Source: Team_Talk
Whittaker admits Gers complacency
Steven Whittaker admits complacency was part of the reason for Rangers' shock 4-1 defeat at St Johnstone earlier in the week.[LNB] The clash at McDiarmid Park was seen as an opportunity for the Scottish champions to move a step closer to retaining the Scottish Premier League title by increasing their lead at the summit to 13 points.[LNB]Instead, they were handed what skipper David Weir branded a "wake-up call" afterwards and Whittaker concedes that complacency played a part.[LNB]"It probably did on Tuesday night," said the Ibrox full-back.[LNB]"We need to put that right and we can't allow that to come into our game. We need to play at a higher tempo and it's important we do that this weekend.[LNB]"We were all disappointed on the night and it was definitely a wake-up call that there is still a job to be done so hopefully we can go on and win the next two home games.[LNB]"We all know we weren't good enough on the night. The manager spoke to us after the game and at training and we are all looking forward to the game against Hamilton tomorrow.[LNB]"The good thing about football is there is another game in a few days' time to put it right and that's what we will be looking to do."[LNB]Asked what boss Walter Smith had to say to his players in the aftermath of the defeat, Whittaker said: "Just that we can't take our foot off the pedal.[LNB]"There are still games to be won for us to win the title.[LNB]"Although we do have the gap, we can't rely on that. We need to do the job as quickly as possible."[LNB]Meanwhile, Whittaker believes Rangers club-mate Steven Davis should be the front-runner to be named PFA Scotland player of the year.[LNB]He said: "Davie Weir and Steven Davis are the ones in the team who have played at a consistent level for the majority of the season. My choice would be between those two.[LNB]"I think I would put Steve first, he has been a massive player for us this year. With his passes and his play and his confidence on the ball, we miss him when he's not in the team."[LNB]Players cannot vote for one of their own team-mates and Celtic skipper Scott Brown has revealed he will be voting for Whittaker.[LNB]"I didn't see the article but I heard he was going to vote for me," said Whittaker.[LNB]"That's obviously a bonus and if anything like that comes along, it's great.[LNB]"But I'm concentrating on my form here at Rangers and doing the job in hand.[LNB]"I've played in a lot of games and scored a few goals into the bargain so it has definitely been an enjoyable season but there is still work to be done in winning the league title."
