Rangers 2-0 Kilmarnock: Alfredo Morelos return 'very important', says Giovanni Van Bronckhorst

Giovanni van Bronckhorst says Alfredo Morelos' first appearance of the season was "very important" after the striker sealed Rangers' win against Kilmarnock.

Rangers face Union Saint-Gilloise on Tuesday, seeking to overturn a 2-0 deficit in Champions League qualifying.

"You can see what he brings, not only to the squad but also the way the fans treated him when he came on," said manager Van Bronckhorst.

"For him these first minutes of the season and after five months was very important. I am sure he will only get stronger with each game he is going to be involved in."

While Rangers made it two Scottish Premiership wins out of two, Kilmarnock are still looking for their first top-flight victory since promotion.

• Reaction & as it happened

Rangers came out determined to improve upon Tuesday's defeat in Belgium and dominated possession and territory.

Malik Tillman burst through in the inside right channel only to have his shot blocked.

Tom Lawrence almost gave the hosts the lead with a dipping volley from long range that rattled the crossbar in between two Scott Wright efforts that goalkeeper Sam Walker dealt with.

For Killie, Ash Taylor was afforded a rare sight of goal at a Fraser Murray free-kick but headed off target.

The visitors took encouragement from that into the second half and Murray squared for Rory McKenzie to flick the ball over.

The breakthrough arrived after 51 minutes when Colak found Lawrence then received the return to slide a shot across the bows of Walker and into the net for his first Rangers goal.

And Morelos was on hand when fellow substitute Rabbi Matondo's low ball across made it all the way to the back post awaiting a finish.

Man of the match - Tom Lawrence

Improved Rangers made to wait

Going forward, there was an energy and intent to the home side's play that had been lacking in recent performances.

Van Bronckhorst's side still look like a team getting to know one another with summer signings Tillman, Lawrence, Colak and Ridvan Yilmaz doing the running but not always spotting the pass or getting away a shot in time.

Rangers will need to show more ruthlessness in the final third if they are to peg back Union SG.

Kilmarnock were well drilled and organised, as expected from a Derek McInnes side. Particularly effective was their doubling up approach in full-back areas, which snuffed out a lot of dangerous moments.

In attack, Kyle Lafferty and Oli Shaw could not isolate either Connor Goldson or James Sands and rarely threatened Jon McLaughlin's goal.

Daniel Armstrong and Alan Power had efforts deflected off target at 1-0 that could have changed the game.

What they said

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst: "Very pleased. It's always a very tough game when you play against opposition who make it difficult for you to create a lot of space. We were having problems a little bit with creating chances.

"When you keep pushing, eventually the space will come in the second half. It's very important for the strikers, for their confidence and also for Tom Lawrence and Rabbi Matondo to get an assist."

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes: "We make a tackle and play it right into Colak's path, which is disappointing. The goal that they get to give them impetus in the game came from our own mistake.

"We had some good moments but unfortunately for us not enough. You'd have to say Rangers deserve to win. I thought we were decent for long spells and I'm delighted with the players' efforts."

What's next?

Rangers host Union Saint-Gilloise in Tuesday's Champions League third qualifying round second leg (19:45 BST), then welcome St Johnstone to Ibrox in the Premiership next Saturday (15:00). Kilmarnock entertain Celtic in the league next Sunday (12:00).