Source: Team_Talk
Davis: Gers have stayed focused
The Light Blues have cut the gap on SPL leaders Celtic to one point during the pair's two-week suspension after beating Falkirk, St Mirren and Motherwell.[LNB]Manager Walter Smith has handed Ferguson and McGregor a reprieve by declaring them available for Sunday's trip to Hibernian.[LNB]But Davis was never concerned the duo's punishment for their behaviour on Scotland duty would derail the Ibrox club.[LNB]"As players, you just go out and perform on the pitch and just do your job when asked," the midfielder said.[LNB]"We have managed to do that.[LNB]"We have got ourselves in a decent position and put a bit of pressure on Celtic. Obviously, we have to play them at home as well.[LNB]"We had three difficult games in a week and managed to get positive results."[LNB]Likewise, the Northern Ireland international does not believe getting their deposed captain and first-choice goalkeeper back will make the difference in the title race.[LNB]Davis insists consistency all over the park is key after the team blew a seven-point lead at a similar stage last year.[LNB]"There's a lot of factors and there will be twists and turns," the 24-year-old said.[LNB]"It's just about showing the consistency really and learning from last season, and seeing it through.[LNB]"The most important thing is that we learnt from last season. Looking back on it now, we were in a tremendous position, irrespective of the number of games that we had. We just have to put it right this year."[LNB]Davis was promoting the May 3 Cheque Centre/PFA Scotland annual dinner after being named on the shortlist for Player of the Year alongside team-mate Pedro Mendes and Celtic pair Gary Caldwell and Scott Brown.[LNB]Davis selected Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher, who is on the Young Player award shortlist as his top man, just ahead of St Mirren midfielder Andy Dorman.[LNB]But he was surprised Kris Boyd, who has scored 28 goals for Rangers this season, is not among the contenders.[LNB]"If you look at the goals he has scored, it's irrelevant how people determine he is playing," Davis said.[LNB]"It's a phenomenal achievement to get the number of goals he has in the number of games he has played. I think from that aspect he should maybe be sitting up here.[LNB]"He is a dream to play with, especially for me playing wide this season. You know if you put the ball in the box, Boydy is going to be there and, nine times out of 10, he will put it in the net."[LNB]Hibs manager Mixu Paatelainen believes Rangers will present a formidable barrier to his side's top-six chances with or without Ferguson and McGregor.[LNB]Paatelainen reckons their possible return against his side will make no difference to their own search for the victory that would clinch a top-six place.[LNB]With nearest challengers Motherwell due to face St Mirren on Saturday, Paatelainen said: "Do I think it will be any harder if Ferguson and McGregor return for Rangers? No.[LNB]"They have quality players in their place. (Maurice) Edu and (Pedro) Mendes did a fantastic job against St Mirren with Steve Davis in a three-man midfield that did fantastically well.[LNB]"Either way, they go there's always quality players.[LNB]"If Ferguson and McGregor play, they're quality players and they do well, there's no doubt.[LNB]"But if somebody else plays, the players who have been performing very well recently, I'm sure they will do very well also."[LNB][LNB] Hibernian v Rangers. Click here to bet.
