Those watching the Scottish Premiership meeting between Rangers and Hibernian with an eagle eye might have spotted something a little unusual at the start of the second half at Ibrox - visiting goalkeeper Josef Bursik racing to the touchline where he took a dollop of Vaseline from a tub offered by goalie coach Craig Samson. 

While it would seem counterproductive to smear a lubricant on gloves designed for grip, there is actually a logical reason behind the practice, which has been used by 'keepers including former Celtic, England, and Manchester City No.1 Joe Hart, Germany stalwart Manuel Neuer, and Andre Onana of Manchester United and Cameroon. 

The groundstaff had watered the Ibrox turf during the interval via the sprinkler system, and as a result the ball would have been slippery and harder to grip, particularly in the minutes immediately following the break. With Rangers flighting a number of crosses towards the on-loan Club Brugge goalkeeper from the wide areas, having better grip would have been crucial. 

The latex used in goalkeeper gloves is porous and with continued use, the palm of the gloves become worn and less effective as they allow water and grime to build up on the surface. The Vaseline is designed to effectively seal the gloves by repelling dampness and dirt and keeping the latex in better, softer condition allowing for better grip.

Better grip, whether in dry or damp conditions, should in theory give goalkeepers a better chance of holding onto the ball rather than having to resort to punching or pushing the ball away - although, somewhat ironically, Bursik's eye-catching moment came with ten minutes remaining when he somehow clawed out Cyriel Dessers' close-range header. 

However, despite the benefits of the Vaseline, Bursik will in all likelihood have to throw away the gloves he used at Ibrox - because while using the jelly works as a short-term fix, longer-term it damages the gloves. Uhlsport may well be getting a call from Bursik ahead of the visit of Motherwell next weekend.