Rangers are walking wounded after Celtic Park as Derek McInnes basks in glory and explains booking

Derek McInnes praised his side for their "panache" after Rangers won a second Old Firm match in seven days to cut the gap from five points to two at the top of the Premiership.

The Ibrox manager admitted he hadn’t wanted to begin the international break eight points behind their fiercest rivals. If anything, the interruption is a frustration after five successive wins. McInnes joked that he would be more annoyed if he hadn’t already booked to go away for a few days.

“It was a thoroughly deserved three points and in the context of the season it was very important,” he said. “We would have heard all about it if we had lost that and the gap had stretched to eight points at this early stage. It was important for closing that gap. But it was also important in terms of having such a young squad and having belief and confidence."

Rangers manager Derek McInnes hugs matchwinner Ryan Naderi after the victory over Celtic. | SNS Group

Despite having no fans present, Rangers prevailed 1-0 in a hostile environment at Celtic Park after Ryan Naderi was first to react when Kim Minsu's effort was saved by Viljami Sinisalo.

"You take the good from coming to this type of environment to win the game," said McInnes. "Although we won 1-0, we should have added to that. But while it is 1-0 Celtic are always going to keep going in front of their fans. Martin (O'Neill) was trying everything to make something happen for them. And you always feel they will get a big chance. Very rarely is that not the case."

McInnes saluted his side's newly developed swagger. "(We are) playing with real attacking verve," he said. "We didn't have that at the start of the season, even when we were winning. I know we beat St Mirren 5-1. But we were not playing with real panache and swagger. Rangers teams have to be able to show their teeth at the right times. Although we only scored one today, we showed good togetherness.

“It’s still early in the season,” he added. “It’s still September. There’s still 80 odd points to play for. No one is getting carried away. But to back last week’s performance up, and the result, is big for us.”

McInnes praised the performance of Naderi, who was a pre-match doubt. His ankle was left “a mess” – to quote McInnes – after the player came off worse following a late tackle by Mika Baur during Rangers’ 3-0 Premier Sports Cup win at Ibrox last week. It was a challenge that angered Ibrox officials – especially in view of Celtic being awarded the free-kick.

“I thought Naderi was brilliant last week but he took his game up another notch today,” said McInnes. The manager now feels he can trust his players after a very difficult start to life at Ibrox. “I can’t have a team that I don’t trust,” he said. “And I feel as though I have had that these last few weeks.”

He revealed James Penrice, who came off towards the end, was feeling his ankle while Dan Neil, who also came off, was struggling with his calf. Cammy Devlin, a late substitute, hurt his hamstring but had to stay on as Rangers had already used all their substitutions.

“We didn’t have our troubles to seek in that last part, but it was a big effort to get over the line,” said McInnes. “It’s only three points. And it’s the same three points as the next time we play. But I do think it is a good reference point when you come to a tough environment like today that the players dealt with it. I thought they would, to be honest with you. There was a quiet confidence and belief. I did not think we would go under. But you don’t know until they know.”

Asked if he was frustrated about having no more games until 10 October, when Rangers host Kilmarnock, he said: “No, because I am going away for a few days!”

He added: “Ideally you wouldn’t have the break but we were working towards this,” he said. “Ahead of the Aberdeen game we said let’s get the club into a semi-final and see if we can bridge the gap in the league. That is exactly what we have done.”

Only nine players will remain at the club, with everyone else away on some form of international duty. “Hopefully we can pick up where we left off,” he said. “I hope everyone can come through unscathed.”

The only blight on the afternoon for McInnes was a first-half booking following more back and forth with members of the Celtic bench. Mark Fotheringham, the Celtic coach, was also booked. The pair had a flashpoint last season when McInnes was with Hearts.

“It was three to one against me!” he said. “And there were only two bookings! Aye, I was just sticking up for my team.”