FIVE THINGS

WE LEARNED FROM THE SPFL THIS WEEKEND

RANGERS ACE IS A JACK OF ALL TRADES

RANGERS required a moment of magic to break St Mirren’s stubborn resistance yesterday as their patient approach paid off in Paisley. Steve Clarke announces his Scotland squad on Tuesday and Ryan Jack can’t be too far away from his thoughts. The holding midfielder had the awareness to push further forward in the second half to increase the pressure on Saints.

ABERDEEN FAR TOO RELIANT ON COSGROVE

A SCORELESS draw at Kilmarnock was the fourth time Aberdeen have failed to find the net in their last five matches in all competitions. Sam Cosgrove started the season in red-hot form but others have to chip in with goals to help out their star striker. Derek McInnes’ side lacked a cutting edge at Rugby Park and need to get back on the goal trail quickly.

POLWORTH PULLS STRINGS IN DERBY

MOTHERWELL were dominant in the 3-1 Lanarkshire derby victory over Hamilton and that was largely down to winning the midfield battle. Liam Polworth dictated matters on a sticky artificial surface. His trademark delivery from a corner allowed Peter Hartley to open the scoring and Polworth (pictured) rarely conceded possession.

HIBS STRUGGLE TO DOIDGE CRITICS

THE sunshine is not on Leith right now. St Johnstone’s late equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Easter Road cranked up the pressure on Hibs boss Paul Heckingbottom. His marquee summer signing Christian Doidge was, yet again, guilty of missing a few clear-cut chances. Hibs look uncertain in defence and unbalanced in midfield. There are plenty of issues to address.

McMULLAN BOOSTS UNITED FRONT

LAWRENCE SHANKLAND has scored nine goals in his first seven games for Dundee United but others are making an impact, too. Shankland supplied the goals in the 2-0 win at Dunfermline but winger Paul McMullan offered the creativity. His direct style drags defenders towards him, allowing Shankland space to finish. A potent combination.