Miovski’s goal was hugely important.
Celtic’s victory over St Johnstone in Perth preserved their perfect league record, meaning Rangers had been moments away from trailing the defending champions by seven points after only six matches.
Such a setback would have damaged their confidence ahead of Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Martin O’Neill’s side and the following week’s Premiership trip to Celtic Park.
Instead, Rangers have extended their unbeaten home run to five matches, including four consecutive victories since last month’s defeat by Hibernian, which increased the early pressure on McInnes following their European elimination.
The former Heart of Midlothian head coach highlighted the team’s record of six victories in seven matches, including four in succession, while noting that the only goal conceded was an own goal.
Nevertheless, since beating League Cup holders St Mirren 5-1 at Ibrox a month earlier, Rangers have won each of their subsequent four matches by a single goal. McInnes acknowledged that his newly assembled squad remains a work in progress.
McInnes believed Rangers earned the result, although he admitted St Mirren were the stronger team during a 20-minute spell in the second half.
He said the visitors played with greater confidence and applied more pressure, while Rangers repeatedly made poor decisions.
However, he felt his team’s display during the opening hour was impressive, particularly in a first half that Rangers largely dominated.
McInnes was pleased with the overall performance but recognised that remaining level after sustained pressure gave St Mirren renewed confidence that they could secure a positive result.
McInnes also said the jubilant reaction to the winning goal was entirely understandable given the circumstances.
He explained that last-minute winners are thrilling for players, coaches and supporters. Although Rangers would prefer to avoid such tense situations, he praised the squad for persevering until the end.
He added that the team still has many areas to develop, but it must continue collecting victories while improving if it hopes to accomplish its objectives this season.
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