Source: Team_Talk
Naismith: We just keep plodding on
The Scottish champions head into Tuesday night's clash at St Johnstone knowing that victory will take them 13 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League.[LNB]A win at McDiarmid Park in the rearranged fixture would also take Rangers to within potentially three games of retaining the championship - a statistic few would have believed when they embarked upon the defence of their crown.[LNB]"I don't think a lot of folk would have believed it," said Naismith. "Celtic had a new manager as well and that makes it a bit tougher.[LNB]"But we knew what we had to do, we did it last year and we knew the boys were capable.[LNB]"That's why we have not been fazed by not having new faces coming in, we have just plodded along and got the results we needed."[LNB]However, the attacking midfielder fully expects Saints to try to knock Rangers off course.[LNB]Naismith added: "We went there earlier in the season and it took a late goal from Sasa Papac to get us the win.[LNB]"It's definitely going to be a tough game. They have done well, they have come into the league this season and shown they are no push-overs and I'm sure they will be in the league next year."[LNB]Boss Walter Smith was thrilled to see his players back on top form with a 4-1 win against Hearts at the weekend but warned they cannot afford to take their foot off the gas in Perth.[LNB]"It was a good performance from us," he said. "It was probably the best we've had over the last half dozen games or so. From start to finish I felt we played very well and it was needed.[LNB]"We were getting to the stage where we needed a pick-me-up in terms of performances and we got that on Saturday.[LNB]"It's kind of an unusual position that we find ourselves in, I think it's only the second time in my career at Rangers where we have had the comfort of a bit of a gap.[LNB]"It's not always an easy one to handle but the boys showed on Saturday that they're looking forward to the run-in in the championship.[LNB]"You always need a good edge in your game and we had that on Saturday.[LNB]"We will need it again when we go to St Johnstone because the one thing about them is the level of enthusiasm they have in their team.[LNB]"We have to make sure we are up for that match."[LNB]Saints boss Derek McInnes fully expects Rangers to be firing on all cylinders after romping to victory at Tynecastle as they head for the final strait in the title race.[LNB]"We had the game against Hearts watched and Rangers played very well," he said. "They have been relentless in recent months. They keep going even when they are not playing well, they have that ability within them.[LNB]"I feel we have always played well against them but have failed to beat them and that is our aim.[LNB]"But they can see the finishing line and like all good teams, they will be going for it.[LNB]"We know their approach will be right because they are looking for the points to win the title.[LNB]"But hopefully we can produce enough in attack and defence to make it difficult for them."[LNB][LNB] Rangers 4/11, Draw 7/2, St. Johnstone 8/1
