Derek McInnes' Rangers headache and the most likely solution

The Rangers captain's hamstring injury comes at a time when he seemed to be hitting his stride, having scored twice against Falkirk before being forced off against Motherwell.

The Rangers Review morning briefing panel discussed whether Ryan Naderi or £9 million summer signing Kevin Kelsy should step up in his absence.

Joshua Barrie leaned towards Kelsy, saying: "This is ultimately why you build a squad.

"Let's not forget, they've just went and spent nine million pounds on a twenty-two-year-old striker."

However, Naderi's winning goal against Motherwell strengthens his case.

His energy and pressing were credited with helping Rangers produce an improved performance.

Elsewhere, Dan Neil received praise for his performance, said to be his best since arriving at Ibrox.

Barrie believes a more settled Rangers system is allowing the midfielder to demonstrate his ability, with Neil and Nico Raskin backed as McInnes' strongest midfield pairing.

This raises questions over Vanja Dragojevic's opportunities, with the youngster failing to get off the bench in Rangers' last three matches.

Barrie also praised Olwethy Makhanya for another solid defensive performance, stating: "The biggest compliment you can pay him is he plays like a thirty-year-old and he's twenty-two."

As attentions turn to St Mirren, deadline-day arrival Badredine Bouanani could make his Rangers debut ahead of the weekend clash with Celtic.