Rangers

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

Just when I thought this season couldn't get any more unpredictable, Rangers go and produce the performance they did on Sunday, coming from two goals down and playing dreadfully to win 6-3 in an incredible match at the Falkirk Stadium.

The first half display was abject, lacking in heart, in purpose and bereft of quality. They couldn't have looked any less like title contenders.

But having dragged themselves back into the game with Tochi Chukwuani's goal just before half-time, they went on to steamroller Falkirk with a quite brilliant second half of attacking endeavour and real character to underline just why they cannot be written off as we approach the final five games.

As good as they were in that second 45, Danny Rohl's men can ill afford to be as poor as they were at the start of the game in the remainder of the season. But if they can perform as they did during the latter part of the match they will take a lot of stopping.

Nico Raskin was fundamental to the turnaround, taking the game by the scruff of the neck and driving his team forward at every opportunity. Rangers need five more performances like that from the Belgian to end the campaign on a high.

Bojan Miovski is also beginning to look more like the predatory striker the Aberdeen fans used to adore and must be in contention for a starting place when Rangers begin their post-split fixtures at home to Motherwell.

Victory in that one is an absolute must before the visits to Tynecastle and Celtic Park.

Image source, SNS

Will Rangers remain unbeaten in the last five games of the league season?

The Ibrox club have lost just one league game - away to Hearts in December - since Danny Rohl took charge in October and are one point behind Hearts at the top of the table heading into the split.

Scott Cameron of the Rangers Journal Podcast, external doesn't think Rohl's side will win all five of their post-split games - but he doesn't expect them to lose any either.

"I don't think we will win all five matches," he told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"It would be great if we could, but I just don't think any of the three sides will do that.

"I think we'll remain unbeaten for the last five matches, we've only lost once in the league under Danny Rohl. And if my belief about us being unbeaten for the rest of the season is right, we'll win enough matches across those five games to come out as league champions.

"Winning all five games would be great, but I just don't think it's feasible."

Rangers were the last of the top three to play last weekend, with Celtic and Hearts both winning on Saturday to turn up the pressure.

And despite finding themselves 2-0 down at Falkirk on Sunday, Rohl's side roared back to win 6-3.

With Rangers out of the Scottish Cup, they've got a free week and are heading to Spain for a training camp in an effort to come back refreshed for the run-in.

"It was very much a typical Rangers performance in that you don't know what you're going to get from half to half, never mind from game to game," Cameron added.

"I would ideally like to see us having a game this weekend, the stop-start nature of it does worry me in terms of the momentum we are building with lots of goals and some positive performances.

"Rangers have a tradition of breaks in January. When we used to go to Dubai, that curtailed our season. I'm hoping that the trip to Spain doesn't have a similar effect."

A season that began in calamitous fashion for Rangers under Russell Martin could yet end with the Ibrox club crowned champions.

Danny Rohl has dragged the team back into the reckoning and with just five post-split games to go, it's all to play for as Rangers breathe down the necks of long-time leaders Hearts.

German boss Rohl deserves plenty of plaudits for his rescue job - but which player has been the standout this season?

We want to know your choice for Rangers player of the year. Tell us here.

Rangers are expecting strong interest in Nicolas Raskin this summer but are determined to try to get at least one more season out of the 25-year-old Belgium midfielder, whose contract expires in 2028. (Football Insider), external

Former Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam has revealed he was interested in the St Mirren manager's job when Stephen Robinson left for Aberdeen. (The Herald), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, SNS

Rangers languished 13 points off league leaders Hearts when Danny Rohl was appointed in October. They're now one point back with five games to go and have the title in their own hands.

Rohl, whose side came back from two goals down to thrash Falkirk 6-3 on Sunday, says "months of development" is the key to their form.

The 36-year-old said: "I think you see now the group is growing and growing and this is not just the result from one week. I think this is a result of three or four months of development.

"We are still not at the end, and this is also good, but I like to see that we understand more and more. We can also switch the shapes now more quickly. This is what we have.

