Amid a four-game winless start to Rangers' season, the arrival of James Penrice came with little fanfare.
While rival fans attempted to poke fun at the Ibrox club for signing another former Hearts player, supporters of the Govan side were left somewhat underwhelmed.
However, with first-choice left-back Tuur Rommens out injured, Penrice showed 24 hours later that he can be a vital addition for manager Derek McInnes in the coming weeks by assisting and scoring on his debut against St Mirren.
"That was probably a dream debut," the boyhood Rangers fan told former Hearts team-mate Andy Halliday on Premier Sports.
"It's been a mental week. I don't think it gets better than that."
Rangers were far from convincing in a first half in which they went two up, but they offered plenty of encouragement to a St Mirren side that pulled a goal back before the break.
After the interval, however, 27-year-old Penrice epitomised a much-improved second-half showing from McInnes' men, providing a relentless attacking threat from the left.
That was highlighted in the 52nd minute. The full-back raced up the left-hand side on the counter attack before teeing up Djeidi Gassama with a perfect first-time pass.
Two minutes later, Penrice was on the scoresheet himself, slamming in a loose ball from close range to give Rangers a three-goal cushion.
"For James Penrice to get on the scoresheet and also have an outstanding performance here in his first game at Rangers was another added bonus," said former Rangers striker Steven Thompson on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.
"You could hear it inside the stadium, the shift in how the Rangers fans are feeling. [The win] will give everyone at the club a lift.
"A lot of positives for Derek McInnes."
While rival fans attempted to poke fun at the Ibrox club for signing another former Hearts player, supporters of the Govan side were left somewhat underwhelmed.
However, with first-choice left-back Tuur Rommens out injured, Penrice showed 24 hours later that he can be a vital addition for manager Derek McInnes in the coming weeks by assisting and scoring on his debut against St Mirren.
"That was probably a dream debut," the boyhood Rangers fan told former Hearts team-mate Andy Halliday on Premier Sports.
"It's been a mental week. I don't think it gets better than that."
Rangers were far from convincing in a first half in which they went two up, but they offered plenty of encouragement to a St Mirren side that pulled a goal back before the break.
After the interval, however, 27-year-old Penrice epitomised a much-improved second-half showing from McInnes' men, providing a relentless attacking threat from the left.
That was highlighted in the 52nd minute. The full-back raced up the left-hand side on the counter attack before teeing up Djeidi Gassama with a perfect first-time pass.
Two minutes later, Penrice was on the scoresheet himself, slamming in a loose ball from close range to give Rangers a three-goal cushion.
"For James Penrice to get on the scoresheet and also have an outstanding performance here in his first game at Rangers was another added bonus," said former Rangers striker Steven Thompson on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.
"You could hear it inside the stadium, the shift in how the Rangers fans are feeling. [The win] will give everyone at the club a lift.
"A lot of positives for Derek McInnes."
Related Coverage
- BBCRangers 5-1 St Mirren: Scottish League Cup radio commentary, updates & report â BBCTeam News: Mc
- Innes Names Side To Face St Mirren â Rangers Football Club
- St Mirren exit Premier Sports Cup after defeat at Ibrox â St.Mirren Football ClubDerek Mc
- Innes gets first Rangers win â then lands Old Firm tie â The Times
