There’s no denying Rangers’ starting XI wasn’t popular at all with fans last night; even well-respected Rangers media account 4lads mocked the confirmation of the chosen selection, given the sight of Ross McCausland and Scott Wright in there.

And it’s Scott Wright we have to focus on, the inexplicable persistence with which Philippe Clement keeps selecting one of the least effective wingers we have ever seen at Rangers, who might have all the work ethic in the world and a dash of pace, but next-to-no quality to accompany all of it.

His career stars for Rangers are literally horrendous; 119 appearances, 12 goals and 7 assists.

Why he has those 119 appearances (41 starts) for the club we’re not completely sure, since joining in winter window 2021, but the lad has been a persistent presence under Steven Gerrard, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Michael Beale and now Philippe Clement.

But why? Well, we have heard word from sources that ‘he’s a great lad to have around’ and that he lifts the spirit of folk around him – that his energy and never say die ethic rubs off on others, even if his own first touch is often worse than a shot.

And this seems to be the main reason he is included far more than Rangers fans would like.

His performance, if we can call it that last night, was an empty vessel – touching the ball barely twice in the entire 45 – replaced to brilliant effect by the outstanding Jefte for the second half.

But it seems to be psychological with Clement and other managers – a kid everyone likes who lifts the mood and makes others play better around him, not unlike how Ryan Kent once could.

But balancing that between the impact his presence has on others, and what he actually contributes himself is tricky – and you’d have to say as much as Rangers fans were disgusted (again) to see him start, it worked, didn’t it?

Rangers were not half bad in that first half, and actually rather good in the second. Clement’s strategy of Wright first half Jefte second clearly did succeed and the team got a great result.

Why does Wright play?

Because the manager and the other players seem to like him. The problem is generally the results haven’t vindicated this strategy of late.

If last night is to see it click at last, we’re all for it.