HUTTON: WE'RE STILL A BIG DRAW IN RACE

ALAN HUTTON insists Rangers are still on the right track and will roar back despite failing to win for the first time under new boss Walter Smith.

The Ibrox men couldn't make it a hat-trick of victories since Smith took over as Hearts held them to a scoreless draw.

It was a missed opportunity to win three games in succession for the first time this season and to make matters worse Aberdeen and Hibs, the other challengers for second spot in the SPL, both recorded wins. Hutton believes there are plenty of positives and the full-back said: "It was a bit disappointing not to pick up all three points as we have been playing well recently.

"With Aberdeen and Hibs winning it adds a bit of pressure. We wanted to win and keep this consistency up so it's a bit hard to take.

"But we'll bounce back from this. We've been playing well so I'm sure we'll be fine. Hopefully we can pick up for the next game away to Kilmarnock in a couple of weeks."

Barry Ferguson had the ball in the net late on but it was ruled offside and Ibrox boss Smith later said the decision looked "dubious" from his view in the dug-out.

Hutton reckons luck was against the home side on a few occasions. In the first half he ran through on goal only for striker Kris Boyd to be flagged offside despite not interfering with play. The defender said: "We had a few good chances, obviously we got the ball in the net through Barry but it didn't count.

"There were a couple of offside decisions but that's what you have to deal with. We didn't have the luck today.

"There was a decision when I went through. I was offside but the other player wasn't interfering with play so that was a bit hard but you need to get on with it."

Rangers now have a free week having been knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Dunfermline in the third round.

They will next be in action in the SPL when they travel to Rugby Park for a tricky game against Kilmarnock.

Hutton insists it is vital to get back to winning ways as soon as possible and said: "There is a real confidence within the squad and everyone is enjoying working under the new manager and with Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall. We now have a couple of weeks to get out on the training ground and the manager can continue to get his ideas across.

"The new management team have given everyone a real lift and you've have been able to see that.

"While we were unable to take three points you could still see we dominated and have improved on some of our displays this season."

Taken from the Sunday Mail