Rangers boss Danny Rohl insists his team have full belief that they can claw their way back into the title race.
Rohl’s side claimed a 2-1 win over St Mirren at Ibrox, a result which closes the gap on Premiership leaders Hearts to just six points.
Rangers had looked dead and buried when they lost to Hearts at Tynecastle just over a week ago, a result which saw them fall 12 points behind.
But they have roared back to life heading into this weekend’s vital Old Firm clash against Celtic at Parkhead, where victory would see them move level on points with their bitter rivals.
Insisting that his team could yet mount a title challenge, Rohl said: ‘We won. We are happy. We took the next small step on our long journey.
‘It is not about two games, or three or four games. It is about being consistent over a longer run of games and, at the moment, we are doing that.
Rohl insists his team are going to Celtic Park with confidence after win over St Mirren
Emmanuel Fernandez celebrates his goal with team-mate Djeidi Gassama
‘We have reduced the gap, but it’s nothing in football. It’s about next, next, next. If we can carry on this way, we will have a good second half of the season.
‘For sure, we believe. It is a step forward for us. But is important now to keep going like this.
‘If you take a lot of wins and make a lot of things right, you come in positions where you can play for something. No one will give us any presents in this league.
‘Now we go with confidence into the weekend. It’s a huge game, but we are prepared for this. I think this is what we want to see.
‘In this game, it’s important that we are strong. I think it’s important that refs are strong in this game, as well. If we do this, we will have a fantastic game.’
Rohl heaped praise on Youssef Chermiti after the much-maligned striker turned in his best display in a Rangers jersey.
The Ibrox boss was also coy on whether he might have some new additions to the squad for the Old Firm clash once the transfer window opens.
Thelo Aasgaard heads home the opener for Rangers against St Mirren at Ibrox
Fernandez wheels away in delight after scoring the second goal against the Paisley side
‘No, I think we know the window is not easy, but we are on front foot,’ he said. ‘What it means at the end, let’s see. We cannot influence everything, but we are at the moment clear.
‘We know that in some positions, we have to wait for the right timing. I see that we are really convinced of what we want to do. At the moment, we are straight.
‘Youssef had a good game. He got a lot of criticism previously. I know this, it’s not easy for him. But I told him, you have to put a lot of effort in and then the people will recognise this.
‘If you do this, continue, then I believe the goals will come. He gave us a lift. He was a link player, we could take him as a target player.
‘He comes between the line, he was aggressive in one-against-one situations. But it’s a first step, not more. If you continue like this, then we will also develop this player.
‘I think this is generally a part that we have a lot of players that are growing at the moment. Let’s continue like this.’
