Rangers narrowed Celtic’s gap to six points with a one-goal Scottish Premiership win over Ross County – Michael Bale’s third in a row.
Jan Lindström’s low drive found the net 10 minutes after the break, but there were nervous moments before the midfielder eased some of the visiting tension.
George Harmon was denied at close range by goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin.
But County rarely threatened after that as Rangers moved to three more points under their new manager.
“It lacked the drama of the last two games,” Bell said. “But I’m absolutely happy with it.
“We looked tired at times and we weren’t quite as sharp in the final third, but it was quite comfortable if I’m honest.”
Bale insisted that “the most important thing” is that, for the third game, the visitors return to Glasgow with victory – and that puts the onus back on Celtic to regain their lead as their city rivals host St Johnstone on Saturday.
Rangers were forced to do without goalkeeper Alan McGregor through illness and Scott Arfield started after the midfielder’s double against Aberdeen as Bale changed his pack in a busy festive fixture.
Fashion Sakala took center stage as Alfredo Morales was dropped to the bench and the Zambian flogged in vain as Rangers started the more dangerous side.
However, the defensive fragility evident in Rangers’ first two wins under Bale was on display again when defender Harmon stood at the back post only for his downward header to find the feet of McLaughlin from point-blank range. can be done
Moments later, Bristol City midfielder Avra Edwards fired a low drive across the face of goal.
Rangers’ confidence seemed to be shaken, but they suddenly went ahead when Lundstrom started in midfield after recovering from a knock, firing less than 18 yards past goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw. .
Laidlaw’s legs were spared when he parried Sakala from 10 yards just after the break.
The uncertain nature of the lead put Rangers’ hearts in their mouths as Kazem Olegbe got clear only for the on-loan Southampton midfielder to find the side netting, while Raby Matondo was denied by Laidlaw late on in a one-on-one. .
