Gers geed up by win - Naismith

31 July 2011 13:08
Steven Naismith believes Rangers can now go into their Champions League tie in Malmo with confidence after beating St Johnstone 2-0 in the SPL.[LNB] Naismith and Nikica Jelavic were both on the scoresheet as the Scottish champions claimed victory in Perth on Saturday.[LNB]The much-needed confidence-booster came after last week's draw against Hearts and the 1-0 first-leg defeat to Malmo at Ibrox, which leaves their hopes of progressing to the Champions League play-off round in the balance.[LNB]Naismith said: "The only positive we can take out of the first leg is that we did create so many chances.[LNB]"We did play so bad but we created four or five chances and on another day we might have scored.[LNB]"If we can create that many chances over there, hopefully we can take a few. As a team we would expect to be much better and create some chances.[LNB]"We are a bit relieved just to get off the mark this season, although last week, especially in the second half against Hearts, I thought we played really well."[LNB]Naismith hopes his partnership with Jelavic can prove to be the key to success against Malmo, whose own league game against Djurgarden was abandoned on Saturday after firecrackers were thrown onto the pitch.[LNB]He added: "I'm enjoying playing alongside Jelavic, he is a very clever player and he makes a lot of decisions for you in terms of putting the ball in the right place for you.[LNB]"So far this season, we have had a good understanding.[LNB]"He has shown when he has played that he has got top quality and some of his finishes are up there with the best.[LNB]"If we can get him fit and keep him fit, he is definitely going to be a big asset for the club."[LNB]The victory over Saints was Ally McCoist's first win as Rangers manager and he has refused to give up hope of another positive result in Sweden on Wednesday.[LNB]He said: "The main thing against St Johnstone was getting back on the road to victory and we did that.[LNB]"We now look forward to what will be a really difficult game.[LNB]"We can take encouragement, not only from the St Johnstone game, but also from the chances we created in the second half against Malmo as well.[LNB]"It's not going to be easy, it's going to be very, very difficult. But I have to say, I firmly believe we've got a real chance."[LNB]Reflecting on the result at McDiarmid Park, Saints boss Derek McInnes said: "The better side won.[LNB]"We have things we need to address and work on, but we are confident we have enough about us this season to go and win enough games in this league."

Source: Team_Talk