Gordon Smith: Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha has bought himself some more time

CLASS told in the end of an entertaining Old Firm match.

I’d said before kick-off that this match represented a tactical test of Pedro Caixinha’s managerial ability – one he had to pass.

That was after he came up badly short when losing 5-1 at home to Celtic a few days after going down 2-0 in the Scottish Cup semi-final.

In the main yesterday, he did just that.

The 4-5-1 formation he sent out succeeded, largely anyway, in shutting down the time and space afforded to Celtic’s creative players.

It also allowed for quick counter-attacks, with Daniel Candeias and Alfredo Morelos – who needs to learn how to play the line – prominent.

It kept them competitive and, I feel, would have done so throughout had Rangers not made basic mistakes at the goals.

The decision to play Ross McCrorie was also rewarded by a positive performance in central defence from the 19-year-old.

His was a display which is promising when viewed from a Scotland perspective.

Bringing on Kenny Miller in the second half was a decent shout because it made a positive difference.

So this morning Pedro’s job is not jeopardy, as it might have been had they crashed to a heavy defeat.

However, he has to get things going in the weeks and months ahead so that Rangers are at worst in second place behind Celtic.

If not, the fans will give him a hard time.

The fact he has the club in the League Cup semi-finals, and with a winnable-looking semi-final against Motherwell, will help.

Celtic’s unbeaten run can’t go on forever, so this represents a decent shot at winning a trophy.

You do have to take your hat off to them because they again demonstrated their character and ability to find a way to win matches.

Tom Rogic is a great example of what I am talking about. Brought into the side, he made a fantastic start to the match and looked in superb form.

He then dropped out of things in a manner that was close to alarming. But when the chance fell to him, he showed great composure to stick it away.

So by the time he was taken off after the hour mark, his work was done.

Scott Brown once again dominated in central midfield, and his value to this Celtic side should not be underestimated.

Anderlecht on Wednesday will present a tougher test but it is one they can win.