Barry Ferguson enjoyed a dramatic winning start as Rangers interim manager with a thrilling 4-2 comeback victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Wednesday night.
The former club captain, who replaced Philippe Clement until the end of the season, watched his side overturn a two-goal deficit in his first match in charge.
After falling behind 2-0 within the opening 15 minutes, Rangers fought back with goals from Vaclav Cerny and a Cyriel Dessers double, before Nedim Bajrami sealed the three points.
Kilmarnock stunned Rangers with a blistering start at Rugby Park, racing into a two-goal lead.
Barry Ferguson won his first game in charge of Rangers but it did not come easy
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Joe Wright opened the scoring after 11 minutes, heading home from a Fraser Murray corner as Robin Propper lost his footing.
Just four minutes later, Brad Lyons capitalised on defensive indecision from Clinton Nsiala and Nicolas Raskin to make it 2-0.
The Northern Ireland international curled a magnificent bending finish around Jack Butland into the far corner.
At that stage, Rangers were in complete disarray and Killie could have extended their lead further.
Ferguson reacted swiftly to the crisis, making a tactical change after just 30 minutes by replacing the struggling Nsiala with Ridvan Yilmaz.
The substitution signalled a turning point in the match with Rangers immediately showing more fight and vigour following the change.
Dessers nearly pulled one back when his effort was cleared off the line.
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Just two minutes later, Cerny burst through the Kilmarnock defence before coolly slotting past goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara to make it 2-1.
The Czech winger’s composed finish gave Rangers hope heading into the break.
Rangers continued their momentum after the restart and found an equaliser in the 53rd minute.
Dessers powered a header from James Tavernier’s corner through O’Hara’s legs to make it 2-2.
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Rangers staged an incredible comeback after going two goals down
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The Nigerian striker completed the remarkable turnaround just nine minutes later with a lethal finish.
Yilmaz’s long pass drifted over the entire Killie backline, allowing Dessers to strike a sweet volley past O’Hara.
The goal sparked wild celebrations on the Rangers bench, with assistant Neil McCann jumping on Ferguson’s back in joy.
Kilmarnock tried to find a way back into the match, with Corrie Ndaba forcing a good save from Butland with a well-struck effort from distance.
Rangers responded with Hamza Igamane nearly extending their lead, his long-range strike batted wide by O’Hara.
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Rangers were in dire need of a win after Philippe Clement’s sacking earlier this week
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The victory was secured in the 85th minute when Bajrami finished off a quick counter-attack to make it 4-2.
Mohamed Diomande released the substitute, who drove his finish through O’Hara to clinch the points for Ferguson’s side.
The victory leaves second-placed Rangers 13 points behind league leaders Celtic in the Premiership table.
They remain 18 points ahead of third-placed Aberdeen.
Ferguson will now prepare his team for their next challenge as they host Motherwell at Ibrox this weekend.