side of the attack, meaning it is likely to be two from three at the top end of the pitch between Minsu Kim, Kelsy and Naderi.
Miovski, meanwhile, is likely to provide another option from the bench after demonstrating exactly what he can offer when the opportunity arrives.
The victory also came at a cost.
Yokota ruled out
One player who will not be an option for a while is Daisuke Yokota, who McInnes revealed post-match would be joining club captain Shankland in London for surgery on Thursday with a groin issue.
Yokota is expected to be sidelined for another two to three months, once again highlighting the importance of Rangers adding quality to their wide options during the transfer window.
The arrival of Algerian international Bouanani therefore looks even more significant given the latest injury setback.
With Rangers now facing Celtic at Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup on Sunday, McInnes will have to carefully manage his attacking resources.
But Miovski's late intervention has given the manager another timely reminder that, despite the competition for places, the North Macedonian remains a valuable weapon in his squad.
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