Rangers manager Stuart McCall confident his side can end season on a high note

Rangers manager Stuart McCall believes the battling spirit shown against Falkirk last weekend will stand his team in good stead as they bid to end the season on a high at Tynecastle on Saturday.

The Ibrox side no longer have their play-off destiny in their own hands after shipping two points in the 2-2 draw against the Bairns but McCall believes the manner of the fightback takes them into the final game of the season against Hearts in the right frame of mind.

Rangers, who scored two late goals to salvage what could prove to be a precious point against Peter Houston's side, trail play-off rivals Hibs by one point and a win for Alan Stubbs' side at Falkirk will guarantee them second spot no matter what happens in the Sky Live clash at the home of the champions.

Speaking to the Morning View on Sky Sports News HQ, McCall said: "We thought we would have to come to Tynecastle and win the game if we wanted to finish second so nothing has changed.

"We were disappointed with the result against Falkirk but really delighted with the endeavour and spirit we showed to get a draw after going two goals down. Obviously, we have it all to do this Saturday against the champions but we are really looking forward to it.

"We know it will be difficult. They are getting the league trophy after the game and they are deserving champions. But we have come a long way in a short space of time and have players playing in form and normally we look forward to going to Tynecastle as they are cracking games.

"Obviously we need Hibs not to win at Falkirk if we do win but I wouldn't put too much priority on that. Obviously we want to finish second to have two less games but it doesn't give you anything and there will be no celebration from us if we do finish second.

"What we need to do is go and have a really good strong performance going into the play-offs on Saturday and regardless of the results elsewhere, and our result, as long as we are in good mindset going into the play-offs the week after."

Asked if the fact Rangers have already lost twice this season to Queen of the South - the team which awaits the third-placed finisher - would have any bearing on the outcome of a showdown between the sides, McCall said: "It won't if it comes down to it.

"I was at both games. I was there when they lost 2-0 earlier in the season which was just a poor day and when we got beat there 3-0. But Queen of the South have been terrific. They are on a good run themselves but we will have no fears over who we face. If we have to play six games or four games then so be it.

"Both Queen of the South and Hibs will produce problems for us but I am sure we will also - at a packed Ibrox - create problems for them."   

Last weekend, club captain Lee McCulloch was booed by a section of the crowd towards the end of the draw with Falkirk, but McCall insists the reaction from the remainder of the fans shows the esteem he is held in at Ibrox.

'Frustration'

"Obviously at the time it was disappointing and sad to hear," added the former Motherwell manager. "There was a little bit of frustration creeping in but the good thing, and I think it helped us getting a point, was that after a couple of minutes of booing the biggest majority of fans turned them boos into claps and cheers and I think it helped everybody on the park to think they are behind us.

"The fans really kept it going until the end, as did the players, hence the 93rd-minute equaliser. Lee's an experienced guy who has been a great servant for Rangers Football Club and he will lead from the front. He is a captain." 

McCall was initially brought to the club in March on a short-term contract but after tasting just one defeat in 14 matches he admits he would like to remain in charge going into the next campaign after being able to put his stamp on the playing squad over the summer.

"When I came here I thought maybe I could help out until the end of the season and see where it goes but now I've been in the place it's fantastic. It's a great club to work for as you can imagine. 

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"I think next season there are 11 players out of contract and there will certainly be a bit of a clean sweep and new faces coming in. It will be sort of a new start regardless of what league Rangers are in and it's one now since I've been here that I would miss and I would love to be here longer.

"I am enjoying every minute, relishing every minute, but who knows what happens in the future." 

McCall was speaking at the club's Murray Park training facility where a group of young supporters had gathered to meet the players and watch them train as part of the Rangers Charity Foundation.

"It's quite a nice day here, thankfully, and afterwards they will all go back to Ibrox for a bit of lunch and to have a look around," he said. "We do this twice a year and it is something that we believe in strongly."

Watch Hearts take on Rangers at Tynecastle from midday Saturday on Sky Sports 5