Rangers' luck turning under Graeme Murty, says Jason Holt
Thursday 14 December 2017 13:49, UK
Jason Holt thinks Rangers' luck has finally turned around after they survived a Hibernian fight-back at Easter Road to win 2-1.
The Ibrox side had to batten down the hatches as Neil Lennon's outfit threw everything at them during Wednesday night's clash but goals from Josh Windass and Alfredo Morelos secured the three points.
Holt confessed his team had to rely on a major stroke of fortune to secure their fourth straight victory.
Lennon was left fuming after the match when Rangers substitute David Bates got away with what he thought was a "blatant" handball in the penalty area, while wide-man Brandon Barker hit the post twice among a series of chances that went begging for the hosts.
But Holt insists Graeme Murty's men were deserving of the break after experiencing a lack of fortune throughout the campaign.
"We probably had a wee bit of luck on our side," said the 24-year-old. "The second half we were under a bit of pressure but sometimes you need a bit of luck in this game.
"Previously this season we've not had that luck but this time we got it. That win says a lot about the belief in the squad right now.
"That belief has been really evident over the past two or three weeks and especially during the second half at Easter Road when we had to dig in massively and show real determination. I think the spirit saw us through.
"Since Murts has come in, all the boys have enjoyed working under him. We always give him 100 per cent and that's all you can ask.
"I'd have preferred it had we got the ball down and passed it a bit more against Hibs but sometimes you need to show the other side of the game and that was the case. It wasn't pretty but we're really happy to come away with the three points."
Holt was full of praise for Jamie Barjonas, who deputised for the suspended Ryan Jack, the 18-year-old making his first start of the season against fourth-placed Hibs, alongside Ross McCrorie.
But Holt said: "I was really impressed with Barjo, I thought he did really well. He was chucked into a really difficult game in front of a big crowd away at Easter Road. But I thought he handled himself really well and showed real maturity."
