Michael Stewart stunned by 'bizarre' Derek McInnes decision in Rangers vs St Mirren
Michael Stewart has been left astounded by a tactic used by Rangers manager Derek McInnes in the 5-1 win versus St Mirren.
The Gers manager has been under pressure to turn things around and advancing in the League Cup was one way to start righting his early wrongs.
Two first half goals had set Rangers on their way, but St Mirren would grab one back bringing added nerves to the Bears' clash at half-time.
In the end, there was little to worry about as the Bears won with a 5-1 victory.
But as McInnes' side looked to hold onto that one-goal lead in the opening 45, commentator Stewart couldn't quite believe how McInnes set up to defend.
The 'bizarre' Rangers moment seen in St Mirren result
As St Mirren took a goal kick, you would typically expect Rangers to be back in their shape, and for the large part, they were.
However, for some reason, James Penrice and Djeidi Gassama switched roles as the Gers looked to defend.
Penrice was deployed on the left-wing with Gassama at fullback, a moment that Stewart couldn't help but react to.
He stated on Premier Sports' coverage of the game: "That is a bizarre one. James Penrice is pressing high up on the left-wing and Gassama was back at left-back.
"If Jayden Richardson wins that ball against Makhanya, Rangers are cut wide open from a goal kick."
It would be understandable if the Bears did not have time to get back and reposition themselves, but with the ball going out of play and for a goal kick, it seemed to be a purposeful decision.
It was a risky move as Gassama is not exactly known for his defensive prowess, with Stewart right to point out the issue it could have caused.
McInnes was lucky on that occasion, but he cannot afford to be making such decisions at this stage.
After the 5-1 win, things should hopefully be moving in the right direction now.
Are Rangers looking better under McInnes as the games go by?
Rangers started the game strongly against St Mirren but it was once more the same old story when the Buddies got themselves back into the game.
The Gers can have no-one but themselves to blame as Nicolas Raskin and Vanja Dragojevic's midfield mix up ultimately cost them.
However, they did look more dynamic going forward and did cause a threat of their own.
Gassama could have put Rangers 3-0 up but his strike shortly before the G51 outfit conceded rattled the bar.
The second half was more of the same, with the Bears showcasing a much better clinical edge, scoring three goals.