Kevin Thomson insists Rangers 'bloody nose' DOESN'T leave Premiership title hopes in critical condition

Kevin Thomson accepts that Rangers were given a bloody nose in the title race.

But he's backed Philippe Clement's side to recapture the form they showed prior to defeat against Celtic and cut the gap back down to two points. The Belgian suffered his first defeat as Light Blues boss after Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo goals at Parkhead gave Brendan Rodgers' side a 2-1 derby victory, James Tavernier adding a late consolation for Gers, who had Leon Balogun sent off.

But Thomson insists his former side can refocus quickly and put the pressure back on the Hoops chasing them down again. The Ibrox club have two games in hand on the leaders and while Saturday's loss means they can't hit the Premiership summit this week, the Hoops will feel their rivals' breath on their necks if the Govan outfit can come out on top in both, starting at home to an in-form Kilmarnock team in midweek.

"The games are easier said than done," he told Sky Sports. "You'd rather have the points in the bag, of course you would. You're taking on a really good Celtic team with a lot of players n that squad who have won titles.

"They've got a catalyst in Callum McGregor who knows the standards and drives everything. Even if he has a poor game - you think back to a Scott Brown who might not have had his best game, but he's a leader. He set standards every day and I think that's really important.

"The belief that Rangers have grown since Michael Beale left and Clement came in is there for everybody to see. But the harsh reality is that the fans will be hurting and the players will be hurting.

"Yesterday, Celtic left with a clean sweep really and Rangers left with a bloody nose. It's up to them to try and pick themselves up for a big game against Kilmarnock, who are