Listen to Sportsound commentary from McDiarmid Park
Holt turns ball into own net under pressure from Tavernier for second-half opener
Rangers bring on Yilmaz & Balogun for Propper and Bajrami at interval
St Johnstone make half-time switch as Essel replaces Carey
Hagi makes first Rangers start for 18 months & Igamane keeps place up front
FT: St Johnstone 0-1 Rangers
That's all from our coverage of Rangers' win over St Johnstone.
However, I'll be back with you with the action from Hearts against Aberdeen, who have the chance to increase the gap again with the Ibrox side and also narrow it with leaders Celtic.
And remember to watch the highlights on Sportscene on TV later.
FT: St Johnstone 0-1 Rangers
St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari tells BBC Scotland: "We came to compete, to get something out of the match. It was not to be, but I can't blame my players, they put heart and soul out there.
"It was difficult in some moments, but we did not give up. We were lacking the cutting edge, the final moment, the calmness in our head.
"When you play against the top teams, you need to be at your best. We were at our best mentally, physically, but just could not hurt them as much as we wanted.
"Yes, I'm disappointed. But, at the same time, I learnt so much more about my players and you saw what we were all about."
Image source, SNSFT: St Johnstone 0-1 Rangers
On being 11 points behind leaders Celtic, Philippe Clement adds: "I'm not counting. Nothing is ever decided in December, but we want more points, we want to win every game. I want players who are focused on winning that next game, nothing more."
FT: St Johnstone 0-1 Rangers
Philippe Clement expands on his comment about Rangers being a work in progress, talking about Ianis Hagi, Vaclav Cerny, Nedim Bajrami and Hamza Igamane.
"It's Ianis' first start, he needs to gel," the Rangers manager tells BBC Scotland. "Vaclav is new, Nedim is new. Hamza, it's also his first starts. We can only grow.
"It's important that the fans see that."
On centre-half Robin Propper's withdrawal at half-time, Clement says: "Robin got a knock on his knee and struggled with that."
Captain James Tavernier returned to the starting line-up and put pressure on Jason Holt as the midfielder scored the vital own goal.
"I think Tav played a really good game," Clement adds. "He was decisive with the goal. He was offensively and defensively good and that's what I want to see from him."
FT: St Johnstone 0-1 Rangers
Rangers manager Philippe Clement tells BBC Scotland: "I'm satisfied. We should have scored two or three goals more and then it's close to what we want. There was also a good goalkeeper and we still need better decision making in the final third.
"I see the team getting better and better in the other parts of our football. Controlling the games in a good way, creating chances and giving away almost nothing.
"We also controlled the game at the end, not doing stupid things and not being naive. We've been busy in the last weeks and months to get that into their heads.
"Our physical data is getting better with all the squad and that's a work in progress."
Image source, SNSBBC Scotland & BBC One Scotland
Remember you can see highlights of Rangers' win over St Johnstone on Sportscene on the BBC Scotland channel starting at 19:15.
It is repeated on BBC One Scotland at 23:45.
FT: St Johnstone 0-1 Rangers
We'll bring you reaction from both camps at McDiarmid Park shortly...
FT: St Johnstone 0-1 Rangers
Ryan McGowan
Former St Johnstone defender on BBC Sportsound
St Johnstone's second-half performance was really disappointing and it was compounded by the substitutes.
Their starting XI was much more attacking than the one they finished with and, when they're chasing a goal, that's a tough one to take.
When Simo Valakari did make the substitutions, it started to look really comfortable for Rangers.
FT: St Johnstone 0-1 Rangers
St Johnstone could have fallen behind Kilmarnock had they conceded another goal.
However, they remain in ninth courtesy of goals scored.
Rangers would have dropped behind Dundee United with a defeat, but they stay third and are now six behind Aberdeen before the Dons face Hearts in just under an hour's time.
FT: St Johnstone 0-1 Rangers
Derek Ferguson
Former Rangers midfielder on BBC Sportsound
Rangers deserved the points, but was it the complete performance that the fans were looking for? No.
St Johnstone started very well, controlled it at times. Rangers gradually got a foothold.
It was clear to see Propper was struggling, so Balogun came on and that gave Rangers a confidence throughout the side.
