DRIVING FORCE

Docherty is thrilled with Ibrox men’s momentum

GREG DOCHERTY believes Rangers are hitting their stride at the right time ahead of a ten-day period that will put their trophy ambitions on the line.

Tuesday night’s 4-1 victory over St Johnstone made it five successive wins for the first time this season and lifted Graeme Murty’s side to within six points of Celtic.

Depending on the rearranged date for the Parkhead side’s postponed meeting with Dundee, Rangers could potentially close that gap to three points with an Old Firm victory a week on Sunday.

Before then, Championship outfit Falkirk visit Ibrox this weekend for a Scottish Cup quarter-final as Murty’s side seek to secure a trip to Hampden.

Asked if there was a feeling within the squad that they could end the season

with silverware, midfielder Docherty replied: ‘I think momentum is a big thing and we are gathering that at the moment. ‘We just want to keep going and if we can take this momentum into every game then fantastic. ‘We just need to keep building and it is great for us to bounce back after the Hibs disappointment with five wins. That is big for us. ‘The manager and the coaching staff have got us set up correctly and we are all just loving playing football at the moment. ‘The Cup match is a big one and then Celtic straight after, that doesn’t get any bigger. We have to take each game as it comes. ‘We focus on Falkirk now and we know it is going to be difficult.’ Rangers are continuing to assess the foot injury sustained by Jamie Murphy in Perth. Docherty believes his side would be robbed of one of the Premiership’s star performers if Murphy was ruled out. ‘Jamie has been huge for us and he has helped me settle in well,’ added Docherty. ‘He is a big player and he has got his own aspirations to get in the Scotland squad. I don’t see why he can’t. ‘He is the best wide man in the league and he has really shown that in the last few games. Obviously we hope it is nothing serious and we get him back for the weekend.’