RANGERS returned to winning ways at the weekend with an emphatic 4-0 drubbing of Hibs and LINDSAY HERRON gives his analysis of what it means to Ally McCoist and his squad.

THERE was a glowing ambiance to Ally McCoist on Saturday night as Rangers ended one of the more difficult weeks of recent times in highly satisfactory fashion.

He had just spoken at length in the Ibrox dressing room, commending his players on a thoroughly professional and clinical job as Hibs were defeated 4-0.

And he looked a happier man when he emerged to carry out his normal post-match media duties.

The victory hardly constitutes a cure-all, but it was most welcome for Rangers who took a bit of a battering on all fronts in the build-up to the game.

As far as many pundits, journalists, broadcasters and phone-in callers were concerned the SPL trophy should be handed back with haste.

The clear view was that Rangers have no chance of holding onto the Championship they have won for each of the last three seasons.

Well, the race is certainly not over yet - even if major difficulties remain.

It was a small step on Saturday, but closing the gap with Celtic to one point was a significant one. Equally, goal difference was improved and we all know how important that has been in recent dramatic SPL finales.

Celtic play their game in hand on Wednesday, February 8 when they go to Tynecastle and they have lost there on two of their previous three visits.

You would make them favourites to defeat Hearts that night, but if they fail to do so then it would be of great benefit to McCoist and his men.

There is no doubt that the manager is stretched in terms of resources but he is certainly not stretched in terms of resilience either within himself or within his backroom team and players.

The abuse hurtled at Rangers for daring to take some players on trial last week was quite vicious at times.

What is the manager supposed to do? He needs to look at what is available and yet the club is savaged for failing to complete any deals.

There is no doubt that losing any of his top players in the next couple of days would he tough - it would be the same for any manager.

However, those who write off McCoist and Rangers do so at their peril.

If the Light Blues can navigate a successful voyage through three SPL victories until the end of March they will be in a position to strike.

Players like Kyle Lafferty and Steven Whittaker will be back by then and Rangers have been over the course before when the race reaches the final furlong.

The catalyst to it all might just be Sone Aluko. Again, the move to bring him was treated with disdain in certain quarters but for me he has made these people eat their words with his performances.

He was excellent on Saturday and showed magnificent technique with his free kick which effectively sealed the match.

I have the feeling he will be a huge character in the remaining four months of the season.

Follow Lindsay on Twitter - @rfc_lindsay