Rangers centre-back John Souttar says fans have a right to question the team’s mentality after losing a two-goal lead to Celtic but asked to be judged at the end of the season.
Two goals from Youssef Cermiti ended Rangers’ dominant first half, but Celtic hit back after the break through Kieran Tierney and Leo Hatt.
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It means Rangers, who have drawn four of their last six games at a crucial moment in the season, are six points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian and could drop to third place on Wednesday if Celtic beat Aberdeen.
“Of course, it’s going to be a question,” Souttar responded when asked about Rangers’ mentality heading to the line.
“What I can say is we need to be judged at the end of the season because there are nine games left and if I were a fan just watching the game I would be asking the same question. It’s natural.
“But, for me, we have to keep a clean sheet for the next nine games. We have to stand up, we have to win, we can’t afford mistakes.
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“Obviously Hearts are six points ahead so it’s up to them and we have to hope they drop points and we have to win every game. But I would say ask us at the end of the season and judge us.”
Rangers were also accused of slacking off in the draw with Motherwell at Fir Park, conceding a late goal despite the hosts being reduced to 10 men.
Danny Rohr’s side’s momentum came to a screeching halt after a thrilling win over Hearts at Ibrox as they dropped points to bottom side Livingston – who have won just once all season.
Souttar says Rangers need to replicate the quality they showed in the first half of the Old Firm derby in their final nine league games.
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The 29-year-old Scotland former Hearts defender said: “The crowd was on their feet and we were playing fast, aggressive football in their half, which we did at home against Hearts.”
“But we have to do it throughout the game. 45 to 50 minutes is meaningless.
“We have to keep that going the whole game and yeah, sometimes we can’t do that the whole game.”
Celtic are also Rangers’ next opponents, with Sunday’s Scottish Cup quarter-finals again at Ibrox.
Soutar added: “Celtic are a good team, they have the ball at times and when they play their game, it’s important that we are more experienced and that we get into form, it’s difficult for us to play well.”
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