Rangers boss makes title race prediction involving Hearts and Celtic as Ibrox star sends message to Jambo ace

Danny Rohl has made a prediction involving Hearts - as the Rangers head coach gears up for a title fight.

The Light Blues have inserted themselves back into the Premiership glory picture, sitting six points behind the Jambos, who are in first place. They have undergone a form surge since the German boss’ arrival and have made signings in midfielder Tochi Chukwuani, left-back Tuur Rommens and winger Andreas Skov Olsen is also due to arrive.

They face Annan Athletic in the Scottish Cup fourth round as Hearts play Falkirk, and Rohl has provided a transfer update ahead of that. In his pre-match briefing, he made a title declaration, insisting the battle between his side, Hearts and current champions Celtic will go down to the wire.

Danny Rohl’s title race prediction

Rohl said: "I cannot tell you exactly the number, but we are still looking for some more positions. I think this is not a secret with the injury of Connor (Barron). It changed a little bit also what we need as well in this position. We have strong players, we have with Chukwuani a new one, but there's still a long way to go and we have to make sure that our midfield is strong."

"Yeah, it's funny because we have spoke about the pre-season, we had a meeting about the camps and the friendly games, all these things,. And then finally I said, yeah, my belief at the moment is we will have on the last matchday maybe a race with three teams and you can be top, you can be second, you can be third.

"It's nice for the supporters. And for us, we have to prepare, we have to work on it. I think in the last weeks we have worked hard to have such a situation. But we know as well, there's still 16 games to go, where you have to deliver again and again - and let's see what we can do."

Rangers goalkeeper on Craig Gordon

Back-up Rangers goalkeeper Liam Kelly will hope for minutes against lower-league side Annan Athletic, as he looks for a spot in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the World Cup this summer. Craig Gordon at Hearts sent another reminder of his enduring class last weekend with a game-saving denial of Dundee in a 1-0 Jambos win at Dens Park, as he bids for Clarke’s selection.

Kelly joked: “Maybe people will stop talking about his age like it has any relevance to anything! If he was 24 and making that save you’d say it’s amazing. The fact he’s 43 doesn’t matter, he’s an amazing goalkeeper, I’ve said before that I think he can play forever. It’s like he’s made that save and it’s a reflection on all of us who’s younger because he’s still amazing at 43, it’s not our fault he’s still that good, like give us a break! I can’t speak highly enough of him. That will be great, obviously, if the manager selects me, I will be delighted to play again as I know how difficult it is to get one game for Rangers. Coming through the academy is a real privilege if you get one game.

“It is a game that we will be taken absolutely 100% seriously. We know Annan are capable of having some good results. Obviously, they beat East Kilbride around the Christmas period as well, who are really good in their league. Every chance you get to play, I am really grateful. If I am selected, then I will be delighted.”