James Tavernier pleased as Rangers rewarded for battling performance in well win

James Tavernier believes Rangers got their reward for battling to the end against Motherwell on Saturday.

The Ibrox side struggled to break down Mark McGhee's well-organised Well line-up and looked set for more frustration at home following the draw with Hamilton in their Premiership opener earlier this month.

But, after Harry Forrester had cancelled out former Celtic hitman Scott McDonald's strike for the Steelmen, veteran Scotland striker Kenny Miller snatched a 2-1 victory for the Light Blues with his stoppage-time clincher.

It was the not the prettiest of wins but right-back Tavernier says it was deserved on the basis of Gers' determination to attack.

He told RangersTV: “It's always great to win a game in that fashion. We knew it wasn't the greatest from us but to play to the end knowing we were wearing them down and creating chances was great, and the place just erupted when the goal went in.

“It was a great relief to know we have the full points in the bag after the final whistle. It just shows the depth of the squad with the players who came on to add more energy.

“It showed the great resilience we have to be able to win in the 90th minute. The noise around the place was absolutely terrific and it was a great relief to get the three points and to be able to send the fans home happy - that's the main thing.”

Gers were better in the second half but still had keeper Wes Foderingham to thank after he kept out two threatening efforts from McDonald and Marvin Johnson after the interval.

He added: “We said after the game that we definitely tied it down in the second half and we limited them getting into our half in the second half, while Wes pulled off two great saves too.

“We didn't give them as many shots, so credit to him, and credit to the back four for trying to stop them getting as much away in the second half.”

Motherwell boss Mark McGhee could not fault his side after the match and striker McDonald says the Fir Park side will only improve when injured trio Steven Hammell, Carl McHugh and Louis Moult make their returns over the next couple of weeks.

“Without question we'll be stronger with these guys back,” he said.

“Anyone outside of the Old Firm who misses two or three of their starters are going to struggle.

“For teams like us, we can't afford to have the bench that Rangers have. Celtic are even more ridiculous with the replacements they are bringing on.

“So if we're missing two or three it's always going to be a tough ask.”