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Smith expecting tight finish to SPL season

08/05/2008

Rangers manager Walter Smith has admitted he expects every game in the Scottish Premier League title run-in to be a tight one.

Smith was speaking after his side's nervy 1-0 win over Motherwell last night, which came about only after captain Barry Ferguson had netted a superb winner in the 74th minute.

The three points put Rangers to within four points of league leaders Celtic with two games in hand over their Old Firm rivals.

And the Gers boss said the rest of the domestic campaign is all about his side holding their nerve in what will be four more tense matches over the next two weeks.

"That's the type of game we are going to get between now and the end of the season. It's been happening in our other matches as well, they have all been tight," he said.

"Everyone in the top six has something to play for at the present moment and that's reflected in how close the games are.

"For the first time in two years the championship is being fought out and below that four teams are vying for the one European place.

"The games are going to be tough and we keep lifting ourselves. That's the one thing I'll say about my team.

"I'm proud of the way they play. There wasn't much in the first half but we dominated in the second half and they always lift themselves and put in a great deal of effort."