FASHION SAKALA is confident Rangers will thrive under the Ibrox spotlight this term as the champions seek to defend their Premiership crown.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side left it late on Wednesday night as a Scott Arfield strike clinched a hard-fought victory at home to Livingston.

Rangers would frustrate the Ibrox crowd with a lacklustre showing but the moans and groans turned to cheers as their four point lead over Celtic was maintained.

Sakala said: "Such a kind of pressure is something that I expect, especially playing for such a big club.

"The fans always expect for us to score early and if you don’t score in 10, 15 minutes they think that maybe we are not doing well. But we are always pushing and we know that we will get goals.

"We always believe in each other. The main important thing is to get three points. It is always hard when you get the pressure from the fans.

"It is nice, they push us keep working hard and get the three points. The fans always expect us to win, which is very special. I am very happy that we are giving them what they deserve."

Rangers will aim to keep up their unbeaten run under Van Bronckhorst's guidance when they make the trip to face Ross County on Saturday.

A hugely significant Old Firm clash is then next on the agenda as the champions look to move another step closer to retaining their top flight title.

Sakala said: "I think we always have to challenge ourselves. Last season, the club won the title and it was a very big motivation to get back to winning ways.

"Now we have to maintain it and get another trophy. I think it is special for us but the most important thing is the character that we have in the team and the winning character.

"I am very proud and happy with the team. The boys in the dressing room have one goal. The only goal that we have is to win."