SANTA'S LITTLE SKELPERS

Gers faithful leave Ibrox feeling jolly as Tav and Dessers cut cushion to two points

POOR Santa got caught in the crossfire across the city at the weekend but the jolly fella was all smiles at Ibrox last night.

Old Saint Nick got a rousing reception when he turned up at half-time to show off the shiny League Cup secured on Sunday.

And there were grins in the stands too as Rangers delivered three points to keep up the charge towards the summit.

It wasn't a picture postcard performance from the home side by any stretch but there's no need for fancy wrapping at this time of year.

Philippe Clement's men are now within striking distance of Celtic and the Light Blues fans are feeling the festive cheer.

A trophy in the bag, a spot in the Europa League last 16 and top spot into their sights... most Bluenoses wouldn't have stuck all that in their letter for the North Pole a few weeks ago as it seemed a bit of a stretch.

St Johnstone's evening collapsed inside a handful of first-half minutes. Cyriel Dessers - an early replacement for the luckless Kemar Roofe - struck an opener and a blink of an eye later Diallang Jaiyesimi was sent off for fouling John Lundstram.

James Tavernier got No.2 late on from the penalty spot but by then, Jack Butland could have left to do his Christmas shopping.