Oliver Antman insists resurgent Rangers are confident but not cocky as they eye a potential league and cup double this season. Danny Rohl’s side have clawed themselves back into a title race that seemed out of reach when the German was appointed in October. The Light Blues were 13 points behind leaders Hearts when Rohl took charge, but now face a huge week that could end with them top of the Premiership.
To achieve that, they must secure back-to-back wins over Motherwell and Hearts. After an eight-goal rampage against Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup fifth round, setting up a last-eight clash with Celtic, Antman says belief is soaring. He said: 'Yeah, I think we have the team to do that. At the moment we are really confident, but we have to remember where we were at the start of the season. We cannot be cocky.'
The Finland international praised Rohl for restoring confidence: 'The manager has done an incredible job getting the confidence back in the team. That’s the biggest thing.' Antman made his first start since injury in Sunday’s cup win. The Ibrox side now sit three points behind Hearts with a game in hand, after a run of nine wins and a draw in their last ten domestic matches.
Antman never doubted Rangers could turn things around despite a nightmare start under Russell Martin. He said: 'I did think it was possible because football changes quickly. A lot is about confidence. Once you start getting good wins, things pick up. It’s a real possibility that by the end of next week we’re top of the table.' He added that new signings have improved the squad and the team is peaking at the perfect moment.
