Rangers manager Danny Rohl has been speaking to the media before the trip to face Kilmarnock on Saturday.
Here are the key points:
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After the midweek draw at Dundee United left Rangers nine points behind top two Hearts and Celtic, Rohl admits the festive fixture list has an element of win at all costs.
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He says: “Yes, of course the last two draws opens again a little bit the gap but if we win [against Kilmarnock] the two opponents or teams ahead of us has to play against each other. Not both can win. And then we have the game in our hand, it is a long way [the gap] but it’s not impossible.”
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On the balance of creating but conceding as was evident at Tannadice, Rohl says: “If you get both performances together then we have an outstanding game. I think this is the key, this is what we’re working for. The demand is always high. I see good steps forward but there are also some parts that we have to improve.”
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The manager confirmed Dujon Sterling will not be available because of the artificial pitch at Kilmarnock as he works his way back to fitness. Mikey Moore trained and if there is no reaction he will be part of the squad.
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Rohl says he “will have to manage” the ongoing situation at centre-back. Derek Cornelius is out until February, John Souttar is not expected to return until possibly facing Celtic in early January and Nasser Djiga goes on Africa Cup of Nations duty shortly.
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Rohl says it has been a long time since he coached a team to play on an artificial surface – it was “in the academy” – and adds he will rely on his players who “know the pitch better” and they will have to go there and “win the game”.
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“A lot of teams before won there,” he continued. “This is also the mindset, not looking for excuses, take the points and go home.”
[BBC]
