Barry Robson insists Rangers are not easy meat as Aberdeen FC boss toasts skipper's impact in famous win

Barry Robson hailed Aberdeen skipper Graeme Shinnie for his inspirational Ibrox display - and says that’s why he gave him the armband.

The Dons captain was superb in yesterday’s 3-1 win over Rangers in Glasgow. Robson’s men fully merited the three points against Michael Beale’s beleaguered side, which was achieved thanks to goals from Stefan Gartenmann, Jamie McGrath and Jack MacKenzie. The manager always knew his team would come good, despite a difficult start to the campaign. But they’re flying now and in Shinnie, Robson believes they have a born leader.

Afterwards, he said: “Graeme was outstanding. That’s why he’s the captain. When I came in as interim manager, the first thing I did was make him captain. We tried to get him in the summer and the board was great in supporting me to get him back in the building as captain. He’s been great for us, terrific. He’s my leader and he leads by example on the pitch.”

Rarely will Aberdeen record a more comfortable win over Rangers at Ibrox. After initially sitting in to frustrate Beale’s side, they took their chances when they came along and could have won by more.

But level-headed Robson said: “It’s three points and that’s what we are in the game for. It’s a good feeling and great for our fans. They deserve it. It’s been amazing how they have backed us.

“That’s a brilliant performance for them. You can see the spirit of the players. That should never be underestimated. I think you saw the structure and the speed we play at which is good because that is still a proper Rangers team who are not easy to contend with. Do I feel vindicated after the start of the season? Not really.

“There’s a lot of noise out there but I don’t read or listen to it. I focus on what I see every day. I