Kirk on the defence

[Boab]

KIRK BROADFOOT has toasted Rangers' defensive record as Walter Smith's men boast the best in the SPL.

And the Ibrox defender has vowed to keep that going as they attempt to remain ahead of Old Firm rivals Celtic in the championship race.

Goal difference currently separates the two clubs at the top of the table and by managing to concede just 19 goals in 27 league matches this season, the backbone for Rangers' title challenge this term lies with their defence.

Indeed, the Light Blues have only conceded three goals in their previous 12 matches and Broadfoot knows that has been an important factor in his side's resurgence during the last couple of months as they returned from the brink of handing the title to Celtic to pole position again.

"The back four has been playing well," acknowledged Broadfoot. "Madjid Bougherra and big Davie Weir more or less keep us together because they have been an outstanding partnership this year.

"Sasa Papac has done really well at left-back and Steven Whittaker has been good when he's come in at full-back too, so we're delighted when they clean sheets keep coming.

"And when we've got Allan MxGregor behind us shouting every minute you know you have to be on your toes.

"When you play regularly together I think you know what they are going to do and what you can expect from them all and that's helped us to have the best defensive record in the league.

"But from my point of view, and I'm sure from the coaching staff's perspective too, it could still be better.

"We came under a bit of criticism at one point during the season, but we still have the best defensive record in the division.

"I know that if we can continue to keep clean sheets and defend well there are players in front of us who can create and players up front that can scores us goals to win games.

"It's a bit of both that contributes to the good goal difference we have at the moment."

Speaking in the Rangers News, Broadfoot added: "Obviously if we score four and then go and concede three we wouldn't have such an advantage.

"So I think we're all happy that we're not conceding too many goals, but we also know that the team has to score goals.

"We know that if you don't score you won't win, but on the other hand there is always the fact that if you don't concede you can't be beaten."

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/displa...2493297.0.0.php