Joe Aribo marked his return to the starting line up with a goal as Rangers beat Livingston to open up a six point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

The 24-year-old midfielder missed seven league games with an ankle injury before returning to action as a late sub in the Old Firm derby win over Celtic.

He also made an appearance off the bench in the Europa League win at Standard Liege as manager Steven Gerrard sought to slowly build up his match fitness.

Gerrard named Aribo in the starting eleven in the league for the first time since August, and it took just nine minutes for the Super Eagles midfielder to put Rangers in front with his second goal of the campaign, firing home from an Ianis Hagi assist.

Veteran English striker Jermaine Defoe doubled the home side’s lead seven minutes later with his 300th career goal in club football as Rangers kept up their charge to keep rivals Celtic from a tenth straight Scottish Premiership title.

Aribo was subbed off in the 75th minute as Rangers held on for the win at Ibrox Stadium to open a six-point lead over second placed Celtic who drew with Aberdeen earlier but have a game in hand.