Rangers target seven-point lead

27 September 2011 04:35

Rangers have the chance to go seven points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League on Tuesday when they take on Kilmarnock at Ibrox.

The game is a rearranged fixture from earlier in the season when Rangers were allowed to postpone their match to face Chelsea in a glamour friendly at Ibrox.

Despite exiting from two European competitions and crashing out of the League Cup to first division Falkirk, Ally McCoist's side have been in rampant form in the league.

The Gers have won seven out of eight matches so far, including last week's Old Firm derby victory, which has given them some breathing room over rivals Celtic.

American midfielder Maurice Edu believes the main reason for their seven-match winning streak has been a solid foundation at the back.

The Rangers rearguard have kept a clean sheet in six of their eight league matches so far despite an unsettled line-up due to injuries.

And Edu made a strong case for the defence, warning the rest of the SPL that they will only improve with time.

"The backline has been tremendous and the more they play together the more comfortable they get," Edu said.

"We have experienced players back there and it's beginning to show so hopefully we can stay solid back there and keep this form going."

Edu has struggled for form this season but scored a stunning strike in the 4-0 defeat of Dunfermline on Saturday.

The American international admitted he knew he needed to improve on his early performances but said he was happy to silence his critics.

"It's not so much what other people say as myself. I know what I'm capable of doing and I just wanted to up my level," the midfielder said.

"I know what my standards should be and it's just a matter of me performing and being pleased with that and helping the team and making sure I'm contributing to the team and helping us to win."

Manager Ally McCoist will be without Kyle Bartley, Lee Wallace and David Weir through injury.

Meanwhile, Kilmarnock striker David Silva is desperate to turn his side's form against Rangers around after a miserable time last season.

Killie played the Ibrox side six times last term and lost every game, conceding 17 goals in the process.

And the Portuguese forward, who has just returned from injury, is hoping to help his side take some points off Rangers.

"We hope we can turn our record against Rangers around," Silva said. "It's difficult to play against big teams such as Rangers and Celtic but hopefully we can get a positive result."

Tuesday (1845 GMT)

Rangers v Kilmarnock

Source: AFP