Source: Team_Talk
McCulloch promises full commitment
ee McCulloch insists Rangers will not be taking their foot off the gas against Hibernian - even if they have already secured the SPL title.[LNB] The Scottish champions know victory at Easter Road will guarantee them a second successive championship regardless of results elsewhere.[LNB]But anything less than a Celtic win at Dundee United earlier in the day would allow Walter Smith's men to retain their crown before a ball has even been kicked in Edinburgh.[LNB]"It makes no difference," said McCulloch.[LNB]"We still have to win the game in my opinion.[LNB]"It would be an easy way out if results elsewhere went for us and we turned up and acted as though we weren't trying.[LNB]"People pay their money to watch us so we have to go out and try our best to win the game."[LNB]McCulloch admits Rangers are desperate to wrap up the title this weekend, having been tipped for the silverware for several weeks, but is well aware Hibs are keen to spoil the party.[LNB]He added: "It's been an up-and-down season, a hard season. But to see the finishing line is good, just as long as we win.[LNB]"We don't want it dragging out. We know we are good enough to go there and get a win.[LNB]"We know it will be hard and I don't think they will want a party at their place, so we need to start the game well and get an early goal.[LNB]"It's good that it's in our hands and we know what we have to do regardless of results elsewhere. Going to Easter Road is always a hard game but hopefully we can get that win."[LNB]Like McCulloch, boss Smith just wants to get his hands on the trophy, regardless of the events leading up to their title triumph.[LNB]"We just want to win the championship," he said.[LNB]"We don't think about where, when or whatever. Our preparation will be to win the game and that's what we will try to do at Easter Road.[LNB]"We've had a couple of really tough games there and a couple of games where we have gained good results and played exceptionally well. We would look to get to that level.[LNB]"That's how we will approach the weekend game, that we ourselves have to win to retain the championship. That's the way we will look at it."[LNB]Opposite number John Hughes admits his side must tighten up defensively if they are to delay their opponents' title celebrations. Fourth-placed Hibs have lost their last four games - conceding 12 goals - and have only registered two wins from their last 14 matches to leave their Europa League ambitions in the balance.[LNB]Defensive problems could hinder their bid against the champions-elect, with Sol Bamba suspended and captain Chris Hogg and Paul Hanlon battling to be fit.[LNB]But Hughes, also sweating over the fitness of midfielder Liam Miller, knows his side must improve at the back collectively. Asked if the club's poor recent run is an accurate reflection, he said: "It possibly does tell the whole story over the last six weeks.[LNB]"Within that, there are three draws so it's not quite as bad as painted.[LNB]"But we are conceding too many goals, we have to improve that aspect. You sit back and look at it and we have also carried a lot of bad luck."
