Rangers manager Steven Gerrard admitted the first half performance in a 2-1 win over St Johnstone had left him “really worried”. The Light Blues struggled at McDiarmid Park and fell behind on the stroke of the interval when Matty Kennedy broke the deadlock.

Gerrard admitted to reading the riot act in the dressing room at the break and he got a response as Alfredo Morelos bagged a second-half brace, including an 88th-minute winner.

It ensured Rangers closed to within a point of Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic, with the second Old Firm derby of the season looming at Ibrox next weekend. Gerrard however was perplexed at the performance of his men in the opening 45 minutes against St Johnstone.

“That’s not a Rangers team or showing in that first half,” Gerrard said. “We shouldn’t have to work that hard to win at places like this. “You’ve seen the two sides of us. I’m really worried about the first-half showing but delighted at the second.”

The former England captain felt it was the home team that looked to have more desire in those opening exchanges, though he felt Rangers displayed the sort of second half hunger that shows they belong in the title race.

“We didn’t have an individual doing the shirt justice. But they deserve credit for the second-half performance. I thought we played with purpose, we showed bravery, personality and character,” said Gerrard.

“We played like a team that really fancies getting involved at the top end of the table.”

Rangers are 1.57 to beat Hibs in Glasgow on Boxing Day, three days before they meet Celtic at Ibrox. Hibs are 6.00 to win and the draw is 4.20.