Motherwell v Rangers preview: Graeme Murty wants fight back after two defeats
Saturday 31 March 2018 12:45, UK
Graeme Murty has urged his Rangers side to fight back at Motherwell on Saturday (kick-off 12.30pm) after they suffered two successive defeats in the Scottish Premiership.
The Gers lost 3-2 to Celtic in the Old Firm derby before a 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock before the international break, and will be looking to close the ten-point gap on their Glasgow rivals at Fir Park.
And Murty has backed his side to get back to winning ways, saying: "We have had two setbacks but the measure of the team will be how we bounce back. We won't allow our season to be defined by one or two games.
"We got knocked back but this won't stop the positive momentum moving forward. We were flat against Kilmarnock and they took advantage but it is up to us to bounce back in the correct fashion tomorrow.
"The players are fully aware and prepared for the challenge that Motherwell will provide. It is up to us to stand up to them physically and then to be able to go and play."
Despite a break for international football, Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson says the intensity has not dropped in his side after they drew 0-0 with Celtic last time out.
"We've had a good week so we're well prepared for the Rangers game," he said. "There's been a bit of an edge in training and I've said it before but it's never been a problem trying to motivate the boys, I have to actually hold them back sometimes.
"They've trained really, really well, and I've got a few problems with selection as well which is good."
Team news
Rangers have received a triple boost ahead of the game with Graham Dorrans, Jordan Rossiter (both ankle) and Ross McCrorie (foot) have all rejoined the squad following spells out injured.
However, Lee Wallace has suffered a slight set-back in his bid to shake off a groin problem, meaning he remains out alongside David Bates (ankle) and Ryan Jack (knee).
Motherwell striker Nadir Ciftci has been ruled out with an ankle knock but is confident of making Tuesday's clash with Aberdeen.
Allan Campbell is a fitness doubt after picking up a knock on Scotland U21 duty but Cedric Kipre is available after overturning his red card against Celtic and Liam Grimshaw is closing in on a return from a groin problem.
Andy Rose (knee) remains out, along with long-term absentees Craig Tanner (knee), Peter Hartley (foot) and Ellis Plummer (broken leg).
Opta stats
Motherwell have failed to beat Rangers in their previous 39 attempts in the top flight (D10 L29), with their last victory coming back in December 2002 (1-0).
Rangers are enjoying an 18-game unbeaten run on the road against Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership (W12 D6), keeping nine clean sheets in the process, winning each of the previous six.
The Steelmen have lost just one of their previous five league matches on home soil (W2 D2), despite failing to score in their previous two matches at Fir Park.
Rangers have won four consecutive away matches, netting 13 times in the process - no side has scored as many away goals as Rangers in the competition (36).
Josh Windass has been directly involved in 13 away goals for Rangers this season in the Scottish Premiership, a league high (nine goals, four assists).
