Bocanegra backs Rangers to finish with a bang

Rangers defender Carlos Bocanegra has backed his team to bounce back from their Old Firm disappointment and end their torrid season on a high.

The Ibrox club, which is in financial crisis off the pitch, suffered more misery on it when Glasgow rivals Celtic handed them a heavy 3-0 defeat in Sunday's derby.

Rangers are still searching for a new owner after former chairman Craig Whyte placed the club in administration in February over a £9 million unpaid tax bill but their debt could total over £100 million depending on the verdict of a current tax tribunal case.

With the threat of liquidation and the possible loss of their place in the Scottish Premier League hanging over the club the mood in the Rangers camp is low as they prepare to face Dundee United at Ibrox on Wednesday.

But despite their loss to Celtic American international Bocanegra is confident his team can recapture the form that helped them secure four victories on the bounce prior to their disastrous trip to Celtic Park.

"We come back home now and we have a couple of games to prepare for against Dundee United and Motherwell.

"We'll want to do well in those two for our fans who have been great all year through these tough times.

"So hopefully we can return to winning ways and stay positive as it's a big week for the club both on and off the pitch."

Manager Ally McCoist will be without captain Steven Davis through injury while Kyle Lafferty has been suspended for a breach of club discipline.

Celtic face St Johnstone at Parkhead on Thursday night.

The Hoops clinched the Scottish Premier League at the beginning of April and hold a 21 point lead over Rangers, who were docked 10 points for entering administration in February, after their Old Firm win.

There had been some suggestions that Celtic's first title win in four years had been devalued because of Rangers points deduction.

But manager Neil Lennon dismisses these claims and says his side have been worthy champions.

"They have answered all the questions and showed they were worthy champions," he said. "We have lost one game in the league since October.

"There have been people inside and outside the game who've said that this is devalued but the only way it's tainted is if you cheat to win it - and we've done nothing wrong.

"We have played the best football, scored the most goals, conceded the least goals, and have the best disciplinary record in the league, so I think we're worthy champions."

Also on Wednesday, relegation threatened Hiberian take on Aberdeen at Pittodrie, bottom club Dunfermline, who are three points away from safety, are away to Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Kilmarnock host St Mirren.

On Tuesday, Motherwell defeated Hearts 1-0 at Tynecastle.

Fixtures

Wednesday

Aberdeen v Hibernian, Inverness CT v Dunfermline, Kilmarnock v St Mirren, Rangers v Dundee United

Thursday

Celtic v St Johnstone

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