Rangers’ title hopes ‘long way but not impossible’, says head coach Danny Rohl

Rohl praised Nedim Bajrami’s impact on Wednesday against Dundee United. The Albania international scored Rangers’ added-time penalty to secure a 2-2 draw at Tannadice, having recently returned to the starting line-up.

“Yeah, he deserved it,” said Rohl. “That was as well a big message to my group, that it was a guy who trained really hard, he was not talking, he was waiting for the opportunity and then he was there and took the opportunity.

“He played too often to the right in not-so-dangerous areas and now in this game he was much, much more in the half position. It helped a lot, it showed me that he was listening.

“He gives us, especially in the offensive, calmness on the ball but also some good decision making, and it helps to speed up our game and create more and more chances.”

Fellow midfielder Mikey Moore could return to Rangers’ squad on Saturday, but defender Dujon Sterling, who has been in recent squads following an Achilles injury, will not be risked on the Rugby Park artificial pitch.

Former Sheffield Wednesday boss and one-time Germany assistant Rohl was asked when he last coached a team on a synthetic surface and replied: “In the academy.”

He explained he will rely on his players who “know the pitch better” and says Rangers will have to be positive.

“A lot of teams before won there,” he added. “This is also the mindset, not looking for excuses, take the points and go home.”

Meanwhile, Scotland defender John Souttar’s return from a muscle complaint will be “maybe around the the Celtic game” on 3 January, said Rohl.