Why Derek McInnes just loves Ivor Pandur after what he's seen at Rangers

Ivor Pandur has started to show his quality at Rangers.

The Croatia goalkeeper arrived from Hull City during a hectic summer transfer window at Ibrox.

The Gers bolstered their ranks with 14 signings during a heavy rebuild under Derek McInnes.

Jack Butland's move to the Premier League side in the opposite direction left Rangers with a void to fill.

Pandur, 26, had a couple of nervy moments in the first few games of the season, but has been impressive during Rangers' six-match unbeaten run.

And Rangers boss Derek McInnes has been waxing lyrical over the shot-stopper, sharing what he is enjoyng most about what he is bringing to the team.

What did Derek McInnes say about Ivor Pandur at Rangers?

Rangers' upturn in form has coincided with Pandur establishing himself between the sticks at Ibrox.

During Rangers' six-game winning run, across all competitions, Pandur has kept five clean sheets, conceding just once in the 2-1 win over Falkirk.

He has been part of a defensive unit that has looked especially stoic during that run, with Olwethu Makhanya and Emmanuel Fernandez forming a formidable centre-back pairing.

Dujon Sterling and James Penrice have also impressed at full-back, with Rangers' defence really coming together.

McInnes acknowledged the role of his defence, but picked out Pandur for particular praise.

The Gers gaffer said he has been impressed by the calming influence Pandur has brough to the team.

Speaking to Rangers TV, McInnes said: "You mentioned the back four and my goalkeeper.

"I love, I just love Ivor. He's not had too much to do in recent weeks, but what he has done, we just feel as though we're alright with him.

"I'm delighted at how he's settled into the team as well, and he's such a calming influence on the team."

Rangers success can be built on defence

There is an old adage in football that titles are built on defences.

And you cannot help but think that if Rangers are to wrest the Scottish Premiership away from Celtic then the goalkeeper and back four are going to be crucial.

Despite their impressive run, which included back-to-back Old Firm wins over Celtic, it is fair to say that things have not clicked fully yet in attack.

That's not to say it won't come, when you're integrating so many new players into a squad it can take for things to gel.

But even if the goals do start flowing a bit more, keeping things tight will be crucial for winning games where things aren't going great in the final third.

Pandur and the defenders in front of him are going to be crucial in making that happen.