As Rangers began their Premiership title defence with a straightforward victory over Livingston it was the performance of the ever-improving Scott Wright that really caught the eye.

The Light Blues dominated from start to finish although it took them until the 78th minute to put daylight between themselves and David Martindale’s men with Wright popping up with a sensational strike.

Ianis Hagi had fired Rangers ahead in the first half before he was replaced by the former Aberdeen forward following a rash challenge on the Romanian from Adam Lewis.

Kemar Roofe added a third late on but it’s the display of Wright that is sure to dominate the headlines.

Having included him in my predicted lineup ahead of the game, it was a little surprising to see him start on the bench and Steven Gerrard admitted he was perhaps unfortunate not to make the starting 11.

"Scott could’ve started today without a doubt, I think his performances in pre-season, he’s been outstanding,” he told Sky Sports.

“We’re working on him a lot in the final third in terms of getting numbers into his game, but I thought he came on today and he was a right bright spark, full of energy, he sees a pass, he’s always looking forward, looking to penetrate, he’s quick and he got his rewards from another strong performance.

“He’s really in my thinking for Tuesday night now.”

And rightly so.

He offers Rangers so much going forward and is oozing with confidence. His goal is the result of said belief and the outstanding ability he possesses; it takes a special sort of player to find the corner with the outside of the boot on the half-volley at a narrow-angle.

It was truly world-class.

The 23-year-old told Sky Sports afterwards: “I saw it dropping to me in the box and thought I had to feed it with the outside of my right foot to the back post.

“I am delighted that it has gone in but I am buzzing that we managed to get the three points and start the season strong.

“I feel I am playing some of my best football just now. That is a credit to my teammates for getting me on the ball and giving me confidence as well.

“It is something I know I need to add to my game, more shots. It is something that I am trying to do.

“I want the shirt and I am here to hopefully try and get the shirt. All I can do is try and show my best on the pitch and try and get it.

“We wanted to start the season strong and I think we did exactly that.”

It’s a frightening thought for opponents to contemplate a forward line of Ryan Kent on the left and Scott Wright on the right but what an exciting prospect it is for Rangers.

READ MORE: Steven Gerrard reveals Ianis Hagi Champions League injury fear

We’ve seen the likes of Jordan Jones, Greg Stewart and Brandon Barker brought in from Premiership clubs with the hope they could have the potential to improve and perform in this Rangers side but none have really grasped the opportunity as Wright has.

Ever since he came on to make his debut back in February against Hamilton, he has looked assured and with an air of confidence that he believes he belongs in this team.

His display against Livingston just demonstrates that quality, instead of sulking at not being included in the starting lineup, when called upon, he put in a stellar performance.

It still may not be enough for him to get the nod away to Malmo on Tuesday night though and that just typifies the strength in depth that Steven Gerrard has at his disposal currently.

Should Ianis Hagi manage to recover in time it gives the Rangers boss a selection headache but a headache that most managers in the game would love to have.

Rangers never really got out of second gear at Ibrox on Saturday - they simply didn’t have to.

However, overcoming the Swedish champions will be much more of a test.

Wright, on this form, is exactly the sort of player that can help the Ibrox club meet that challenge head on.