Ross County were defeated in Glasgow for the second time in four days after suffering a 2-0 Premiership loss to Rangers at Ibrox.
After Jermain Defoe put the home side ahead on 41 minutes, Scott Arfield doubled the Gers’ lead just two minutes after the break to allow Steven Gerrard’s men to ease to victory.
County remain ninth, four points above Hamilton Accies in the relegation play-off spot, while Rangers’ win keeps them five points behind league leaders Celtic with a game in hand.
County made one change from the side which went down 3-0 to Celtic just four days previously, with Billy Mckay replacing Lee Erwin up front. Rangers had leading scorer Alfredo Morelos available again following suspension, however he was left on the bench due to a calf injury.
Rangers were first to threaten after nine minutes, with Ryan Kent drifting past Marcus Fraser before unleashing a low drive which Nathan Baxter did well to turn around his far post.
County, who had impressed in large spells in their defeat to Celtic at the weekend, once again enjoyed some encouraging period in possession, but were unable to produce the same goal threat which had troubled the Hoops.
The Staggies did well to keep Rangers’ threat to a minimum however, with Sheyi Ojo firing an effort wide from the edge of the box, before Scott Arfield saw an effort deflected over following Kent’s free-kick.
Just as it looked as if County would hold firm until the interval, they were undone by another late first half goal as they were against Celtic.
A header from Arfield scrappily found its way to Defoe with his back to goal, and the experienced striker did well to rifle a low strike past Baxter on the turn from 14 yards, with the goalkeeper unable to keep the effort out.
County were dealt a further setback just over a minute into the second period, as the hosts doubled their lead. Defoe showed superb awareness to flick Ojo’s pass into the path of Arfield, and the midfielder coolly slotted past the onrushing Baxter.
The Staggies’ closest advance in pursuit of a goal back came when Billy Mckay sidefooted an effort over from the edge of the bar, however the home side were able to see the game out.
A cause for concern for Gers manager Steven Gerrard came just after the hour mark when Defoe had to be stretchered off following a strain, which he suffered under no contact in a chase for the ball with Coll Donaldson.
The Staggies were boosted by the return of Ross Draper following a three-month injury absence, with the midfielder replacing Don Cowie as a 74th minute substitute.
