Alan Power is hoping Kilmarnock's positive performances will soon produce results after suffering a second narrow defeat in less than a week. 

An early header from Chris Stokes put the home side in front before a pair of Alfredo Morelos goals either side of Ryan Kent's strike put the game out of reach. Joe Wright’s fine volley in the latter stages ensured a nervy finish but Rangers held out for a 3-2 victory. 

Having been knocked out of the Viaplay Cup semi-finals at the hands of Celtic on Saturday, Power admits it has been a testing time. 

He said: “It’s another tough one to take for us. We are putting a lot of hard work in and doing well but not getting our rewards at the minute.

“We did well tonight so that’s the frustrating part. We think we probably should have got something.

“After the first 15-20 minutes they took control a bit which we expected as well, but we were comfortable enough in our shape.

“We are disappointed with the goals if we are honest. It was a bit too easy for Rangers to get in.

“But the group of lads we are, we will kick on and try to take positives from some good performances into the remaining games."

After falling behind shortly after half-time, the home side’s task was made even more difficult following winger Danny Armstrong’s second yellow card for an elbow to the face of Borna Barisic.

Despite this, Power refused to blame his teammate and instead praised the side’s fighting spirit as they tried to force a late equaliser.

He said: “I can’t slag anyone for getting sent off. I don’t think it was intentional from Danny.

“I think they could have looked at it and seen he was trying to block him off but it is what it is.

“But I thought we showed some great spirit after that and didn’t give up. I think Rangers tried to slow the game down so it is credit to the lads that we didn't stop and could have snuck something in the end.

“We got after Rangers, they were under pressure in the end. It shows how far we’ve come, and we need to take that into the rest of the season.”

Saturday brings a different challenge for Kilmarnock, who will take on the role of favourites in their opening Scottish Cup tie against League Two leaders Dumbarton at Rugby Park.  

After making an appearance at Hampden in the Viaplay Cup semi-finals, Power is eager to put together another successful cup run, starting this weekend.

He said: “It’s a game we can look forward to now. Our season won’t be defined on playing the Old Firm although we have done well in the games.

“Hopefully we will start another cup run now.”