Colak’s double enough for narrow Rangers win over spirited Dundee United

Antonio Colak celebrated his 29th birthday with two goals as Rangers ended a three-game losing streak with a stodgy 2-1 cinch Premiership win over bottom side Dundee United at Ibrox.

The returning Croatia striker took only eight minutes to fire in the opener but the home fans were ­unimpressed by their side’s ­frustratingly pedestrian play for much of the rest of the game.

Colak doubled the Light Blues’ lead four minutes after the restart but still there was a lack of real urgency and Tannadice defender Liam Smith reduced the deficit in the 59th ­minute to ensure a nervy last half-hour.

Rangers moved to within two points of in-form leaders Celtic, who travel to St Mirren on Sunday, but they will need to find much better form after the international break.

United, once again under the charge of caretaker boss Liam Fox, are still seeking a first league win of the season but will take encouragement from aspects of their play.

Following the Napoli defeat, Allan McGregor remained in goal with Jon McLaughlin still injured but Colak took over from Alfredo Morelos, with 18-year-old Leon King in for James Sands and 20-year-old ­midfielder Charlie McCann making his first league start.

Veteran striker Steven Fletcher was absent from the visitors’ squad with a thigh complaint, replaced by former Rangers winger Glenn Middleton.

Before the game Dundee United fans disrupted the minute’s silence in memory of the Queen which led to some rancour. Boos and some chanting could be heard emanating from the corner of the stadium which housed several hundred Terrors supporters.

Rangers pounded the United defence from the kick-off and Ryan Kent and Scott Arfield missed chances before Colak struck.

Captain James Tavernier drove ­forward after