Rangers manager Derek McInnes has implored his squad to develop a more clinical edge in front of goal, emphasizing the need for improved finishing ahead of upcoming fixtures against Celtic. The call comes after Rangers secured their fourth consecutive victory, a hard-fought 1-0 win against St Mirren, thanks to a late strike from substitute Bojan Miovski.
The victory maintained Rangers' five-point deficit in the title race, but McInnes expressed frustration over numerous missed opportunities during a dominant first half. The team's profligacy nearly proved costly as St Mirren mounted a strong comeback after halftime, with Fraser Taylor missing a key one-on-one chance that could have changed the game's complexion.
"I thought we got what we deserved," McInnes stated. "Granted, St Mirren had a 20-minute period in the second half when they were better than us. They played with a bit more belief and came after us and we were guilty of so many poor decisions. We were so reluctant to play forward quickly and invited them on to us with their press."
Despite the second-half lapse, McInnes praised the team's performance for the initial hour, particularly the first half where he felt Rangers "absolutely battered" their opponents. He stressed the importance of learning to capitalize on periods of dominance to secure victories decisively.
"We need to learn to kill teams when we have periods like that," McInnes added. "But there’s absolutely no question we deserved to win the game in the end. We just need to be more clinical."
Miovski, who was reportedly nearing a departure from the club towards the end of the transfer window, came off the bench to score the decisive goal with a composed finish. McInnes acknowledged the competitive nature of striking at Rangers, with new signings like Ryan Naderi and Youssef Chermiti adding depth to the forward line.
"It is just typical of football that a few weeks ago Bojan would have seemed so far out of it," McInnes said. "He’s seen [Ryan] Naderi and [Youssef] Chermiti be big-money signings for the club and he knows, when you come to a club like Rangers, there’s going to be competition. But, when you actually strip it back, his goals per minutes in the Premiership is top class."
McInnes also provided an update on the team's injury concerns. Lawrence Shankland is set to undergo hamstring surgery, while Daisuke Yokota will be sidelined for two to three months following surgery for a groin issue. Both players will have their procedures in London.
"It’s unfortunate for Yokota. He’s torn the muscle off the tendon in his groin. It’ll probably be about two or three months unfortunately," McInnes confirmed. The manager also noted that the upcoming "Old Firm double-header" presents a significant challenge for the team.
