Tillman double keeps Rangers in pursuit of Celtic

Malik Tillman showed why Rangers are keen to make the American's move from Bayern Munich permanent by scoring twice in a 2-0 win over Dundee United on Saturday.

A 14th win in 15 Scottish Premiership games since Michael Beale took charge moved Rangers to within six points of leaders Celtic, who are in action on Sunday away to Ross County.

Beale revealed ahead of kick-off that Rangers are working on exercising an option to buy on the season-long loan deal that brought Tillman to the club.

The 20-year-old has now scored six goals in as many games and 12 for the season.

Rangers had struggled to break down a resolute United defence until Todd Cantwell's inventive pass picked out Tillman to drive low past Mark Birighitti on 38 minutes.

Another cool finish 10 minutes after half-time put the game beyond the visitors, who remain rooted to the foot of the table.

"Malik has a knack for scoring which is great," said Beale.

"Delighted with the result. The performance in moments was really good, I just wish we'd scored more goals when the chances came."

Elsewhere, Aberdeen moved to within a point of third-placed Hearts with a 1-0 win away to 10-man St Johnstone.

Andrew Considine was sent off against his old club after just six minutes, but Aberdeen made hard work of the man advantage as Remi Matthews' own goal was all that separated the sides.

Hearts lost 2-1 at Kilmarnock to slump to a fourth consecutive defeat.

Christian Doidge scored the winner for Killie, who held on despite having Rory McKenzie sent off in the second half, for a vital three points in their bid to beat the drop.

Motherwell pulled nine points clear of the bottom two courtesy of an impressive 3-1 victory at Hibs.

Mark O'Hara scored two penalties as St. Mirren moved into the top six with a 3-0 win over Livingston.

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