Graeme Murty not thinking about title tilt despite closing gap on Celtic

Graeme Murty sidestepped the notion of a Ladbrokes Premiership title race after Rangers moved to within six points of leaders Celtic with a convincing 2-0 win over Hearts.

Jambos keeper Jon McLaughlin was in terrific form at Ibrox but even he could not keep out Jamie Murphy's fine solo goal before the break and an 88th-minute effort by defender Russell Martin.

Celtic take on third-place Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday but Murty would not be drawn on a possible title challenge from the Govan side, who have suffered just one defeat in their last 10 matches.

"You guys can say that all you want," he said. "As far as I'm concerned they (Celtic) are still the team to beat at the top of the table.

"I'm not sure that we are even in Celtic's minds. They are top of the league for a good reason. They will take care of themselves and play as well as they possibly can.

"All we can do is worry about us and make sure we do our job and I thought we did our job today and that is the message we will take on.

"We will just concentrate on us and make sure we finish the season as best we can. There will be very many interested eyes from our group on that game tomorrow. But our group have to take solace and comfort from taking care of the business that they can take care of - and maybe they haven't in the past - and that is the really pleasing thing for me. "

Murty was keen to stress that there was room for improvement in his side.

"It was a thoroughly professional performance but I still think we can get better," he added.

"As good as we were at times and as many chances as we created, I have a group in there who are a little bit frustrated because they know they can do better in all aspects of the game which, for me as a manager, is a very happy thought.

"Under some pressure, when things weren't quite clicking at times, the guys found a way to still score goals and create chances against a very stubborn and well-organised opponent."