"The final five games are about tactics, but the most important thing is to have the right emotion."

Rangers host Motherwell in their first post-split fixture on 26 April, with the club using their free week for a warm-weather training camp in Spain.

Rohl added: "It's good to have the group together, the players together. To have a little bit of time for recovery, but also to work on some small details and it's also good to refresh the mind.

"I see a lot of benefits. I will have time with the board to speak about topics for the future. This is also nice to have and I think it goes in a good direction. The players should do something together as well. This is crucial.

"Motherwell will come and they want to play football with a lot of passes. It's a demanding game.

"We are growing with the belief, and you see in some moments in the pressing, if you go with belief in the pressing you have the chance to win balls.

"If you stay half-and-half and you don't know really, then you come too late and then you are not connected. This is what we have to improve on and we will and we did so far, but let's do the next game and this is an important one."

Image source, SNS

Former Scotland midfielder Charlie Adam reckons the three-way title race is too close to call and will come down to who can "hold their nerve the most" in the sprint to the finishing line.

With long-time leaders Hearts a point ahead of Rangers and three above stuttering champions Celtic, there are now just five rounds of fixtures remaining as the Premiership season enters the split.

Adam, who began his career Rangers, could make a case for any of the three sides going on to clinch what would be a momentous achievement.

"If you'd asked six weeks ago, there was an obvious winner, but now I think it's a flip of a coin," said the 40-year-old.

"I think it's week by week, game by game, and I think there's a lot of swings still to go in the title race.

"I didn't see Hearts being there at the start of the season and then I said I thought Hearts could win it and then they dropped points.

"Then Celtic were coming with a run, probably not playing as well as they feel they can, but they were picking up wins.

"And Rangers have just motored since Danny Rohl's came in, so I don't think you can really call anything.

"What a good thing it is for Scottish football that there's a bit of drama from now to the end of the season, and it's about who can hold their nerve the most."

With Celtic in Scottish Cup semi-final action against St Mirren this Sunday, Hearts and Rangers have both opted to go to abroad this week for their warm-weather training camps.

"I think it's good, it's an opportunity," said Adam.

"Hearts were looking to do that a few weeks ago and go to Dubai, but obviously, there was a problem to go there (with hostilities in the Middle East).

"And now both clubs have managed to do it. What I would say is I think they'd rather be playing here at Hampden in a semi-final.

"They've now got a chance to get the lads together, letting them relax a little bit, maybe a game of golf, a bit of dinner, just keeping them together.

"Because when you're in the training ground you don't spend as much time and you're going home and you're coming back.

"But when you're in there for four or five days, you're with everybody 24 hours a day, and it's a great way to keep camaraderie, get good team spirit and focus on the split."

Image source, SNS

Connor Barron is targeting a dream end to the season - Rangers winning the title and the midfielder on the plane to the World Cup.

The 23-year-old reckons "hungry" Rangers can finish top of the pile by taking advantage of the "great position" they are currently in, just one point adrift of Hearts with five post-split games to go.

Barron was sidelined for three months with a knee injury after making a strong start under Danny Rohl, but he has come on as a substitute in the club's past four games, all of which they have won.

"We've got a really strong group, we've come through a lot this season, and we're in a great position at the moment," Barron told Sky Sports., external

"We've definitely got the right mindset and everyone's pushing in the right direction. Everyone's hungry to win the league and hopefully we can go and do it.

"It's obviously the first time for me. It's something that this club thrives off, being in this sort of position.

"I was disappointed last season that we weren't up there and fighting for it, but we've got a massive opportunity ahead of us this season.

"It's one you want to be involved in and it's one that makes you hungry to go out there and perform and hopefully come away with a winner's medal around your neck.

"That would mean everything."

Alongside his club aspirations Barron, who won his sole Scotland cap last summer, is keen to impress national boss Steve Clarke during the run-in, with the aim of making the World Cup squad.

"I think I could bring my energy... composure on the ball and tenacity off it," he added.

"There are a lot of things within my game that I feel I could bring to the team.

