Rangers believe they can win title, says Smith

Walter Smith says his players believe they are going to win every game as he watched his side clock up their sixth win in a row with a 2-0 defeat of Hearts at Ibrox on Sunday.

It is the first time this season the 'Gers have enjoyed such a long winning run and it comes at a crucial time with just one point separating them from leaders Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premier League.

The two sides clash at Ibrox at the weekend and with their Old Firm rivals having won only twice on their travels this year the momentum appears to be with Rangers going into the potential title decider. Having seen his team hit by injuries and suspensions to key players in recent weeks, beating Hearts took on a special significance for the Rangers boss.

"We have a good momentum going in terms of results. Our players at the present moment have a belief that they are going to win the games," Smith said.

"That's a big thing as we have had quite a number of changes to make in our team due to injuries and suspensions and we've managed to handle it very well today.

"When you have an injury problem you have to adjust to it. Then when your team starts winning all the games and your players start coming back from injury that gives you a problem.

"But it's a pleasant problem in comparison to not having anyone available as we're getting them back at the right time."

Despite his side notching up their sixth straight win Smith says they will only count for something if Rangers keep winning, and end Celtic's bid for a fourth consecutive title by clinching the championship.

"It is only significant if we keep winning. That is the pressure that teams who want to win league championships are under," Smith said.

"Every team that hopes to win a championship at this stage of the season with four or five games left has got to win their games. We have to show we can handle that.

"We are doing that alright at the present moment but Celtic have done that for a number of seasons now.

"It sets up a good game for the weekend. But it will not just be next weekend's game that decides it.

"You are looking at setting your sights on winning each of the remaining games.

"The proving ground will be on the pitch," added Smith.