Someone who's been much criticised this season had an excellent game - James Tavernier.
Image source, SNSPressure from James Tavernier (centre) led to an own goal from Jason Holt (right)
FT: St Johnstone 0-1 Rangers
Ryan McGowan
Former St Johnstone defender on BBC Sportsound
On today's showing, Leon Balogun has to play against Kilmarnock.
All round, he gives you a much better performance. He's faster, stronger, he knows Scottish football better. He's been really impressive in this second half.
Nigel Propper just didn't look comfortable. When you compare that to how Balogun has played, it's a stark contrast.
Lewis McGregor's strike after only six minutes has troubled Championship visitors Airdrieonians ahead against sixth-tier North End in the Scottish Cup third round.
An own goal from former Rangers midfielder Jason Holt is enough to secure the three points for the visitors.
The win takes third-top Rangers to within 11 points again of leaders Celtic.
St Johnstone are still without a goal in eight games against the Ibrox side.
St Johnstone 0-1 Rangers
Time is running out for St Johnstone, who are struggling to get near Rangers' penalty box.
St Johnstone 0-1 Rangers
Derek Ferguson
Former Rangers midfielder on BBC Sportsound
It will still be pointed out that Rangers only performed for 45 minutes, in the second half.
They've been so much better without the ball, in how they're pressing St Johnstone, and they've not allowed St Johnstone to get into any patterns of play.
Where was that in the first 45 minutes? It wasn't there. If you play like that against better opposition, they'll hurt you.
St Johnstone 0-1 Rangers
We are heading into five minutes of stoppage time.
Rangers are on top, but it is still only one goal in it. This Ibrox side don't blow teams away domestically!
St Johnstone 0-1 Rangers
Danilo forces a save from home goalkeeper Josh Rae, but the striker might have been pulled up anyway for a trip before gathering inside the penalty box.
Ianis Hagi then goes into the referee's book for a blatant dive in an attempt to win a penalty.
St Johnstone 0-1 Rangers
Vaclav Cerny has been lively again on Rangers' right wing, but the Czech makes way for midfielder Kieran Dowell.
St Johnstone 0-1 Rangers
Danilo tries a snap shot from 18 yards, but Saints goalkeeper Josh Rae pushes it wide before gathering at the second attempt.
Not many signs of a Saints comeback.
St Johnstone 0-1 Rangers
St Johnstone make a double change as striker Benjamin Kimpioka, who went down with cramp, and unfortunate goalkscorer Jason Holt heading off.
Former Rangers youth winger Josh McPake and midfielder Max Kucheriavyi are on.
Jason Holt, sandwiched between James Tavernier (left) and goalkeeper Josh Rae, knocked in an own goal
An own goal from St Johnstone's Jason Holt gave Rangers their second away victory of the Scottish Premiership season, leaving the visitors 11 points adrift of leaders Celtic.
Rangers dominated the second half but could not find another goal to make their afternoon more comfortable, with substitute Danilo having three efforts saved.
Making his first Rangers start in 18 months, Ianis Hagi provided the looping cross for the breakthrough, as former Ibrox midfielder Holt could only bundle into his own net under pressure from James Tavernier.
Prior to their trip to Perth, Rangers had earned just four points from their first five games on the road.
St Johnstone, who have now gone eight games without scoring against Rangers, defended stoutly but found it difficult to retain any meaningful possession as Philippe Clement's side upped their intensity and aggression after the break.
Saints have lost four of their last five in the league and remain ninth in the table, only one point better off than second-bottom Hibs.
Tavernier was restored to the starting line-up after two outings as a replacement and the Rangers skipper played a key role in the solitary goal, breathing down the neck of Holt inside the six-yard box.
The full-back also had a free-kick pushed away by Josh Rae and set up Nedim Bajrami in the first half only for the Albanian to mishit in front of goal.
Like many of his team-mates, Hagi had a subdued opening 45 minutes but sparked into life with a fierce strike over the top early second half.
Thereafter, he was a lively presence, prompting, probing and pressing well, while Rae fumbled another shot from the Romanian, which trickled just wide.
Rae was kept busy by Danilo, making three stops from the Brazilian, who really should have tucked away his last chance as several players appeared to stop in anticipation of the referee's whistle.
