Thriving: Rangers scored four against Hibs without top scorer Nikica Jelavic Pic: © SNSpics
Rangers manager Ally McCoist believes an impressive 4-0 win over Hibernian in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League is proof that there could be life after Nikica Jelavic.
The striker - who has been the subject of intense speculation over his future ahead of the transfer deadline - missed the clash at Ibrox through illness.
McCoist stressed he does not want to lose his top goalscorer this month but is well aware the situation may be taken out of his hands.
He said: "There's not just life beyond Nikica, there's life beyond us all.
"There are bigger players who have left this club and the club always goes on. That's the most important thing because the club is the most important thing.
"Nikica, if he went, would be a big loss. He's a fantastic player and he has been a great talent here.
"But, as you saw in this game, we scored some really good goals. Nikica also didn't play against Motherwell and equally we did very well. That's just two examples.
"I'd also like to tell you I wouldn't like to lose him. Of course I wouldn't because he's a good player.
"But I understand the economics of our club and I understand the economics of football.
"Sometimes they dictate and determine what happens rather than other things."
McCoist was quoted on Saturday as expressing interest in a loan move for Polish striker Pawel Brozek, who has now been linked with a move to rivals Celtic instead.
The Ibrox boss said: "It's a disappointment but I would use the word `target' a little bit carefully.
"He's a player we were looking at and - I won't lie to you - we were sort of interested in but there were no specific bids made and I didn't have any contact with the player or the agent.
"He's absolutely well within his rights to do what he thinks is best for himself. There's no doubt about that.
"It would take a lot more than that to really disappoint me to be honest."
A move also appears unlikely now for Honduran midfielder Jorge Claros, following his trial spell.
McCoist added: "Where we are at the moment with Claros is we are not in a position to offer him a contract yet.
"We will sit down again tomorrow (Sunday) and Monday to discuss the situation. He has done well and he has looked comfortable.
"Being 100% honest, we are slightly better covered in that position than we are in one or two positions.
"That's not to say that I wouldn't like him on board or I wouldn't take him.
"I do like him and wouldn't mind getting him on board but I think we do need to prioritise other areas of the park."
Skipper Steven Davis netted a double and David Healy and Sone Aluko were also on the scoresheet against 10-man Hibs, who had James McPake sent off on his debut after picking up a second yellow card for a foul on Maurice Edu.
Hibs boss Pat Fenlon said: "It's not a red card. I've just watched it again, it's not a red card, it's not a yellow card.
"James has stopped and the Rangers player ran straight into him.
"It's not going to make a hell of a difference in relation to the result but it's another decision that's gone against us."
While defending McPake, Fenlon admits discipline is an issue at the struggling SPL club, with Leigh Griffiths and Garry O'Connor both banned.
He said: "It's time for everyone to realise the discipline has to be better. On and off the pitch, it's got to change, it's been too sloppy at the club for a long, long time."
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