DON’T FIT ME UP!
Kranjcar’s suffered jibes over shape for years but warns he’s in good Nic
They were reminded about the weight of the badge before kick-off.
But for Rangers’ players and manager Mark Warburton, it would at least have felt a little lighter by full time.
After a ropey start to the Premiership season, Ibrox fans unfurled a banner which read: “Our Badge Carries Weight. Stand Tall and be a Ranger.”
Certainly, early on in this campaign it has looked like a burden far too heavy for some of Warburton’s men to handle.
Yesterday’s v ictory over bottom dogs Partick Thistle in Govan won’t have taken the pressure off completely.
After all, they still trail league leaders Celtic by seven points – and the Hoops have a game in hand against the Jags.
But af ter a draw against Ross County, a defeat to Aberdeen, and with Warburton serving a suspension in the main stand, Rangers simply HAD to win this one.
And goals from Niko Kranjcar and Andy Halliday got them over the line.
It wasn’t a vintage display. The two scorers were the stand- out performers in a game in which Thistle didn’t play badly.
But at least it was a victory before an international break when Warburton can concentrate on getting the likes of Josh Windass and Matt Crooks fit again.
Afterwards, man- of- thematch Kranjcar claimed he’s ready to show his true worth at Ibrox after an inconsistent start. Question marks persist over his fitness but the Croatian international insists he’s used to having people doubt him.
He said: “We didn’t play our best football but we won which is the most important thing. “After a month of not winning in the league, we had to get back to winning ways.
“We’ve had ups and downs but we’ve not been in the Premiership for a few years . We’re getting there.
“We’ve not been happy with the results but we’re working hard and I believe in this group of players and staff.
“We have a good season ahead of us, I’m sure of it. “I’ve felt ready for a long time.
“I’m a footballer who, when I don’t play well, people will say I don’t look fit.
“Then when I play well, they’ll say I’m the fittest I’ve ever been.
“It’s something I’m used to. It doesn’t annoy me, I’ve had it since I was 17 years old. It’s part
of my l ife.” Despite their stuttering start in the league, Kranjcar is convinced they’ll still be challenging at the top come next May.
He said: “We can talk about the title race maybe by Christmas once we’ve picked up a few more points.
“Last week i n the game against Aberdeen we were the better football team but didn’t get our rewards. “We’re going to be up there, that’s for sure.”
For the first half hour of this match, Thistle’s game- plan worked a treat.
Rangers toiled badly – like in most of their Premiership games so far – to break down the Jags and create chances.
Thistle manager Alan Archibald set up his team to frustrate the Ibrox side with two shields in Abdul Osman and Ryan Edwards cutting off the supply to Rangers’ frontmen.
Ah e a d of that, Chris Erskine was all over Hal liday, not allowing him to dictate the tempo of the game.
And when Partick got
the chance to break, they posed a threat. David Amoo and Steven Lawless were dangerous on the f lanks whi le big Ade Azeez gave Phi lippe Senderos a torrid time. This was the Swiss defender’s first appearance since his red card at Celtic Park in the 5-1 Old Firm drubbing. He was in for Clint Hill, who was sick, but was all over the place when Thistle broke with speed. And he was lucky to stay on the park for challenges on Erskine and Azeez. The anxiety in the crowd was getting to the Gers players. They huf fed and puffed in front of the Firhill men without any penetration. They were desperate for someone to conjure up a bit of magic – and Kranjcar delivered in 33 minutes. He actually ushered Barrie McKay towards him before playing a ball into his feet and moving for a return. McKay’s back- heel allowed Kranjcar to drive into the box but as he weaved inside and out it looked like the chance had gone – before he unleashed a stunning shot high past Ryan Scully. It was a top- drawer finish from the Croat – and boy, his team needed it. That released a bit of tension from the shoulders of Warburton’s players. It also brought Thistle out a bit and when defender Danny Devine gifted a ball to Jason Holt at the back, the Jags were in trouble.
He fed Martyn Waghorn out wide and his cross put the ball on a plate for Halliday, who slotted home for 2- 0.
It was a bit harsh on Thistle. For the first goal, they were beaten by a bit of genius. But they contributed to their own downfall for Gers’ second.
Credit to Archibald’s men, though. They star ted the second half on the front foot and came within inches of pulling one back.
Liam Lindsay fed Lawless and he picked out a killer ball for Erskine. His shot squirmed under keeper W es Foderingham, hit the post and the goalie got back to prevent a tap in.
But the more expansive Thistle became, the more susceptible they were to losing a third goal.
A delightful Rangers move down the left ended with Waghorn being a whisker away from scoring – then Scully twice denied Holt.
Rangers subs Joe Dodoo and Joe Garner combined to create another chance for Holt but Thistle somehow kept it out after a scramble.
After that, they saw the game out. But Rangers’ win wasn’t with any great degree of comfort.
They’ll need to be better when the Premiership resumes in a fortnight if they are to continue progressing up the table.