Let's Show Our Mettle

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STEVIE SMITH believes that Rangers now have a winning mentality that will be vital in the SPL title run-in.

 

Steven SmithThe 23-year-old has been impressed with the way his side have battled through adversity to win their last five games in the league and Scottish Cup.

 

Injuries have mounted in recent weeks and Madjid Bougherra will now miss Sunday's crucial showdown with Hearts at Ibrox due to suspension.

 

Walter Smith has had to use utilise his entire squad in games leading up to the split but Stevie is confident whoever steps in to replace his Algerian teammate will give 100 per cent for the cause.

 

He said: "I think the team will go in to the match on Sunday with confidence regardless of who is playing.

 

"In the past four or five games now the boys have shown a determination to win football matches and that has been so important.

 

"Hearts came to Ibrox the last time and sneaked a 2-2 draw but that was a game I thought we played well in, especially in the first-half.

 

"But this weekend's game is a must win situation for us regardless of the result between Celtic and Aberdeen and we will be fully focused on the job.

 

"Everybody always wants to play well and put in a good performance and that would be great on Sunday if we can do that.

 

"But getting three more points is all that matters and if it is a scrappy 1-0 victory I would take that ahead of next week's Old Firm game. Steven Smith in action against Motherwell

 

"We are without Madjid which is a blow; he is a big presence at the back and I think he has been brilliant for us this season.

 

"He wins the ball in the air and can cover a lot of ground with his pace.

 

"He will be a loss but we have players that can come in and whoever takes his place will give everything to help the team.

 

"We have big Lee back in the squad who can fill in and Christian is there as well.

 

"He can play in almost every position; he is a fit guy and has experience of playing in big games. He can come in and handle that no problem at all."

 

Stevie hopes that Rangers can get off to a good start on Sunday and believes his side have the firepower to shoot down Csaba Laszlo's men.

 

He added: "I think we need to start well and get the fans on our side, they will play a big part in the next couple of weeks.

 

"An early goal would be great to settle any nerves but if we don't manage to do that we know we have the players at any stage of a match that can hit the net.

 

"Boydy has been brilliant in recent weeks and if we get the ball to him there is always a chance he will put it away.

 

"But it's great that both Andrius and Kenny scored against St. Miren last week and they will be confident that they can also score given the chance."