Steven Gerrard admits he is warming to Nikola Katic again after allowing the defender to come in from the cold against Livingston.
The Croatian centre-back returned to Gerrard's line-up as he made his first start in almost two months at the Tony Macaroni Arena.
And it was a strong display from the 22-year-old fans' favourite as he helped guide Gers to a 3-0 win over Gary Holt's men.
The former Slaven Belupo defender started the season partnering Connor Goldson but has since fallen behind Joe Worrall and Gareth McAuley.
But asked if his Livi display would boost Katic's confidence, Gerrard replied: "It should do. I thought he was very good today very dominant. There were a couple of little moments we will speak to him but in the main I thought he was very strong.
"He's shown since we came back from the break that he's ready.
"He's pushed for a start and he got it today and he's taken his chance."
Gerrard had demanded a reaction from his side after Wednesday's damaging Rugby Park defeat to Kilmarnock.
And he got it as Ryan Jack, Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos killed off the Lions.
The Gers boss said: "I thought we thoroughly deserved our win, I thought we were excellent from start to finish. I thought we matched Livingston in the fight and the battle early on and we competed with them in every single department and then our quality came through."
Liam Kelly blundered when he allowed Jack's shot to spill under him and over the line – but Holt refused to point the finger of blame.
He said: "I'm not being harsh on anyone – well all make mistakes me included. It's not a case of pointing fingers.
"Liam knows he made a mistake but you have to take it on the chin and move on from it. Goalkeeper is not a position I would ever want to play because you make a mistake and it costs you a goal."
