Rangers have given their fans “confidence”, says manager Philippe Clement, after they cut the gap to Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic to three points by dispatching bottom club Livingston.

There was a sense of expectation at Ibrox before kick-off after their Old Firm rivals’ draw at Aberdeen earlier in the day, which gave Rangers the chance to go within a win of top spot with a game in hand.

The forlorn visitors – now winless in 16 league games – showed resolve to restrict Rangers, but Fabio Silva’s first goal for the club and Rabbi Matondo’s curler both went in off an opponent late in the first half to ease the anxiety.

Todd Cantwell’s swept finish at the end of a searing move gave the impression of a side in control as Rangers ramped up the pressure in the title race that looked unlikely before the Belgian’s arrival.

Clement recognised a change in the support from when he started out in his role, saying they showed patience with his side despite craving a statement-making victory.

“It’s a big difference from the beginning,” he said. “The first day I stepped in here, you felt impatience from the fans. Everybody was nervous. Now everybody has confidence in the players, the players feel that too.

“I’m not busy with Celtic or other teams. I’m only busy with winning games. I’ll be busy with ranking teams at the end of the season. We still have a lot of work to do.

“I want momentum all season. Because momentum – the word ‘moment’ is there – it’s a short period. I want this level all season, every game. I don’t want momentum, I want consistency.”

Gusts of wind in Govan were the hosts’ biggest asset in the opening stages as Shamal George fumbled at balls into the box, before doing well to scoop out a James Tavernier corner that looked destined for the back of the net.

A resolute visiting defence forced frustration in an expectant crowd, but Silva’s deflected volley from a corner lifted weight off their shoulders and paved the way for Matondo to add a second before the break.

There may have been some fortune in their first-half goals but, in a title tussle of fine margins, Rangers were content just to head into the break with a comfortable lead to build on.

That confidence showed in the link-up between Ross McCausland and Cantwell in a moment of real quality, with the latter’s cool finish adding gloss to a gritty performance.

McCausland’s header in behind and an audacious Silva overhead kick could have made their victory more sparkling, though capitalising on the champions’ slip-up was the only matter of importance for Clement’s challengers.

Match Report: BBC Scotland

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