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.
17. Kenneth Vargas - 8
His searing pace in the first half was a constant problem for Rangers. Had one effort on goal saved by Jack Butland. Ran himself into the ground. | SNS Group
18. Scott Wright - 4
Stationed wide on the right, the winger was unable to trouble the Hearts defence. Made way on the hour-mark for new signing Vaclav Cerny. | SNS Group
19. Tom Lawrence - 5
Deployed in the No 10 role, the Welshman flattered to deceive in dangerous areas and could not spark the team into life. Rangers needed more in that area of the pitch. | SNS Group
20. Oscar Cortes - 4
The left-winger was a limited force in the first half, struggling to get any change out of Gerald Taylor. Crumpled to the turf injured right on the interval and while he appeared for the restart, the Colombian only last two minutes. His injury will come as a blow given he missed much of last season. | SNS Group