So impressive in the midweek win away to Nice in the Europa League, Rangers were slow to start.
Hamza Igamane retained his place after his two goals and an assist in the south of France. The Moroccan forward had a low strike beaten away by Rae, who also saved from Nedim Bajrami in a first half low on thrills.
Along with Danilo, half-time introductions Leon Balogun and Ridvan Yilmaz made good impressions, with the withdrawn Robin Propper continuing to look uncomfortable at the back.
St Johnstone enjoyed a home win last weekend but have now lost five from seven on their own patch this season.
Andre Raymond shot wide during a bright start from Saints, while Jack Butland had to leave his area and head away from the on-rushing Benjamin Kimpioka.
The Rangers goalkeeper also had to gather a shot from Mackenzie Kirk just before the interval.
Centre-backs Jack Sanders and Bozo Mikulic were joined by Lewis Neilson for most of the second half and those three repelled several attacks.
However, the ball just kept coming back since St Johnstone completely lost their grip in midfield and the mounting pressure forced that one crucial lapse.
Having gone behind on 63 minutes, they could do nothing to alter the flow of the match.
Philippe Clement 'satisfied' with Rangers win
Rangers manager Philippe Clement: "I'm satisfied. We should have scored two or three goals more and then it's close to what we want. There was also a good goalkeeper and we still need better decision making in the final third.
"I see the team getting better and better in the other parts of our football. Controlling the games in a good way, creating chances and giving away almost nothing.
"We also controlled the game at the end, not doing stupid things and not being naive. We've been busy in the last weeks and months to get that into their heads.
"Our physical data is getting better with all the squad and that's a work in progress."
St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari: "We came to compete, to get something out of the match. It was not to be, but I can't blame my players, they put heart and soul out there.
"It was difficult in some moments, but we did not give up. We were lacking the cutting edge, the final moment, the calmness in our head.
"When you play against the top teams, you need to be at your best. We were at our best mentally, physically, but just could not hurt them as much as we wanted.
"Yes, I'm disappointed. But, at the same time, I learnt so much more about my players and you saw what we were all about."
Simo Valakari on St Johnstone lacking 'cutting edge'
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 40 | 4 | 36 | 37 |
| |
| 2 | 14 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 29 | 16 | 13 | 33 |
| |
| 3 | 13 | 8 | 2 | 3 | 18 | 9 | 9 | 26 |
| |
| 4 | 14 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 21 | 14 | 7 | 23 |
| |
| 5 | 13 | 6 | 1 | 6 | 16 | 19 | -3 | 19 |
| |
| 6 | 15 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 19 | 25 | -6 | 18 |
| |
| 7 | 14 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 23 | 26 | -3 | 16 |
| |
| 8 | 15 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 27 | -15 | 15 |
| |
| 9 | 15 | 4 | 1 | 10 | 17 | 28 | -11 | 13 |
| |
| 10 | 14 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 16 | 27 | -11 | 13 |
| |
| 11 | 15 | 2 | 6 | 7 | 18 | 25 | -7 | 12 |
| |
| 12 | 15 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 16 | 25 | -9 | 10 |
|
Manager: Simo Valakari
Formation: 4 - 3 - 1 - 2
Manager: Philippe Clement
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Simo Valakari
Formation: 4 - 3 - 1 - 2
Manager: Philippe Clement
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Scottish Premiership
All competitions
All competitions
All competitions
St. Johnstone have lost each of their last seven meetings with Rangers in all competitions, last suffering a longer losing run against them in December 1992 (10 in a row).
Rangers have only lost one of their last 23 meetings with St. Johnstone in all competitions (W18 D4), and one of their last 19 against the Saints away from home (W15 D3), a 1-2 defeat in November 2022 under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, in what proved to be their final defeat under the Dutchman.
St. Johnstone have won two of their last three home league games (L1), as many as their previous 15 beforehand (W2 D4 L9).
With just four points, this is Rangers’ lowest tally from their opening five away games of a league season since 1987-88 under Graeme Souness (also 4).
Rangers have won 25 of their last 26 league games played in December, although the exception was their most recent, losing 2-1 to Celtic last year.
