Pressure of title race is bringing out the best in Gers says George
GEORGE EDMUNDSON feels Rangers are thriving under the Premiership title pressure.
The Ibrox defender is delighted to have helped keep his team in the flag fight after fearing he may have put another huge dent in their hopes of landing the championship this season.
Edmundson stood up to be counted for Rangers boss Steven Gerrard and his team-mates when it was really needed.
Thrust into the starting line-up for just the sixth time since signing from Oldham at the beginning of the season, the 22-year-old bagged a crucial equaliser which laid the platform for a priceless victory over Hibs.
Gerrard’s team passed a big midweek test against Jack Ross’ men. Trailing 1-0, Rangers were in danger of dropping 10 points off leaders Celtic, but displayed reserves of character to haul themselves out of a hole.
Edmundson is adamant the players are dealing with the heat of a championship chase and said: “I wouldn’t say we were feeling the pressure out there.
“I think we have shown that we can thrive under the pressure and stand up and be counted. To win like that will boost us.
“We were 1-0 down so to come back and win the way we did shows we can turn things around. Getting the win was good. We can’t afford to draw or lose another game, so the win was really good.”
Edmundson had additional reasons for enjoying his vital effort in the contest. In his eyes, it was a source of redemption.
The defender’s strike in first-half stoppage time came at a crucial moment for his team and also helped him to make repairs after his part in the concession of the
BY CRAIG SWAN opener to Hibs’ Paul Hanlon. Edmundson said: “I had given a free-kick away for Hibs’ goal, so I felt like I had to redeem myself.
“It was good when my goal went in. It felt good to get a start and to top it off with a goal and a win was even better.
“My last goal came for Oldham in a home game against Swindon in April last year and I wouldn’t say I am known for my goals. I have scored a few in my career but not double figures or anything.
“The gaffer is big on set-pieces and Thomas Culshaw normally takes us to try to work on a few special things. One of them came off against Hibs, so it was good.”
While his contribution against Hibs was vital, Gerrard also had a couple of other major plus points in the win to take forward into the coming tests.
Skipper James Tavernier was back in his usual position after appendix surgery and provided a customary assist with the dead-ball delivery which led to Edmundson’s goal.
New signing Ianis Hagi fully announced his arrival with the outstanding winning goal which got Rangers the success they desperately needed in the flag battle.
Edmundson was thrilled with both of those aspects and said: “Tav is important for us. He attacks so well and contributes to a lot of our goals.
“Ianis looks very good. He played man of the match and played well. I am excited to see more of him.
“It was a great finish. I was saying, ‘Take a touch’. But what a goal.”
RANGERS boss Steven Gerrard has been invited to take part in an Australian fundraiser at the end of the season.
Gerrard could head to Sydney for the Football for Fires game on May 23 after the Football Federation Australia issued an invitation to the Liverpool legend.