'Men': Rangers' treatment of Aberdeen conditions gets top marks as Kevin Thelwell praised for transfer

Rangers clocked up their fifth win in a row to move back to within three points of Premiership leaders Hearts, who defeated Dundee at Dens Park 1-0 earlier in the day. A first-half strike from Thelo Aasgaard and a 72nd-minute penalty from James Tavernier sealed the victory, mirroring the win over the Dons five days ago back at Ibrox.

The visitors had to deal with inclement wind and rain as well as abuse from the stands. Former Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski was a lightning rod for the Pittodrie faithful, while defender Emmanuel Fernandez was struck by an object during the first half. Nevertheless, Rangers rose above it all to prevail with a composed performance.

“I’m proud for my group,” said Rohl. “To come to a really tough place, we showed again different faces, what we need. We played good men's football. We were ready in the duels, second balls. We understand to play in behind, then we understand also to keep the ball in the right areas. It was enjoyable, it's great to see.

”We scored in the right moment, We were really focused until the end - five wins in a row now. Now we take a short break, make a serious cup game [against Annan Athletic] and then we have to go again.”

Rangers netted once again from a corner kick and Rohl hailed the impact of the club’s dedicated set-piece coach Scott Fry - and also credited former sporting director Kevin Thelwell for bringing him to the Ibrox.

“He is a part of the coaching group,” said Rohl. “We have a great culture in our coaching group. We should not forget there is more than just me or Scott. Also other guys. At this point also thank you to Kevin. Kevin was also helpful to get this transfer done. This is a big respect to him as well.

‘We are the mirror for the group’

“I had a good talk with Scott. I felt straight that there is just more than the content. There is also human. I said this always to my coaches. We have a good communication, a good relationship and a good atmosphere on our table in the coaching. We are the mirror for the group. And I think this is the moment where we see.”

Rangers completed their first January transfer window deal by signing 22-year-old midfielder Tochi Chukwuani from Sturm Graz for £4 million. They are also closing in on a deal for Belgian left-back Tuur Rommens from Westerlo.

“I am very happy,” added Rohl. “I think we worked hard the last couple of days to make this deal done. Big thank you to the board, to Andrew [Cavenagh, chairman]. I think at the moment the communication is great.

“Tochi will bring a good physical side. Big experience also in Europe. And this is also very important to understand. We have also a group today on the pitch. They worked really hard. They deserve also big, big credit. And this is exactly what we need. We need the challenge in some positions.

“But we have also to understand our development the last 10-12 weeks. It is outstanding from some players.”