Robinson dismisses Rangers form concerns

ST MIRREN manager Stephen Robinson is not buying into any notion of Rangers being off the boil going into today’s clash in Paisley.

The Ibrox side stumbled in their cinch Premiership title bid with their first defeat against Ross County and a draw in Dundee which contributed to the run of just two wins in eight in all competitions.

The statistic was improved, however, with last week’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup semi-final win over Hearts at Hampden Park.

Philippe Clement’s side are three points behind leaders Celtic with five post-split fixtures remaining, while St Mirren are in fifth place, two points ahead of Dundee and fighting to clinch a European spot. Robinson put Rangers’ form into context as he looked forward to their visit.

The Northern Irishman said: “They lost one game [in the league] so I’m not sure how tough a spell that was. I have been in tougher spells myself I have to say.

“I am under no illusions. Rangers are a very good side with a very good manager. They have proved that over the course of the season. Because they lost one game, it certainly doesn’t make them a bad side.

“They have an abundance of talent, they had a very good performance in the semi-final. It was a very good game against Hearts on Sunday. I was at the game.

“They have quality throughout the team, they have an excellent manager so I don’t buy into that at all. I believe we are coming up against an opposition that can change the game in a heartbeat and we have to be at the very top of our game. We have to match that and we have to believe that we will get a result.”