James Tavernier backs Rangers to hit their stride
Rangers full-back James Tavernier is confident they can kick off a run of victories against Dundee.
Mark Warburton's side have won only five of their opening 12 Ladbrokes Premiership games and sit third ahead of the visit of Dundee.
With the Joey Barton saga behind them following the summer signing's departure last week, Rangers have the chance to build some momentum ahead of a tough run of fixtures before the new year, which includes games against Celtic, Aberdeen, St Johnstone and two against Hearts.
Tavernier said: "We've almost been disappointed the way we have started the season. We have not played as well as we could do and dropped points where we shouldn't be dropping points.
"We have shown good glimpses of how well we can play football and if we carry on doing that then the points will come in and we will do better than we started off.
"We are getting there. The boys are gelling in and people are filling in for other people. It's good at the minute."
Rangers won their opening 11 matches in Tavernier's debut season, albeit in a lower league, and the former Wigan defender is confident they can recapture that form on a consistent basis.
He said: "I do see signs that we are getting to the best we can be and hopefully we can show that this weekend. I think the best is only to come.
"We have picked up quite a lot of points so far but we have not played our best, so as long as we play our best we can pick up maximum points."
Dundee striker Marcus Haber is well aware of the responsibility he has at Ibrox.
The target man made his debut in a 2-0 defeat by Partick Thistle which proved to be the final game of Dundee's six-match losing streak in the Ladbrokes Premiership.
The 27-year-old has since formed an encouraging partnership with Craig Wighton in consecutive wins over Hamilton and Motherwell and netted his first goal for the club against the Steelmen.
"We have won two games, so that's the first thing I look at," Haber said. "If I can put in a good shift up there, hold the ball up, link with the team and score the odd goal then I feel like I am doing my job. But first and foremost it's just about results.
"We have a good group of guys, the last two results have gone our way and we are looking to build on that. The group is confident, for sure."
Haber is determined to help his team-mates ease the pressure at Ibrox on Saturday.
"They are a good team and playing away from home we have to be organised," he said. "That's something we have focused on a lot in training, keeping our shape.
"Obviously it's going to be important for myself especially, when the ball comes to me, to hold it and make it stick and help my team-mates get up the park."
Haber described himself as "well-rested" following his international exploits after playing in Canada's 2-0 away defeat to South Korea last Friday.
"It's always a good experience playing for my country," he said. "I always look forward to it and getting to play against quality opposition, Korea being a very good team. I take a lot away from it."
Source: PAR
