Rangers suffered the earliest of setbacks to their William Hill Premiership title hopes by dropping two points in a 0-0 draw against Hearts at Tynecastle.
Gers boss Philippe Clement on Friday extended his contract at Ibrox until 2028 after making nine new signings but midfielder Connor Barron was the only one making his first start for the club in the opening game of the league season.
It was a battle for most of the afternoon with both sides hitting the woodwork but neither could get the breakthrough.
It was not the start Rangers wanted in their battle to wrest the title back from Celtic and they will need to improve greatly for their Champions League first leg qualifier against Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday, a fixture which offers no respite.
For the league season curtain raiser, new signings Yan Dhanda, James Penrice and Gerald Taylor started for the home side while Malachi Boateng, recruited on Saturday morning from Crystal Palace, was on the bench and was introduced later in the game.
There was a familiar look about the visitors and Rangers’ unconvincing pre-season meant the small band of travelling fans arrived in the Gorgie sunshine with some trepidation.
We give each player a mark out of ten for their performance in Gorgie.
13. Connor Barron - 7
Came close with a long-range effort and displayed some neat passing. Typically combative and emptied the tank before making way in the second period. | SNS Group
14. Mohamed Diomande - 5
The Ivorian didn't have his best game in Rangers colours, struggling to control the midfield. Was kept in check by his Hearts counterparts. Picked up a yellow card. | SNS Group
15. Barrie McKay - 6
Was lively to begin with as Hearts searched for an early goal. Faded out of the match as proceedings wore on and was replaced by Alan Forrest. | SNS Group
16. Yan Dhanda - 7
This was a nice performance on debut from the playmaker, who buzzed around with purpose and made some nice passes. Very nearly got the opener with a deflected effort that cannoned off Rangers' crossbar. Hearts fans liked what they saw from the ex-Ross County man. Replaced by Blair Spittal two-thirds of the way through the match, | SNS Group