A day after their title rivals secured a vital win against rivals Hibernian, Rangers played out a 1-1 draw with Motherwell at Fir Park on Wednesday.

Nicolas Raskin opened the scoring at Fir Park for the visitors in the sixth minute, and they looked home and dry following Lukas Fadinger’s 78th-minute red card, before Stephen Welsh equalised moments before stoppage time for Motherwell.

Rangers sit five points behind leaders Hearts, before they welcome the Edinburgh outfit to Ibrox on Sunday for a defining clash in this year’s title race.

BBC Sportscene pundit Scott Allan has pinpointed one man who could have altered the result for Danny Rohl’s side on Wednesday.

Scott Allan highlights costly Youssef Chermiti miss vs Motherwell

Youssef Chermiti has struggled to find form up top for Rangers this term and struggled in front of goal once again at Motherwell, with his one-on-one effort saved by Callum Ward in the 35th minute.

With Rangers carrying a 1-0 lead, a second would have provided a crucial cushion heading into the second half.

Speaking to BBC Sportscene on Wednesday night, ex-midfielder Scott Allan gave his thoughts on the effort.

“It’s just a simple ball forward from James Tavernier, and Paul McGinn gets caught under the ball and loses the first contact,” said Allan.

“Then Stephen Welsh, I think at that point you just have to clear it. But for me, Chermiti just shows no composure at all. I think he can just slide it into the corner.”

Since making the move from Everton last summer, the Portuguese forward has struggled in front of goal, netting just four times across 18 Scottish Premiership appearances, while drawing blanks across all other competitions.

“Out of all the places you want to shoot, it is right down the goalkeepers throat when he is right in front of you,” added Allan.

“I actually think he has got a bit of time to take a touch to the side and slot it away, he doesn’t do that either.”

Rangers miss big opportunity ahead of defining Hearts clash

Hearts just don’t seem to be slowing down at the top of the table, with Derek McInnes’ side now five points clear at the top, after netting a late winner in the Edinburgh derby on Tuesday.

Though heading into Sunday’s match at Ibrox, the gap could well have been three, with Rangers having the chance to draw level with a win.

The simple fact of the matter is that Rangers have drawn too many matches this term – two of their 10 coming against Motherwell at Fir Park.

Danny Rohl has done a remarkable recovery job after the dismal start to the campaign under Russell Martin, though his side have missed a big opportunity to claim top spot in recent weeks through draws against both Hibs and Motherwell.

They are, of course, still in the title race, but proceedings could have looked very different heading into their bout against Hearts this weekend, had draws been converted into wins.