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Along with Danilo, half-time introductions Leon Balogun and Ridvan Yilmaz made good impressions, with the withdrawn Robin Propper continuing to look uncomfortable at the back.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.

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."