Smith proud of Gers' efforts May 08 2008
Rangers manager Walter Smith insists he has no concerns about his players' nerves as a dramatic season edges towards its climax.
A Barry Ferguson goal in the 73rd minute was enough to secure a much-needed win over Motherwell to haul the Govan club back into the title race.
They now sit four points adrift of leaders Celtic with two games in hand.
Anything less than a victory at Ibrox on Wednesday night would have given the advantage to their bitter rivals and taken the destination of the trophy out of the Gers' hands.
Despite plenty of vocal encouragement, the tension from the crowd was tangible and appeared to affect the players at times.
But Smith insisted: "The crowd are bound to get a little bit nervous and the players are bound to get a little bit nervous.
"If you can show me something that's worth winning without getting nervous for, well, then it's not really worth winning.
"The crowd were great tonight. They got behind the team and that helped in the second half of the game."
Smith did not believe his side were galvanised by off-field decisions that have gone against them in the last couple of days.
The Scottish Premier League refused to postpone Saturday's game against Dundee United to allow more preparation for next week's UEFA Cup final.
"That's happened, it's over with now, and we get on with it," said Smith.
Following this closely-fought match with the Steelmen, Smith has predicted more of the same in the four remaining SPL matches.
He said: "That's the type of game we are going to get between now and the end of the season.
"It's been happening in our other matches as well, they have all been tight.
"Everyone in the top six has something to play for at the present moment and that's reflected in how close the games are.
"For the first time in two years the championship is being fought out and below that four teams are vying for the one European place.
"The games are going to be tough and we keep lifting ourselves. That's the one thing I'll say about my team.
"I'm proud of the way they play. There wasn't much in the first half but we dominated in the second half and they always lift themselves and put in a great deal of effort."
Motherwell boss Mark McGhee believes the Ibrox outfit will emerge triumphant in the title race - if they keep producing similar results and performances.
He said: "Rangers, by winning tonight, maintain their advantage in terms of points they can achieve.
"It was a big result for them. I think if they play like that and take that into their remaining games, they will win their remaining games."
And he insisted Well's own hopes of finishing third and claiming a UEFA Cup slot for next season had not been dented by the defeat in Glasgow.
"It wasn't in the least bit damaging," said McGhee. "If we win on Saturday, I think we've got the European place so that's what we have been focusing on.
"I'd expect Celtic and Rangers to take care of Hibs and Dundee United and that would see us over the line.
"All we have to do, hard task as it is, is win against Aberdeen on Saturday and we will be third."