"It's just down to me performing and getting in the door and hopefully playing."

Asked what the perfect end to the season would be, Barron adds: "It would be winning the league and getting on that plane to the World Cup."

Jamie Currie
Fan writer

Rangers were last to play at the weekend and it felt like the one many observers expected us to slip up on.

To be fair, so did I at 2-0 down after 26 minutes against Falkirk.

But you have to credit the manager. He made the big decisions at half-time and Rangers showed great mentality and ability to hit six goals away from home.

I honestly had the thought of writing 'that's why we are not really in a title race' at half-time on Sunday for this article.

But I have to admit now, going into the split, we are very much in it and have a right good chance.

Apart from the comeback, the 4-2-2-2 making an appearance in the second half helped the team a lot.

Bojan Miovski channelling his inner Andrius Velicka was a massive help along with Youssef Chermiti turning up in the big games again.

In the second half Nico Raskin was outstanding, and not just for his strike and assist. His energy along with Tochi Chukwuani in the middle of the park, nicking it and then springing transition moments, led to goals.

It felt like a statement win all things considered. However, I won't be getting carried away. With the team away in Spain for the week, I hope Tuur Rommens can get fit and Mikey Moore can rest his knock.

We aren't back in action until 26 April when we host Motherwell - and just like at Falkirk, we have to find a way to win.

Let's hope we see the two-striker system from the off as another opening 26 minutes like we saw at the Falkirk Stadium could prove fatal.

Rangers will host a meeting of Scottish Premiership clubs this month to discuss concerns over the standard of refereeing. (The Herald - subscription required), external

Former Rangers head coach Russell Martin is on a shortlist of candidates Bristol City will consider for next season. (Football League World), external

Read more: Tuesday's Scottish football gossip

Image source, SNS

Bojan Miovski says he is ready to play whatever part is needed to take Rangers to the title after helping his side to a huge win over Falkirk on Sunday.

The title hopefuls were trailing 2-1 at the break at the Falkirk Stadium when Miovski came on as a substitute and the striker bagged a double as Rangers produced a remarkable comeback to win 6-3.

His performance alongside Youssef Chermiti on Sunday prompted some pundits to suggest he should be starting matches in the league run-in, but Miovski says his focus is on being prepared to play and score whenever needed.

"Every player needs to be ready," he said. "I came on in the second half and helped the team.

"I'm always ready. If I start or come on in the second half or come on for five minutes, I'm always ready to give my all. It doesn't matter how many minutes I play.

"I work hard and wait for my chance. So when my chance comes, I'm ready to take it. Every striker wants to score goals and win titles. So, of course I would like to help the team to win the title."

The North Macedonia international says it is up to head coach Danny Rohl to decide if he plays as a lone striker or in a partnership, but he feels he has the ability to do either job for the team.

"In the previous clubs, I played with two strikers, I played alone," he said. "So, for me, it doesn't matter, just to play.

"Of course, it's helpful when you play with two strikers. It's like you have someone close to you who can help you.

"When you play alone, you are more waiting in the box and waiting for the wingers. But it's up to the coach to choose who he wants to start."

Image source, SNS

The Scottish Premiership's title contenders all won on the same weekend for just the second time this season, each finding a way to a vital three points to stay in the fight for the trophy.

Celtic got past St Mirren with a solitary goal at Parkhead, while Hearts came from behind to defeat Motherwell 3-1 in a cracker at Tynecastle.

That put the focus on Rangers on Sunday, and after Danny Rohl's side went two behind at Falkirk, they responded to win 6-3 in a remarkable game.

Those results kept the teams separated by just three points with five games to play, and former goalkeeper Cammy Bell thinks each side will have taken a boost from delivering under pressure.

He believes Rangers will be buzzing after avoiding a "banana skin", while Hearts found "huge, huge moments" to deliver late goals in their game.

And looking at all three contenders, he says they will all have the belief they can continue to stack up wins.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, the former Hearts and Rangers player said: "I think there will be different confidence levels within each club. But listen, you can break it down.

