Steven Davis secured his first win as Rangers interim manager with a comfortable 3-0 win over St Mirren in Paisley. James Tavernier netted a brace and Abdallah Sima continued his good form after Ryan Strain was sent off for the hosts.
Here’s everything Davis had to say to the BBC in his post-match interview.
Thoughts on the result?
I’m delighted to come to a really difficult palace, get three goals and keep a clean sheet.
What does that win mean for you and the club?
It’s a small step in the right direction. It’s about building blocks and trying to build on this performance. The feeling in the dressing room has been pretty low of late so hopefully this will give them more belief. It’s the first step but one in the right direction.
Penalty and sending off verdict?
I don’t think there are any questions around that – it was plain for the eye to see. We got that one but after that, I think we could’ve done better at times. We made it harder for ourselves against ten men but it’s just about being positive today and we will move forward.
Pleased with Zak Lovelace and any update on his injury?
I was delighted with the way that he started the game. We brought him in because of his pace, power and rawness. He certainly offered that from the start and we are disappointed that he picked up the injury. We obviously don’t know the extent of that just yet and he will be assessed.
James Tavernier’s contribution…
It’s incredible numbers that he posts season after season from an attacking sense. What a way to mark it today with an absolute screamer and Tav will always offer you that. I’m delighted for him.
Tavernier receives some stick, what is he like as a player and person?
He’s a top player. Look at the numbers that he produces year after year. He’s obviously a leader within the dressing room as captain and his character is really good. He has received criticism at times and some of it unfairly but I hope today lifts the whole dressing room. Everybody needed it around the club and we have to make sure it’s the first step in building something.
Seven goals from Abdallah Sima….
He certainly always offers a threat and he’s been getting goals on a regular basis. I’m delighted with him again. It was a big ask for them today with the travel and quick turnaround so I’m delighted with the effort they put in.
Are you a candidate for the job and do you still have ambitions as a player?
Listen, my full focus has been on the last few days. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind and pretty hectic with everything. We always wanted to get these games out of the way and have a chat. I’m sure the club and board will be working diligently trying to get the right person in place but I’m not sure when that’ll be.
Can I push you…would you like to be considered for the job?
I haven’t even considered it and that’s the honest truth.
Message to Rangers fans?
Thanks for the support again over the two games. They’ve been great for me personally and I know we’ve let them down sometimes with results. I’m delighted going into the international break as it was really important to get a good result. It’s important that everybody returns in the right frame of mind now and we are ready to build again.
Will you be back as a player?
I won’t be making any decisions on playing at this moment in time. I was continuing my rehab up until the past week and I was a little bit behind. This opportunity arose and I was delighted to take it.
