Kieran Dowell reacts to the Rangers injury crisis and insists NOTHING will derail them from mission

Kieran Dowell insists the Old Firm injury crisis won’t derail the Rangers Christmas charge to the top of the Premiership.

Philippe Clement’s side have bulldozed their way back into the title race and are now just two points behind leaders Celtic – with a game in hand and the top two colliding next weekend. But the Belgian boss is also fighting fires with John Lundstram the latest to land on the crock list after being on the end of a Diallang Jaiyesimi horror tackle in Wednesday’s win against St Johnstone.

Frontman Danilo needs surgery and is out long term while Kemar Roofe suffered yet another setback when he limped off after barely quarter of an hour in the crucial victory. Gers are already dealing with the absence of anchormen Ryan Jack, Nico Raskin, Jose Cifuentes, Tom Lawrence and Steven Davis – with full back Dujon Sterling being shifted in recent weeks.

Dowell can also do a job in a deeper role and he came through against Saints on his first start since August. The former Norwich City star is convinced the Gers squad can cope – because Clement has forged a strong group mentality.

Dowell said: “There are lads who don’t usually play in those positions who have stepped up. It could potentially happen again, because you don’t know what is around the corner.

“The manager has made a big things about the squad being together. That’s really helped us during tough times, when it’s been a crisis if you like and we’ve had a few injuries.

“When you have those moments it brings you together as a squad – 100 percent. When you know there are tired legs out there, it does help you pull through when you are all in it together as a team.

“The leaders we have like Connor Goldson, John Souttar, James Tavernier, they get you through