STEVEN GERRARD was pleased Rangers' attacking approach paid dividends as they eased to another Old Firm win at Ibrox.

The champions secured a fourth victory of the campaign against Celtic thanks to a brace from Kemar Roofe and goals from Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe.

A first half equaliser from Odsonne Edouard proved in vain for John Kennedy's side as Callum McGregor saw red and Celtic were easily beaten by their Old Firm rivals.

Rangers could have won by more as a series of chances were passed up and Gerrard hailed his players for carrying out their instructions perfectly on another satisfying afternoon at Ibrox.

Gerrard said: “I'm really pleased with the performance. Obviously these derby games are about big moments.

“We prepare for them you do whatever you can to make sure the big moments go your way.

“We started the game really well and picked a really aggressive and bold shape today as we wanted to go for Celtic's throat.

“We did that and took the lead but unfortunately we were sloppy in terms on the equaliser.

“But then again it was us on the front foot forcing the issue and then Alfredo scored a fantastic second.

“When that was happening there was also a big moment with the red card – but it was the right call.

“So we've worked extremely hard for this victory and we certainly deserve the three points.

"We worked on this gameplan for three days. That’s not a long time.

"We changed elements of how we went about it. Not much but in certain key areas we had to get it right and individuals had to carry it out.

"We went with two real high 9s and one 10 behind. That’s bold and ambitious if you don’t get it right.

"We really stayed with it. Even when we got a bump with the equaliser we still believed and they carried on with what was asked of them.

"That’s why it feels extra-special, because the game has gone exactly how we prepared over the three days. The players did it emphatically."

Victory over Celtic moved Rangers to within two games of an unbeaten Premiership campaign and the champions will get their hands on the silverware when they host Aberdeen later this month.

There will be no Scottish Cup success for Gerrard's side this term but there are still targets in mind as Rangers look to finish a remarkable campaign in style.

Gerrard said: “This club is about success. Seven days ago I was sitting here really stung and hurt as we'd missed a big opportunity. But in terms of the league I can't ask for any more.

“The consistency levels have been incredible. Everyone has been all in and contributed in their own way, some more than others which is natural.

“But it's been a collective effort. Recruitment was key last year to get better.

“And to manoeuvre the league journey through Covid has been a real challenge but the players deserve all the credit because they are the ones who have produced the performances to get us to this point.

"We are looking at anything we can grab onto. Clean sheets, number of points, number of wins. We will use every motivation we can to make sure we finish as strong as we can.

"It will be tough challenge going to Livi and then we play another rival in Aberdeen here. We’ll be as best prepared as we can.

"We are obviously short in one or two areas of the squad, but you saw today that it’s an honest group that wanted to react after a setback

"Within the game, Joe Aribo has to drop in at left-back and do a job for the team. We’ll try and get them to the finishing line in the best way we can."