Rangers inspired by league snub fury

Football

Captain Barry Ferguson kept Rangers on target for the league title with a goal against Motherwell last night

Ferguson strike keeps Rangers on title course

Thursday, May 08, 2008

By Steven Beacom

Rangers star Charlie Adam has suggested that the Scottish Premier League's decision to refuse to extend the season inspired them to keep their title dreams alive.

Walter Smith's side squeezed past Motherwell 1-0 last night, thanks to a late goal from captain Barry Ferguson, on what was a tense evening. at Ibrox.

The result means that the destination of the SPL title remains in the hands of the Teddy Bears.

They are four points behind league leaders Celtic, who have two games left, but crucially Rangers have four games left. If they win them all the championship will go to Ibrox.

Having already won the CIS Cup, Rangers, in the finals of the UEFA Cup and Scottish Cup, are on course for an astonishing quadruple.

They are in for a busy period from here until the end of the season - with six matches between now and May 24 - though with Rangers fuming that the SPL did not extend the season to help their bid to claim European honours.

Midfielder Adam, who returned for Rangers as a substitute last night after injury, revealed today that Smith's men had plenty of incentive against a determined Motherwell team.

"We used recent events to motivate us," said Adam.

"We have already won a cup and there are still three trophies to be won. We know it's going to be tough but we have had tough encounters throughout the season and we've come through the other side.

"We've got a fantastic team spirit in the dressing room. It's important that we're all together and we are.

"We will fight and scrap for each other and we have shown that again. We are looking forward to the end of the season.

"We just want to dominate and win games. We have six games to go and we will look to win every game.

"We are looking forward to the challenge."

On making his comeback after it looked as though his season was over due to a knee injury Adam said: "It was a fantastic opportunity for me to come on and I was very happy I managed to get that.

"When the injury happened there was a bit of worry that I could be out for the season but the physios have really helped me and I've worked hard myself.

"Five weeks is a long time to be out and I've missed some fantastic matches but there are still fantastic matches to come between now and the end of the season."

Next up for Rangers is a home game with Dundee United in the SPL on Saturday before thousands upon thousands of fans will make the trip to Manchester for next Wednesday's UEFA Cup final against Dick Advocaat's Zenit St Petersburg at the Eastlands stadium.