Hibernian's Ryan Porteous was sent off for a "wild" and "leg-breaking" tackle, says Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, as his side took advantage to return to the Scottish Premiership summit.

Kevin Nisbet headed Hibs in front after eight minutes but Porteous' red for a challenge on Joe Aribo left the visitors a man down for an hour.

Kemar Roofe nodded Rangers level, and Alfredo Morelos headed in the winner with 12 minutes left.

"It's a wild tackle," Gerrard said.

"The kid only has to play the ball. I don't know why there is any reason that he wants to go in with that intent.

"It's the second time that he has done it against us because he did it against Lassana Coulibaly not so long ago.

"So the kid is obviously not learning and he has let his manager and his team-mates down today. I know one or two things about bad tackles because I have made a few myself, so I am not in a glass house here."

Victory means Gerrard's side go back above Hearts by one point, while Hibs stay third after their first league defeat, but are now four points behind the champions.

Ross' side started brightly and will be left to ponder what might have been had Porteous remained on the pitch.

Chris Cadden's deep cross from the right was headed past keeper Allan McGregor from 12 yards by Nisbet, who escaped the clutches of John Lundstram to find space to guide the ball back across goal.

But their positive opening was derailed when Porteous flew into a tackle on Aribo and referee Nick Walsh flashed a red card.

"I think Ryan gives him a decision to make," Hibs boss Ross said afterwards.

"I don't necessarily agree with the decision but I can understand why it's given. He [Porteous] has got my absolute support.

"He has made strides in the last year and a half but he's going to have to learn from this one again."

Creative midfielder Scott Allan was sacrificed for defender Darren McGregor after the sending off, and Rangers began to dictate.

But despite plenty of possession, Gerrard's side struggled slightly to fashion clear openings before Roofe replaced Glen Kamara and grabbed the equaliser.

The forward moved beyond the Hibs defence to guide home Nathan Patterson's looping cross from deep five minutes after coming off the bench.

Ianis Hagi forced Hibs goalkeeper Matt Macey into a fine save before Rangers grabbed the winner from another header.

This time Borna Barisic had time to swing the ball in from the left, and Morelos was free to head the ball in off the post and ultimately clinch three points for Rangers.

Gerrard and his players celebrated fiercely at the full-time whistle, indicating how much they valued this comeback victory against a strong Hibs side.
What they said

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard: "Really pleased with the result. We didn't panic, we played with maturity and class, the subs helped us a lot. But it was a really strong performance from the boys."

Hibernian head coach Jack Ross "I'm angry at losing the game because of the manner of the goals we concede. Then I'm angry at myself because I've had to be angry at the players."

"We're a good team at the moment, but we want to be a very good team and very good teams still win the game from that position."
What's next?

Rangers face closest rivals Hearts after the international break at Ibrox on Saturday 16 October (15:00 BST) in a top of the table clash, while Hibs host Dundee United at the same time.