DARREN McGREGOR, the Rangers centre-half, has questioned the ability of Hearts to maintain their impressive unbeaten run if their lead at the top of the SPFL Championship is reduced.
McGregor and his team-mates - including Lewis Macleod, who has been released by Gordon Strachan - have the opportunity to move, albeit momentarily, closer to the capital club at the top of the second-tier table today.
Ally McCoist's side take on Alloa Athletic at Ibrox at 3pm this afternoon and, if they overcome their part-time opponents, they will be just one point behind.
Robbie Neilson's team, meanwhile, travel to face Falkirk in a game that kicks-off at 5.30pm and can restore their four-point advantage with a victory.
However, McGregor feels that the close proximity of the two teams, who will meet at Tynecastle a week today in the league, may make it difficult for the Edinburgh side. "Hearts have had a great season so far," admitted McGregor. "I can't say they've not done well. They've done amazingly well.
"The nucleus of players who played last season have now bedded in. I played against them with St Mirren and I think they are a better team this year than last year with the experience they've brought in.
"The big defender they've brought in [Alim Osturk] can shoot as well while Morgaro Gomis has settled things down in the middle of the park. I really do think they've done superbly well.
"But my question to them would be: 'When the pressure starts tightening and the points difference goes down, can they handle it?'
"It was up to nine at one point and now it's four and it could be down to one come 5pm on Saturday. All we can do is win games and apply the pressure.
"Of course it will put pressure on Hearts if we get it to a point. People will tell you they don't look at papers or their closest contenders. But the first thing you do after a game is look to see how your opposition have done. Hearts will be no different.
"This will be the first time in the last couple of months where they will really feel the pressure if we get it to a point. It's a totally different ball game when the pressure is on. We'll see how they deal with it.
"For me, the Alloa game is just as big as Hearts. We need to take three points and apply pressure and with Hearts kicking off after us, it gives us a chance to do that."
McGregor, who joined Rangers from St Mirren on a free transfer in the summer, has been an important player for his side who have now gone eight games unbeaten in all competitions.
He has played well in his favoured berth at centre-half alongside club captain Lee McCulloch and has helped keep six clean sheets. "The momentum we've gathered through the last eight games means confidence is high," he said. "We're training well, scoring and keeping clean sheets. That just builds. It will be a great occasion next week."
McGregor will be joined in the Rangers starting line-up at Ibrox this afternoon by Macleod, after the midfielder was given permission to play against Alloa by Scotland manager Strachan.
Macleod, who has trained with the full national squad for the first time this week, was not required for the Euro 2016 qualifier with the Republic of Ireland at Celtic Park last night.
McCoist has been heartened by the availability of the 20-year-old, after being told by the Rangers board that the match would go ahead despite having three of his players - Bilel Mohsni and Arnold Peralta are the other two - away on international duty.
McCoist said: "Lewis trained with us this morning and is in our squad for tomorrow. We are delighted that he is back because we want all our best players available.
"I had a chat with Gordon. He has been pleased with Lewis and his contribution. But, thankfully, he would like him to get a game at the weekend."
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