Derek McInnes smiling as Rangers manager
Derek McInnesImago

Three Rangers questions to emerge this past week - has Derek McInnes struck gold in one area?

Pete Hanson

Pete Hanson is the Head of Editorial Standards for Ibrox News as part of the Breaking Media network. With a vast background in sports journalism and data analysis, Pete provides expertise in talent development, strategy planning, and new content strands for all things Rangers. Based in Sheffield, Pete has previously worked for PA Media, Sporting News, and Stats Perform, after earning a Masters in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University.

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Rangers continued their momentum following an extended international break.

The Gers had racked up six straight wins in all competitions prior to the elongated pause merging the September and October international windows.

It would have left some supporters fearing that the break might have put a dent in the wave of momentum Derek McInnes' side were riding.

But those fears were allayed by a comfortable 3-1 win over Kilmarnock at Ibrox with Ryan Naderi on target twice either side of Kevin Kelsy's effort.

All three of Rangers' goals came in the first half, with Nicky Clescenco's effort proving a mere consolation for Killie in the closing stages.

Rangers' winning streak now sits at seven, and here Ibrox News picks out three questions to have emerged from the past week.

Has Derek McInnes struck gold with his strike partnership?

Rangers have had their injury woes up top this season.

Youssef Chermiti sustained a serious knee injury against Hibernian in August, before Lawrence Shankland was ruled out for several months with a hamstring injury.

But close-season arrival Kelsy is striking up a good partnership with Naderi, and right now it is hard to imagine McInnes splits the duo up.

Betweem them they have eight goals in all competitions this season, and while it might not have been the partnership he originally intended, McInnes may have struck goal with this duo.

Derek McInnes smiling as Rangers manager
Mark Clattenburg in agreement as slow-mo Rangers footage assessed after controversy vs Kilmarnock

Was Rangers' second-half drop-off a concern?

Despite the comfortable nature of the win, McInnes - a former Kilmarnock manager - voiced some concerns.

He felt that Rangers lacked cohesion at times, blaming the international break for denting their momentum.

But some would argue that given they were 3-0 up at the break, the second period became more about game-management and seeing the job out.

Others wondered why they were unable to maintain the intensity in the second period, but hopefully it will not be a long-term concern.

Did Kevin Kelsy get away with one?

Killie boss Neil McCann was absolutely adamant Kelsy's goal should have been ruled out for handball.

However, despite gaining the attention of VAR, Kelsy's goal was allowed to stand much to the consternation of McCann.

Ex-referee Bobby Madden was among those to state that the decision was correct and awarding the goal was the right thing to do.

Regardless, sometimes you need the decisions to go your away and it did for Kelsy and Rangers on this occasion.

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