Barry Ferguson loves Derek McInnes decision that worked a treat in Rangers Old Firm win over Celtic
Derek McInnes' first taste of the Old Firm as Rangers manager ended in a 3-0 triumph at Ibrox.
Dan Neil was on target twice for the Gers, while Kevin Kelsy also got off the mark after his arrival late in the transfer window.
It represented a fifth straight win for a Rangers side who have started to find some momentum after a tough start to life under McInnes.
There were several stand-out performers who earned plaudits for their performances against Celtic.
But it was one tactical decision from Derek McInnes that earned particular praise from former captain and ex-interim boss Barry Ferguson.
What did Barry Ferguson enjoy about Derek McInnes' tactical decision in Rangers win vs Celtic?
Rangers were at it right from the off in their triumph over Martin O'Neill's side at Ibrox last weekend.
In the build-up to the game, Ferguson had spoken about how Rangers needed to be "aggressive" in their approach to the game, and not give Celtic time to settle or feel comfortable.
One tactic employed by McInnes was the decision for full-back James Penrice to move into more of a midfield role out of possession.
Ferguson said McInnes' decision "worked a treat", and thinks Rangers' success was built largely on their ability to win the midfield battle.
Speaking on the Go Football Radio Show, Ferguson said: "It was interesting to see the tactic that he went with putting James Penrice into the middle of the park without possession.
"I thought it worked a treat. was I surprised about Celtic? Celtic were poor but you've then got to give credit to Rangers.
"I thought the Rangers midfield overpowered the Celtic midfield and I'm a big believer in that's where games are won and lost, and certainly Rangers dominated in there."
Rangers ready to do it all over again
Any Old Firm victory is cause for celebration, especially one as convincing as Rangers enjoyed last time out.
But there is no time to rest on any laurels, because the rivals will be doing it all over again this coming Sunday (20 September).
This time, it will be a trip to enemy territory with Rangers making the short hop to Celtic Park for the first Scottish Premiership encounter of the season between the the rivals.
McInnes will be under no illusions that his side need to go out and prove themselves all over again.
It's one thing doing it in the League Cup, and it is a victory absolutely worth savouring, but it is the league title Rangers fans really crave.
To have any chance of wresting it away from Celtic, they need to make sure they compete in the league games with the Bhoys.
It promises to be another enthralling encounter.