Wanting a team to produce an entertaining spectacle for paying spectators is all well and good. But not if it comes at the expense of results

Tynecastle last Wednesday night. Why was Tavernier once again preferred to Hodson at the same venue where, just two months previously, his errors had led directly to a sorry reverse? Why were the visitors attempting to pass it out of defence on a quagmire of a pitch as their hosts worked tirelessly to close them down? Why select Emerson Hyndman, McKay and Jon Toral on such a poor surface?

Andy Halliday has been savaged by the Rangers support in recent days for carelessly losing possession in the build-up to Jamie Walker’s second goal. But he is not now, and has never been, a natural deep-lying midfielder. Is it fair, then, to expect too much of him as a playmaker? Both Hyndman and Toral look quality footballers and good additions to the Rangers squad.

But was it, with Harry Forrester, Halliday, Jason Holt, McKay, Josh Windass and Tavernier all available, strictly necessary to bring them in?

Clint Hill and Rob Kiernan had, up until the Hearts game, performed well together at the heart of the rearguard. But wouldn’t strengthening at the back with another quality centre-half still have been more advisable? It certainly seemed that way as the goals rained in through in the capital last midweek.

Wanting a team to produce an entertaining spectacle for paying spectators is all well and good. But not if it comes at the expense of results. Resisting the temptation to revert to a long ball is commendable. But first you must have good enough players. It is quite apparent, and has been for some time, that Rangers do not possess the personnel to execute such an ambitious game plan.

Walter Smith was, despite spending two trophy-laden spells as Rangers manager, often derided for the decidedly stodgy fare that his sides served up. But he appreciated one key thing about the position: it was vital that he avoided defeat above all else.

Rangers, who drew 1-1 with Ross County at Ibrox on Saturday to increase the disquiet among their support, have had a bad week and have suffered a setback in their bid to finish runners-up and qualify for Europe.

They have experienced such blows before under Mark Warburton and recovered and can do so again. To do so, however, there must be a realisation of what can be achieved with the funds which are available to him and the individuals which he has at his disposal. TOMORROW NICK RODGER