IT was a moment that was a reminder of what Ryan Kent can do. It was one that only added to the sense of frustration around him.
A first goal of a mixed campaign arrived in the win over Hearts last weekend as Kent put the cap on a pleasing personal performance and improved all-round outing for Rangers.
The winger had helped set Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side on their way to victory with a teasing cross that Antonio Colak nodded home. When the Croatian doubled his tally and Cammy Devlin saw red, that was that at Tynecastle.
That win must now become the foundation for the season for Rangers and the same can be said for Kent as the spotlight once again shines on a player who carries so much of the attacking burden at Ibrox and whose form and contribution regularly sparks debate.
His quality is rarely questioned. The strike against Hearts, as he jinked into the box and curled a shot beyond Craig Gordon, was proof of that but it also acted as the basis of a challenge from his manager as Vam Bronckhorst attempts to get the best out of Kent more often than not.
"He has to bring more," Van Bronckhorst said. "I think Ryan is an exceptional player with a lot of qualities.
"The performance he had against Hearts was a really good one with a lot of threat going forward.
"I know his qualities. I think those qualities haven’t been there every game. He just needs to be consistent and make sure he has the best positions on the pitch to be dangerous, to either have an assist or to score the chances he creates himself.
"The goal he scored against Hearts is a great example. When he comes in and makes sure he hits the target. He’s definitely a player who can give us more goals and assists.
"If you see his qualities, he can play also on the right. If you see all the games he plays, his more natural position is on the left.
"We used Rabbi (Matondo) on the left with the substitution [against Liverpool] and he also started against St Johnstone. I think we have wingers who can play both sides.
"For Ryan, his more natural position is on the left but I think if needed he can also play on the right."
That versatility is just one of the attributes that Kent can bring to the table but he must combine his technical ability with more nous, and an end product, if he is to win over his critics and silence his doubters.
A lack of guile has been evident in the Rangers attack for some time now. That issue is not solely Kent's to solve but he is the best option that Van Bronckhorst has to operate in behind his lone striker.
Van Bronckhorst said: "I talk with all of my players one to one and it is always different with different players.
"With Ryan, I speak a lot with him about his position on the pitch and that he needs to keep improving his scoring ability and to get in the right positions to use his speed because his speed is incredible. When to use his speed, in what specific moments.
"For me that is the work I love most, to talk with the players to improve them in all areas I can and to have one to ones and I think those moments are, for me, the moments that I cherish the most."
It has been a case of two into one for Van Bronckhorst so far this term when it comes to selecting a striker to lead the line and the contribution from Colak has been invaluable at home and abroad.
Van Bronckhorst has previously dismissed the notion of the Croatian and Alfredo Morelos both playing at the same time but no option can be taken off the table completely while the Ibrox boss searches for the sparks to kick-start the campaign.
"Everything is possible," Van Bronckhorst said when asked if Colak and Morelos could ever play together. "They are two players who have goal threat.
"Colak has been fantastic. Morelos is scoring goals as well and getting fitter and stronger every game he plays.
"We have two good strikers. Kemar (Roofe) is also back training with the squad so there is another option. I think at moments in games they are definitely capable of playing together.
"We’ll wait and see in which games we can use them from the start or in moments in the game when we have to force a goal. They can definitely both be on the pitch at the same time."
That prospect is an exciting and enticing one for supporters. If the theory is to be put to the test, then the visit of St Mirren this afternoon seems the ideal opportunity.
The Buddies will arrive at Ibrox in fine form but Rangers cannot afford to concede ground in the title race now after following up their win over Dundee United with that commanding victory at Tynecastle.
Van Bronckhorst said: "I think they had a great start to the season. In the last six games, I think they won five. It's a very good run and they had a great result lately.
"They are a very recognisable team, the way they play. Very aggressive, find their two strikers really quick and have a lot of runners from midfield to be really strong in transition moments. Defensively, they are really compact.
"If you are third in the league you have started the season really well so credit to St Mirren for that."
