WINNING the Old Firm game was one thing, but following it up is a different challenge altogether. That is the one that Rangers now face.
Victory over Celtic last month saw Steven Gerrard’s side move level on points with their title rivals at the top of the Premiership standings as they ended the year on the ultimate high.
Now, after seeing their Scottish Cup clash with Cowdenbeath fall victim to the weather, Rangers will return to competitive action once again when they face Kilmarnock tomorrow night.
The break, and the 3-2 friendly win over HJK Helsinki on Sunday, was welcome for Gerrard and his players but winger Glenn Middleton knows they must pick up where they left off in the Premiership when they travel to Rugby Park.
He said: “It was good to get some more minutes in the legs after the winter break ahead of the game on Wednesday.
“The last few weeks have been frustrating after the Celtic game. We wanted to keep the good feeling going after that result. It was a massive win for us but we felt we could do it after the game.
“As much as it was frustrating the break was good for us because it was crazy with the fixtures before that. We want to kick on and get back to what we were doing before the break.
“We are all buzzing about the Celtic game, and although it is only three points, you know how much it means with everyone connected with Rangers.
“The result was a long time coming and it was a great feeling. It is important now we just try and keep the feelgood factor going.
“We all know what is required at this club in terms of you have to win every game you play.
“We know the games coming up will be tough but we are ready for it. We had to enjoy the Celtic game but that is in the past. We will take it game by game and see what happens.”
Middleton had to watch on from the bench as Ryan Jack netted the only goal of the game against Celtic but it was still an afternoon to savour for the 19-year-old.
It is one of many he has had. Given his chance to impress by boss Gerrard in the summer, he has gone from strength to strength as his debut season has unfolded impressively.
Rangers now have their sights set on the Premiership title and a Scottish Cup success in the second half of the campaign and Middleton is determined to play his part.
He said: “We were all given time off after the Celtic game and it was nice to just chill out for a while after a game like that.
“My family have just moved up so I spent some time with them and it was nice. I have had people coming up to me in the street since that Celtic game and everyone was happy about it.
“You can see how much it means to the fans to win that game. I have always been grateful the way the fans have treated me since I came in.
“We need to take things game by game but we feel we have a strong squad here.
“We know have some time between games to prepare better, where before it was always two games a week.
“I love just to play games but it took me a bit of time to get used to so many games in a short period of time. Now I have to make sure I take the chances I get in the team.
“The gaffer has brought in players for this window and for next season. I just have to make sure whenever I get a chance I take it.
“But at the end of the day it is a team game. We all want to win the league and trophies, so anyone of quality who can help us do that will be welcomed.
“We are all competing for a start in this team, but that’s what happens at a big club like Rangers. We push each other on every day but that helps you win things and that’s what we want to do.”
*Glenn Middleton was speaking as the Rangers Youth Development Company presented a cheque for £400,000 to Head of Academy Craig Mulholland. Profits from RYDC products such as Lotto and Rising Stars is directed to the youth department at the Hummel Training Centre and around £8million has been handed over in the last 17 years.
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