"It's difficult. They all won. And that's the main thing this weekend. They all got three points to move on and that's what they're going to have to do between now and the end of the season.

"It was a big win for Celtic on Saturday. They weren't probably at their best, but they get the job done. That's what it's going to be about between now and the end of the season; a bit of luck or a bit of magic.

"That's what you're looking for from your players. And trying to get three points because ultimately, if you can manage to do that most weeks, you'll end up top of the table and win the title.

"I think it's just made for a brilliant run into the end of the season with all three of them winning this weekend. It's so close, so tight and so difficult to call.

"There's going to be huge games coming up. We all know that it's going to be a blockbuster finish to the end of the season."

We asked for your views after Rangers fought back at Falkirk by scoring six times in a nine-goal thriller.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Sally: This team is hanging on to Hearts' tail feathers. If daft defensive errors can be addressed and they keep scoring the title is within their grasp. Bojan Miovski and Youssef Chermiti seem to have a good understanding. Dujon Sterling is the go-to right-back and Jayden Meghoma needs to be more switched on.

Louise: After the first half I feared the worst. With Hearts and Celtic both winning it was almost true to form we would be the ones to drop points. What a turnaround from Rangers in the second half - five goals in 16 minutes! I think the credit needs to go to Danny Rohl here.

Steven: We cannot start matches like this and expect to recover every time. I've said since the start of the season that our defence will be our undoing and that was almost the case. Some tweaks to the second-half line-up made the difference today, but other teams will be much harder to break down. Got to tighten up if we're going to have any chance at this title.

Ronnie: Not a 90-minute performance but a title-winning performance from Rangers. We were very poor for 45 minutes but got a break with our first goal to get back in the game. The second half we were magnificent. Miovski and Chermiti dispelled any doubts that they should lead the line for the final five games. Brilliant Rangers. We are the form team, we have the momentum.

David: What a game - blood pressure returning to normal thankfully. Not good for us 70-year-olds, Danny! Performance wise this was a near replica of last week and many other games this season. Dreadful first 45, different team after the break. Continue this and we will not win the league. At least three of the teams we face will put us in an unrecoverable position by half-time.

Fraser: I don't know what Rohl said to them at the break, but it certainly worked. Once again we see Rangers not switched on in the first half. Nico Raskin was outstanding and should be our next captain. Miovski should start every game as he is the only real striker we have.

Watch highlights as Rangers fight back from two down at Falkirk by scoring six times in a nine-goal Scottish Premiership thriller.

Available in UK only

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

Kelle Roos (Kilmarnock): Not the finest all-round performance but came up clutch deep into stoppage time to deny Dundee from the spot and save a potentially priceless point for Killie.

Alexander Jensen (Aberdeen): Pushed back a little bit but impressed at wing-back against Hibernian. Tanked up and down the touchline and coped well when Hibs were trying to put him under pressure.

Krisztian Keresztes (Dundee United): Admittedly, not the finest weekend for defenders, but the substitute hauled United level with an important header to allow them to push on for a late win against Livingston.

Will Ferry (Dundee United): And here's the man who set him up. Ferry also opened the scoring with a superb solo goal at Tannadice.

Hyun-jun Yang (Celtic): Few in green and white impressed in a narrow win over St Mirren at Celtic Park, but the South Korean showed up again.

Nicolas Raskin (Rangers): For his second-half showing at Falkirk. The Belgium international was like a man possessed after the break with an abundance of fight, quality and creativity on show. Displayed his very best as Rangers ripped Falkirk apart in a bonkers second 45.

Beni Baningime (Hearts): Back alongside Cammy Devlin in the engine room and back pulling the strings for Hearts. A classy performance - again - in the crucial win over Motherwell.

Emmanuel Gyamfi (Aberdeen): Outside his needless incident with Hibs striker Owen Elding, for which he was shown a yellow card after a VAR review, the wide man was Aberdeen's biggest threat in one of his better performances for the Dons. Hooked balls in at every chance he could, something Stephen Robinson will be desperate to see more of.

