OVIE GAME FOR FIXTURE PILE-UP

Ejaria says Gers can handle fight on both fronts

OVIE EJARIA is confident Rangers can handle the strain of domestic and European action as they prepare for a crucial run of fixtures in the coming weeks.

Steven Gerrard’s side earned a much-needed win over St Mirren on Saturday thanks to late goals from Daniel Candeias and Alfredo Morelos.

After drawing Spartak Moscow and Kilmarnock either side of their defeat to Aberdeen, it was a crucial three points for the Gers in the Premiership. Rangers face Spartak on

Thursday and also have Group G clashes with Villarreal and Rapid Vienna coming up as they prepare for a hectic schedule before the end of the year.

But midfielder Ejaria has no doubt the Light Blues’ squad will be able to cope and continue to produce at home and abroad this term.

He said: “I wouldn’t say [it is tough], you just have to be focused on your recovery in the week and after each game you have to keep on top of it. If you keep on top of it, you will be fine.

“It is probably the most amount of games I have played in the first part of a season since I have been playing. It has been tough.

“At first it was quite tough because I wasn’t used to it but now it has been going on for a few months I am used to it and I am recovering well between games.”

The draw with Spartak a fortnight ago kept Rangers top of Group G at the halfway point of the campaign and Gerrard’s side are dreaming of a knockout round berth.

The Gers have struggled to break down domestic defences at times this term but Ejaria knows the Russians will pose a tough test of their own this week.

He said: “Spartak are a very good side, they were a Champions League side. We played them last week so we know what they are capable of. We just need to focus and I know the gaffer will have a game plan.”