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Sport
Ben Banks

What the Rangers pundits said as Kevin Thomson goes 'wow, wow, wow' over Ryan Kent

Rangers restored their four-point lead at the top of the Premiership with a comfortable 4-2 win over basement boys Ross County at Ibrox - and Ryan Kent's return to the starting XI caught the eye.

Even after an early scare from Joseph Hungbo's County opener- the fourth league game in succession which Gers have conceded first - Steven Gerrard's men were always in control.

Joe Aribo netted a header to put the home team back on level terms and they didn't look back.

Kent made his first start since September and repaid his manager in full, with an electric display capped off with a great goal to put Rangers ahead.

Juninho Bacuna netted a third for the Ibrox club while Alex Iacovitti's own goal put the game beyond any reasonable doubt.

A County consolation from Jordan White did little for the end result but defensive concerns still proved worrying.

Another positive boost was provided from the Rangers bench as Ryan Jack made his return from an injury lay-off which started in February.

At the back, Gerrard's team were exposed, Hungbo beating the offside trap to score. Rangers then switched off again late on to allow White room for his goal.

But attacking flair is beginning to appear and Gerrard didn't need benched Alfredo Morelos in order to score four against the Staggies.

Pundits have picked the bones out of Rangers' display.

Alan Hutton

"I think overall they will be satisfied with it. At the end of the day, it is a victory for Rangers.

"It was always going to be a tough game but it's another win.

"Of course they will be disappointed about losing two goals.

"They were sloppy with the goals they conceded and we know that has been a problem for them.

"They'll have to work even harder now."

Neil McCann

"It was a really comfortable match for Rangers. But the goals they conceded, they were sloppy.

"There is always something that will irk you as a manager, but overall it was a really comfortable performance.

"Ryan Jack came back, Bacuna scored on his first start at Ibrox. Ryan Kent got a goal and 60 minutes under his belt.

"There are lots of things to be happy about and nothing will please them more than sitting top of the league.

"They've regained that lead that they earned heading into the international break.

Gordon Dalziel

"All in all I think it has been a good weekend for Rangers.

"They got Ryan Jack more minutes and he will have another week now to work.

"I don't think there was a lot of people thinking they were going to lose even though Ross County scored early.

"The defence is a bit of a problem. Fans have recognised that and I think Steven Gerrard will have recognised that.

"Where they are lucky is that they have so much quality and they dominate most games.

"But I don't think they can go through the season conceding the first goal all the time."

Kevin Thomson

"Wow, wow, wow. That is why he is the best.

"That's why Ryan Kent can play at any level, for me.

"He shifts in and he's thinking 'go on then.' There's whip and there's a bit of dip.

"That shot wasn't saveable. That is the difference. When your brilliant players play, it makes such a huge difference.

"That's at any level. Ryan Kent is a phenomenal talent."

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