Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland has admitted that their title hopes may be over following last Sunday’s demoralising home defeat to Motherwell.
Butland was at fault for the Steelmen’s opener and received criticism for his overall performance.
Jack Butland calls for perfection
However, the former England international is keen to put full focus on today’s trip to face league leaders Hearts at Tynecastle.
“It’s been quite simple, we probably need to win all four,” he admitted.
“But winning all four still might not be enough.
“That’s the reality.”
Calling for perspective
He did call for supporters to remember the early season struggles under Russell Martin and the effort put in to claw the gap back from 13 to the current four points.
“We’ve been resilient, fought back from where we were,” Butland said.
“We’re in a position now where we can have a really good season and it starts against Hearts.
“What happened before goes out the window, now it’s about bringing home what the fans expect.
“We have to treat it like [it’s a must win] there’s no point thinking a draw is okay.”
Biggest test yet at Tynecastle
Hearts are unbeaten at Tynecastle this season and could equal a near 50-year-old record for most wins against the Old Firm with three points today.
However, Butland sees weakness in Derek McInnes’s side that the Gers can exploit.
“They’re a great side… top of the league for a reason,” he admitted.
“We need to try and exploit some weaknesses.
“It’s everything, an opportunity to win the ultimate prize.
“We need to win the game, but it’s only a start.”
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The reality facing Rangers now is that victory at Tynecastle would keep their hopes alive, but it would only be the beginning of an unforgiving run-in.
A trip to Parkhead awaits next Sunday to face Celtic, before two final fixtures where any remaining gap to Hearts must be overturned.
Even perfection may not be enough, but anything less than it will end the race today.
