Ross County 0-2 Rangers: Michael Beale wants side to 'have a go' at PSV Eindhoven after Dingwall win
- Published
James Tavernier's third goal in six games this season sealed the points Rangers
Rangers have nothing to lose in Wednesday's Champions League play-off decider with PSV Eindhoven, says manager Michael Beale, after his side eased aside Ross County.
Kemar Roofe's volley - marking his first start in 16 months - and James Tavernier's sumptuous strike gave Rangers victory, four days on from drawing 2-2 with PSV at Ibrox.
Jordan White headed narrowly wide for County, while team-mate Connor Randall was later denied by Jack Butland.
Substitutes Rabbi Matondo, Abdallah Sima and Danilo all tested Ross Laidlaw as Rangers recorded successive league wins after their opening-day defeat.
Beale's side next face PSV before meeting defending champions Celtic over a crucial eight-day period, with Rangers now a point off leaders Celtic.
"We go in a good place," said Beale. "No injuries, everyone fit, everyone looking forward to it and what have we got to lose? So, let's go and have a right good go at the game."
Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers missed early headed chances for Rangers, the former drawing an excellent save from Laidlaw, but the visitors kept the pressure up and Borna Barisic's corner was turned in by Roofe despite the efforts of James Brown.
County had failed to capitalise on some sloppy possession out of defence early in the game and Tavernier showed them how it's done when he pounced on a stray pass, drifted in from the right and curved the ball into the top left corner.
Lammers tried to emulate his captain from wide on the right but Laidlaw again stepped up with the save. That kept County in the contest and White missed an excellent chance to halve their deficit when he headed Yan Dhanda's cross just wide.
Matondo's strike from 20 yards, Sima's header and a shot by Danilo brought out more of the best in Laidlaw, while Butland was also called into action to tip over Josh Sims' effort, though a goal kick was incorrectly awarded.
Another boost for Rangers came in the shape of substitute Tom Lawrence's return from 11 months out injured.
Player of the match - Kemar Roofe
With both his goal and link-up play, Kemar Roofe reminded Michael Beale what he can offer
Roofe makes his case for Rangers - analysis
Most of the talk around Rangers' attackers this season has concerned their summer signings, but Roofe's 37 goals in 79 appearances suggest he can still make a valuable contribution, fitness permitting.
The Jamaica forward made only six appearances last season - all from the bench - and was in the low 20s in the previous two.
At the other end, Rangers remain vulnerable to crossed balls, which they will need to remedy if they are to overcome PSV in midweek.
County's only defeats over 90 minutes this season have come against Celtic and Rangers and their ongoing Viaplay Cup run and recent win over St Johnstone give them plenty of encouragement for the season ahead.
However, in tight situations Malky Mackay's team need to make more of possession that comes their way. More ruthlessness in the early part of the game when Rangers were losing the ball would have given County a proper foothold in the contest.
What they said
Ross County manager Malky Mackay: "We started the game well and then we kind of let it slide. Real bit of quality for the two goals. I don't have any qualms about them.
"We tweaked it slightly. We brought a couple on. I thought we showed real nerve in the second half. Jordan White's header - great chance. We have to be clinical. If that goes in then things can be slightly different.
"They kept going until the end. There are reasons to be cheerful in terms of some of the things I'm seeing."
Rangers manager Michael Beale: "Really strong, exactly what we wanted. Our eyes were firmly on this game. The start to the game showed that. Delighted for Kemar, obviously, and James with a special goal gets us in a good place.
"We did have big chances to extend the lead. I would like for us to have shown a bit more composure at times but delighted with the clean sheet."
What's next?
Rangers face PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands on Wednesday (20:00 BST). County visit Kilmarnock on Premiership duty on Saturday (15:00).