Dujon Sterling admitted Rangers had to rely on resilience rather than quality as he marked his first start in seven months with a hard-fought league victory at Ibrox over Hibernian.
The defender, returning from a lengthy Achilles injury, played just over an hour as Rangers edged past Hibernian to maintain their unbeaten Premiership run under Danny Röhl after coming on midweek.
In what was was not a fluent performance, Sterling made it clear that results now matter more than aesthetics.
“It’s a game where there’s not much in it,” Sterling said to Rangers TV after the match.
“We’re not really playing well, but you’ve just got to get through it.
“It’s going to be tough moments, as we’ve seen throughout the season, but I think that we dug deep and tried our best.”
For Sterling, the priority on his return was simple.
He said: “For me, it was just important to get the win.”
That sentiment reflects a growing theme inside the Rangers camp.
With a demanding run of fixtures looming and injuries and AFCON call ups continuing to disrupt continuity, momentum has become the key currency.
“Obviously, we’re coming into a period where it’s going to be a lot of tough games,” he said.
“So it’s good to get the first three points and then look to continue to build on it.
“Even if the performances aren’t great, it’s about getting the three points at the end of the day.”
Sterling’s personal comeback was warmly received inside Ibrox, with the defender acknowledging the support from the stands.
“It was good, man. The fans are clapping,” he said.
“Obviously, it would be better if the team played better, but as long as we get the win and I get through it properly and without any injuries, then I’m happy.”
On the pitch, Sterling contributed significantly - producing a vital goal-line clearance and later providing the assist for Emmanuel Fernandez’s match-winning header.
Still, he was quick to deflect praise.
“Yes, but at the end of the day, it’s about the team,” he said.
“As long as we keep racking up the points and climbing up the table and closing the gap, that’s what’s important for me.”
Sterling also spoke positively about working under Danny Röhl, revealing that his return has been carefully managed.
“We understand each other and we’ve got a plan, basically trying to keep me fit for as long as possible,” he explained.
“I knew before the game that it was going to be 60 minutes today.
“In previous years I probably would have played straight 90, then another 90.”
That approach, he believes, is benefiting the wider squad.
“I think he’s got the boys alignment up a bit as well,” Sterling added.
Defensively, Rangers recorded another clean sheet, their fifth in the league under Röhl, something Sterling felt reflected control more than dominance.
“I felt comfortable,” he said.
“I didn’t really think they threatened us, really.
“A clean sheet, that’s all you can ask for.”
Attention now turns quickly to Sunday’s trip to Tynecastle to face league leaders Hearts.
“It’s about recovering properly,” Sterling said.
“You know you’re going against a team that’s top of the table, and you try to put in the best performance that you can.”