By Andrew Dickson

WALTER SMITH says Rangers are right to be nervous about being in contention for the SPL title - because it wouldn't be worth winning if they weren't.

The Light Blues beat Motherwell 1-0 tonight at Ibrox but it was a tense encounter, with Barry Ferguson's goal after 72 minutes all that separated the teams.

As the match wore on and it remained goalless before the skipper struck, tempers became frayed on the park and in the stands with Gers chasing three crucial points.

Winning keeps Smith's men in control of the championship race and the manager is pleased with the bottle the squad at his disposal is showing.

Rangers are now four points behind Celtic at the top of the table and with four games to play, two of those are in hand over their Old Firm rivals.

Smith said: "At this stage of the season, it is a matter of having a level of patience to handle the situation. It is all about winning and we are happy we managed to do that.

"The fans were great tonight and they got behind the team but people are going to be nervous when you get towards the end of a campaign.

"At this stage, when you are going for a championship, the crowd are bound to get a bit like that. So are the players.

"If you can show me something that isn't worth getting nervous for, it isn't really worthwhile winning it."

Smith was happy with the determination his players showed against a Motherwell side still looking for third place in the league and a UEFA Cup slot.

But he has warned supporters to expect more of the same in the remaining meetings with Dundee United, Well, St Mirren and Aberdeen.

Smith added: "That's the type of game we're going to get between now and the end of the season as every one of the top six teams has something to play for.

"That has been reflected by the fact our games recently have all been tight and if you can find a game that hasn't been, I'd be surprised.

"For the first time in a long while, the championship is being fought out and four other teams are vying for one European place.

"Games are going to be tough but we keep lifting ourselves and that is one thing I'll say about my team. I'm proud of the way they play and they put in a great deal of effort."