Walter admits Gers are up against it to clinch title after Fir Park draw

May 18 2008 By Mark Guidi

WALTER SMITH last night admitted Rangers face an uphill battle to pip Celtic to the SPL title.

Gers dropped two vital points at Motherwell yesterday after Chris Porter cancelled out Christian Dailly's opener.

The draw leaves the Ibrox club trailing the Hoops by three points although they still have a game in hand against St Mirren tomorrow night.

But Celts are also seven goals better off so Smith knows his side are up against it.

A convincing win at Love Street would set up a thrilling last round of fixtures on Thursday with Gers heading to Pittodrie and Celtic playing at Tannadice.

However, the Ibrox boss knows his side won't get an easy ride against the Buddies after seeing Well fight them all the way.

Smith said: "We started the game well today then Motherwell came back into it towards the end of the first half.

"We also started the second half well and had a great chance to make it 2-0. Daniel Cousin was through but didn't take it.

"That gave Motherwell a bit of a lift. They played much better in the second half and we didn't do enough to get the second.

"The goal we conceded was also a sloppy one.

"This result leaves us three points behind and also trailing by seven goals.

"We now go to St Mirren and the first thing on our minds will be just to win.

"It won't be easy for us. If the effort the Motherwell players put in today is anything to go by the three games the Old Firm have left will be anything but straightforward.

"There is still a lot of football to be played but it will be difficult for us to overturn the goal difference and also get the six points from our games.

"At this stage of the season it is not just a case of turning up to simply collect the points. We all know that."

Smith made five changes to the side that lost to Zenit St Petersburg in the UEFA Cup Final last week.

And the Ibrox gaffer - who will be without the suspended Carlos Cuellar at Love Street-claimed he needed some fresh legs.

He said: "We've had so many games that you have to try to freshen it up.

"When we came back from Fiorentina we dropped two points at Hibs and the same has happened today after the final. I think maybe the lack of continuity has cost us.

"However, we have to pick ourselves up and go to Paisley and win.

"Away games are never easy and St Mirren won't be sitting back to allow us the points. There's no doubt about that.

"That will also be the case for us at Aberdeen and for Celtic at Dundee United.

"All we can do is win our two remaining games by as many goals as possible and see where that leaves us."