DAVIS TIPS RANGERS TO FINISH ROLLERCOASTER CAMPAIGN ON A HIGH

HAVING seen Rangers come so far in a short time under Philippe Clement, Steven Davis believes they can now go a little further. Seven points behind Celtic at the point where the Belgian arrived in October, an away win at the weekend will see the gap stand at zero just as the finishing line comes into view. And although the team’s current standing would be better were it not for the five points they recently lost against Ross County and Dundee, the Northern Irishman feels none of his former team-mates will need reminding that their current position is one that would have belonged to the realms of fantasy in the autumn. ‘It goes in different directions through the course of the season, the pendulum always swings,’ said Davis, who briefly held the fort after Michael Beale’s dismissal. ‘There’s a lot of pressure that comes with playing for both clubs. There’s a lot of external noise. ‘But you have to try and remain calm throughout the course of the season, not losing sight of what your goals are. ‘There will be disappointments along the way. It’s about how you react to those disappointments. ‘Rangers found that against Ross County with the result. The good thing is that it’s still in their hands. ‘Rangers need to win all their games. We know the difficulty in doing that. But if you asked back at the stage when I came in if the boys would be in this position, we would have taken it, 100 per cent.’

Rangers haven’t beaten Celtic in the three clashes this season, with their only triumph in six attempts last term coming after they’d lost the league. Faced with the prospect of playing in front of a crowd comprised of exclusively home supporters, Clement’s players will have to produce something extraordinary to get the win that ensures their destiny is in their own hands. Having been a part of the Ibrox dressing room so recently, Davis feels his former team-mates can spring a surprise. ‘It’s a really tough place to go, especially with things so tight,’ he added. ‘There is pressure on both teams. That doesn’t change. But I do believe they have the quality to go there and get the result that’s needed. ‘We need to show that. Performance-wise, you hope it’s good but, come the final whistle, the be-all and endall is the final result. ‘It’s up to the players to remain focused. ‘It’s such a special feeling to be in that dressing room having had success and sharing in those special moments. ‘Some of the boys have had that experience and it leaves you wanting more.’