Inconsistent Gers tumble back to earth

DAVID WEIR insists Rangers must take full advantage of the first Old Firm derby of the season to steer their title challenge back on track after dropping more points to Hibernian.

A David Murphy goal allowed Hibs to return to Edinburgh with the win as Rangers’ hopes of snatching the championship from Celtic’s grasp suffered another blow.

Walter Smith’s men have also suffered defeat to Hearts this term and were held to a draw at Motherwell last week before confidence was bolstered by the midweek win at Lyon in the Champions League.

However, the feelgood factor was not enough to prevent Hibs from surging to the top of the league until Celtic’s win against Gretna.

Rangers now prepare to face bitter rivals Celtic at Ibrox in their next league match on October 20 and Weir admits the clash has taken on even more significance.

“It’s a big game at any time but, with the way we have been playing recently, it’s important that we win that game,” he said. “Our focus will be on that and that’s what we will be attempting to do.”

Rangers had put together a terrific run of results at the start of the season but Weir admits momentum has faltered in recent weeks.

“That was something we spoke about,” he said. “It was important to get on a run. It was going to end at some time but we have gone through a little sticky patch in the league and it’s important to get back on track.

“If we have ambitions to win the league, we need to win the vast majority of games, especially games at home.

“This game wasn’t good enough. Simple as that.”

Hibs remain the only unbeaten team in the SPL and Murphy sees no reason why that form cannot continue.

“I think we can build on this performance,” he said.

“There are some great young boys coming through and there seems to be a togetherness in the squad which will stand us in good stead.”

RANGERS (4-4-2): McGregor 6, Hutton 6, Cuellar 5, Weir 6, Papac 6, Whittaker 4 (Naismith 68, 5), Hemdani 6, Ferguson 7, Thomson 5 (McCulloch 68, 6), Adam 6, Boyd 5 (Cousin 77, 5). Subs Not Used: Carroll, Faye, Lennon, Emslie.

HIBERNIAN (4-4-2): Kalambay 6, McCann 7, Hogg 8, Jones 6, Murphy 7, Antoine-Curier 6 (Zemmama 74, 5), Kerr 6, Beuzelin 6, Chisholm 7, Donaldson 4 (Morais 46, 6), Fletcher 6 (O’Brien 82, 5). Subs Not Used: McNeil, Gathuessi, McCormack, Shiels.

REFEREE: Kenny Clark 6.