McGREGOR Ropey

Gifted the opener to Accies inside the first two minutes with a dreadful attempt at a punched clearance. Another gaffe in an erratic season. WHITTAKER Comfortable

Got a rare run out in his favoured right back role at the expense of Broadfoot and did OK. Looks more like the player he was at Hibs when deployed in the correct area. NEED TO KNOW Was it a good game? An interesting one. Hamilton stunned Rangers when they took an early lead and even after the Ibrox side pulled level, they held their own until Martin Canning was sent-off. Going down to ten men was too much for them and Rangers profited hugely with their extra man. By the time the game had entered the closing stages and the Ibrox players were queuing up to score, a school of dolphins could have swam through the Hamilton defence, so wide were the gaps they left. Had the visitors won an early penalty when Barry Ferguson hooked a clumsy arm around Joel Thomas and when the scores were still level, it might have been a different afternoon. As it was, as soon as Rangers went 3-1 in front it was a case of how many. Rangers' best player? Kris Boyd will never be short of his critics, but he will always be able to pull his goalscoring stats around him like a bulletproof cloak. The striker has scored 17 goals in 19 games and seems well on course to reach his target of 40 for the season And their man? Joel Thomas did well to constantly harass David Weir and Madjid Bougherra. What about the ref? Callum Murray came under fire from both teams for a couple of odd calls. Could well have given Hamilton a penalty in the opening half. Looked off the pace at times. Who's up next? Rangers take on bogey team Dundee United at Tannadice. WEIR Troubled

Veteran stopper had a fair old time of it trying to contend with Accies lone striker Joel Thomas, mostly in the first half. Had little more than mopping up to do in the second half when visitors lost a man. BOUGHERRA Inconsistent

The big Algerian broke out of the backline and showed great pace and threat. Needs to get switched on again at crosses into his own box, however. PAPAC Adventurous

Back in the starting line-up after missing the past few matches, the Bosnian got forward more in this game than any other in his career at left back at Rangers. Was more like a left midfielder. FERGUSON Improving

Another solid workout and signs are he's moving through the gears. On the ball more and has to be given fullness of time to return to maximum ouput. MENDES Off colour

Normally the Portguese star pulls all the strings at Ibrox, but his radar wasn't switched on in terms of passing. Gers need him to step up to the plate in crunch festive period. DAVIS Excellent

What a difference with the Northern Ireland man back in the team. Full of running and invention and popped up with a goal to cap a superb display. BEASLEY Weak

The American has been crying out for a starting slot - but he just doesn't do enough. Brushed off the ball too easily. MILLER Outstanding

How fickle are fans? Booed a few months ago, but given a standing ovation on Saturday. Scored fine goal to make it 1-1 and then set up Boyd. BOYD Clinical

Now on 17 for the season, he just can't stop scoring. Could have scored five or six. Now has to keep this form going against top six sides. NOVO Busy

Came on for Miller, caused all sorts of problems and scored. LAFFERTY Boosted

Not been doing it since his arrival from Burnley, but did look better when thrown on at centre forward. Composed finish to make it 5-1. NIGUEZ Promising

Finally the young Spaniard made his debut and he looks very direct. Good cross for Novo goal. SMITH Delighted

Knew his team were under pressure after recent ropey form, and must have wondered if there were storm clouds ahead after Accies shock opener. But got right response and would have been pleased with the football and goals after that. However, next three games will define the season.