Rangers defender David Weir tried to allay any fears following the Light Blues' 3-2 defeat to Celtic at Parkhead on Sunday by stressing that the destiny of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title is still in their hands.
A first-half double by Scott McDonald was cancelled out by headers from the 37-year-old and a similar effort from Daniel Cousin.
However, a second-half penalty from former Ibrox youth team player Barry Robson took Celtic five points clear at the top of the SPL table although Rangers have three games in hand.
Weir, who is doubtful for the second leg of the UEFA Cup semi-final against Fiorentina in Florence on Thursday after picking up a groin injury, said: "We would have been delighted to win the game as well but we didn't, so we'll move on.
"The important thing is our destiny is still in our hands. We've got six league games left and we know we're still in control but we need to put some performances in.
"There are a lot of disappointed boys in the dressing room but we will respond to this in the right way.
"We have a lot of strong characters and time will tell if we have enough. It is up to us to keep up the fight."
Television replays indicated McDonald was offside before he scored the early opener for the home side but Weir refused to put too much emphasis on the decision.
He said: "I felt the player was off but I haven't seen the incident on television so I'm not sure what the situation is.
"But these things happen and not every decision is going to go your way.
"The referee just makes decisions based on what he sees at the time."
The Ibrox side must put their faltering title hopes on hold while they try and overcome Fiorentina on Thursday following their goalless draw at Ibrox last week.
The former Hearts and Everton defender is hoping to declare himself fit for the trip to Italy.
He said: "It's a groin injury. I felt it go midway through the first half and tried to play on but I couldn't in the end.
"I'll obviously find out more about the injury in time. I'll do my best to be fit because I want to play in midweek."
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