Sabah Kerjota (Hearts): Came on in the 66th minute and immediately became Hearts' set-piece taker, whipping in inviting deliveries - including one that led to the second goal. His cameo performances have impressed to the point there is clamour for him to start the upcoming Edinburgh derby over Alexandros Kyziridis.

Kevin Nisbet (Aberdeen): The man grateful for those deliveries from Gyamfi. Kept his cool from the spot against his former side before smashing the much-needed second over the line... just. Big, big goals and an equally impressive all-round performance.

Lewis Smith (Livingston): Doing all he can to keep Livingston in the league, chipping in with another two goals. Even if the Lions are relegated, which is increasingly likely, Smith should remain in the top flight. One wouldn't think he'd be short of suitors.

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds United forward Joel Piroe, 26, might leave the club this summer because of a lack of game time, with Rangers a likely destination. (Football Insider), external

"I don't think Celtic can win it," says pundit Chris Sutton of his former club's chances of defending their title. "It's out of Hearts and Rangers." (Sky Sports), external

Image source, SNS

Rangers head coach Danny Rohl told BBC Sportsound: "I'm proud of the outcome.

"The start was very difficult, not what we want. We needed to adapt to the conditions.

"The reaction from my group was crucial, to score to make it 2-1 before half-time. Second half was just one direction. We played forward, created a lot of chances.

"Three games in a row with 14 goals, shows how we want to play. It's a consequence of the last few months and weeks. I try to give my team calmness and belief.

"I showed them solutions, but it's about my players - they delivered today. They were very honest to each other at half-time.

"My group has quality, spirit, belief and mentality to go until the end."

Rangers remarkably recovered from going two goals down to score six times against Falkirk in a nonsensical nine-goal contest and move back within a point of Hearts in this absorbing Scottish Premiership title race.

Read the full match report here.

And have your say on a remarkable match here.

The Scottish Professional Football League is preparing for a potential Old Firm Premiership play-off should the title race end in a deadlock between Rangers and Celtic. (Daily Record, external)

Lawrence Shankland looks increasingly likely to stay at Heart of Midlothian until the end of the 30-year-old Scotland striker's current contract despite long-standing interest in his signature from Rangers. (Football Insider, external)

Image source, SNS

Rangers defender Jayden Meghoma has praised the work of head coach Danny Rohl with the club now in a "fantastic position to win the title".

When Rohl arrived at Rangers in October, following Russell Martin's sacking after a 1-1 draw at Falkirk, the club were 13 points behind league leaders Hearts.

Now, with six games to go, Rangers are just one point off top spot.

"Yeah, he's been instrumental to our success," Meghoma said of the boss.

"He's come in and he's changed things for all of us. You can see it in the group, you can see it with the fans. For us, it's just about pushing on and he's really helped us be in this position.

"From where we were at the start of the season to now is phenomenal. He and the team have put ourselves in a fantastic position to go on and win the title."

Meghoma, 19, is on loan from English Premier League outfit Brentford but has found himself second choice following the arrival of Tuur Rommens from Westerlo in the January window.

Rangers will be without Rommens this weekend through injury but Meghoma is relishing the competition.

"Healthy competition is always important for myself and for Tuur as well," the left-back added.

"So, to be honest with you, I've enjoyed it because it kind of pushes a different side of you and you kind of figure out what you have to do to get back into the team and that sort of thing.

"So, it's all a learning experience for me and I've enjoyed it.

"You can pick a lot of things from a lot of players and Tuur's obviously one of them.

"You learn things that he does from his past experiences and you look at what other players are doing around the team to kind of aid your game, essentially.

"But I think over the season a lot of players have kind of helped me with learning new things here and there."

Image source, SNS

Falkirk continue without Louie Marsh and Ethan Williams (both thigh) but have no other selection problems.

Rangers pair Ryan Naderi and Tuur Rommens miss out, while Andreas Skov Olsen and Mikey Moore are fitness doubts.