SMELLS LIKE TEAM SPIRIT
RIVALS FOCUS ON POSITIVES Holt: We were under cosh but we’ll never stop battling for our stand-in gaffer Murty
SOMETIMES the ends justify the means and Jason Holt nodded his head when asked if Rangers had just been battered by Hibs. An honest assessment of his side’s 2-1 win at Easter Road on Wednesday night came with an admission his side had been let off the hook. After surviving an onslaught from Neil Lennon’s men, a host of missed chances and a stonewall penalty claim, it was all about the result. Another three points, a fourth win on the trot and for Holt it was a signal of a united dressing room that is now capable of overcoming adversity and improving with each week. He said: “The spirit saw us through and there was real fight among the whole squad. Confidence and spirit is growing in every game. “It says a lot and it has been evident the last two or three weeks. Especially in the second half, we had to dig in massively and show real determination. The spirit saw us through. “Previously in the season we lost a few games and it maybe takes effect. But the confidence is growing throughout and we’ve shown a different side to the team. We’ll keep trying to show that on the pitch.” It was anything but a vintage display from Graeme Murty’s men, under the cosh for the majority of the match, but strikes from Josh Windass and Alfredo Morelos secured an unlikely victory. There was more than a touch of good fortune going the Ibrox side’s way and Holt believes it’s about time his side enjoyed a favour from the footballing gods.
And without certain starters Lee Wallace, Graham Dorrans and Ryan Jack, they didn’t half earn it on one of the toughest patches in the country.
He said: “In the second half we were under a bit of pressure and sometimes you need luck in this game. Previously in the season we haven’t had it but against Hibs we got it.
“I’d have preferred it if we’d got the ball down and passed it a bit more but sometimes you need to do that side of the game.
“That was the case, especially in the second half when we had to show real determination. It wasn’t pretty at times but we came away with the three points and that is the main thing.”
The midfielder is convinced the recent resurgence under caretaker gaffer Murty has coincided with the contribution from Windass who has hit five goals in his last eight games.
Holt insists his English team-mate has added an extra dimension to his game that has combined his impressive build-up play with finding the back of the net.
He said: “Josh was doing well but now he is adding goals to his game and it makes a real difference.
“We are all delighted for him because we know what he can bring to the team.
“We just want to keep seeing him progress as a player. Most of the boys have a really good understanding with him. We
work on the training pitch every day and know what his qualities are.
“He’s a great lad and has shown this season the qualities and character he has. When things aren’t going well, he is always available on the pitch.
“The difference this season in him is probably a bit of belief and confidence.
“Once you get that first goal you find yourself going on a wee run and everything you touch seems to go in the back of the net. That’s been the case for Josh and long may it continue.”
Also taking a lead in the scoring stakes is Morelos who ended a 10-game goal drought with a weekend strike against Ross County that was followed with another against Hibs on Wednesday night.
Holt is adamant the Colombian striker has also turned a corner in recent weeks and will continue to prove the difference in the months ahead.
He said: “Alfredo had a tough time but scored on Wednesday night and scored on Saturday so I am delighted for him. We know what he can bring to the team and know his qualities. Like with Josh, long may that continue if it helps the team.
“If you have a player scoring regularly throughout the season you will find yourself winning more games than you lose.
“I was really impressed and I also thought Jamie Barjonas did really well. He was chucked into a difficult game at Easter Road and he handled himself well and showed real maturity.”
The immediate priority for Gers is to retain their grip on second spot with Aberdeen only behind them on fewer goals scored. And Holt added: “Since Murts has come in all of the boys at Rangers have thoroughly enjoyed working under him.
“He always gives 100 per cent and that is all you can ask. He has done really well and the boys really enjoy working under him.
“We just need to keep showing our fighting qualities.”