Tavernier: Rangers will have to match Aberdeen at Pittodrie

The Ibrox men drew first blood in their Dons doubleheader with a surprisingly one-sided 3-0 win at Ibrox.

While Gers hit back after losing to Hamilton and Dundee with a display full of hunger and desire, Derek McInnes admitted his side failed to meet their usual high standards.

But Tavernier - who struck twice either side of Carlos Pena's goal for Graeme Murty's men - believes the Reds will respond when they face off again this weekend and reckons the Light Blues will have to take their own display up another notch.

The right-back, whose side will look to draw level with their rivals for second place when they travel to the Granite City, said: "There was massive pressure coming into this game after two defeats. The fans were expecting a reaction at home and we produced that.

"The group of lads we have don't want to lose games. We are all winners in that dressing room. The last two performances weren't good enough, but we set ourselves up really well here.

"We can take confidence but we need the same level of performance on Sunday because we know there will be a response from Aberdeen.

"They will come out all guns blazing because I can't imagine they will be happy with their performance. We have to meet that."

McInnes - who insisted last week he is happy to stay put at Pittodrie amid links to the Ibrox vacancy - was left furious with his team as they allowed Gers to dominate.

But the Dons boss has promised it will be a different story come the weekend.

However, he will have to do without Ryan Christie, who was sent-off late on after collecting two bookings, while Gary Mackay-Steven is also a doubt after picking up a knock.

McInnes said: "I expect a more complete performance on Sunday. I expect us to impose ourselves far better than we did tonight.

"I've seen us losing headers inches above strikers, I've seen us not competing for second balls in the middle of the park.

'I thought we were negligent and that is a complete right across the board. We win together and lose together.

"Ryan has to learn. He got himself sent off foolishly. Now we're without him for Sunday. He suffers and we suffer as well."