Swanson drove at the Rangers defence and released an excellent pass to Robertson, who finished well past Allan McGregor.

BBC: Steven Davis and Scott Robertson

But it was the visitors who looked the more sprightly in the early stages, and Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor held well after Flood's replacement, David Robertson, burst into the box to meet a long throw-in and stab the ball towards goal from 14 yards.

BBC: Rangers 2-0 Dundee United

Stand-in keeper Stephen Robertson joined the action two minutes before the break after Allan Ferguson was involved in an accidental collision with team mate Danny Griffin and Rangers skipper Lorenzo Amoruso.

BBC: Rangers dip down to earth