RANGERS have been written off by many, but Hearts' name has not been inscribed on the silverware just yet.

Victory for Robbie Neilson's side at Tynecastle on Saturday inched them closer to the finishing line, but there are still many miles to be covered in the Championship title race.

The reaction to the Light Blues' defeat in Edinburgh was understandable and not unexpected, but McCoist and his players cannot allow it to weigh on their minds.

The Ibrox boss was the main target for the abuse from the visiting fans in the stands, and his capabilities have again been questioned by sections of the support who have called for him to be sacked.

Time has not healed wounds for Rangers so far, and the last few days have certainly not made for pleasant reading.

But McCoist must continue to look forward, to focus on the positives and to look to inspire rather than criticise unduly.

When asked about his team being written off by some, he said: "I think a lot of people will do that. But, with the greatest of respect, we don't listen to a lot of things that are said and done by other people.

"The only thing that matters to us is what is in here at Murray Park and at Ibrox and how we feel about it.

"It would be nice to go on a positive run, like we did after our last defeat against Hibs.

"Something along those lines would be great. Eight or nine games on the bounce with victories would be just what the doctor ordered."

McCoist has spent the last couple of days poring over the footage from Tynecastle, pondering where it all went wrong and why.

The early red card shown to Steven Smith and the missed chances in the second half were contributing factors.

Yet it is the big picture that matters most for Rangers now as they seek answers and a spark to close the nine-point gap to the Jambos.

Referring to the sending-off and misses, McCoist admitted: "It was a bit of both it has to be said. You have to look back and learn, but we are 100% focused and positive.

"We have some massive games coming up now and, as disappointed as we are, we've had disappointments before. You just have to dust yourself down and prepare for the next match and that is exactly what we are doing.

"I think it is important that we all get a balance.

"Obviously we accept the Tynecastle result and the disappointment but, at the same time, we need to remain totally focused and positive.

"We absolutely believe that we still have an opportunity to win the league, don't worry about that. We are 14 games into the season, so there is nearly two-thirds to go.

"There is lots of football to be played between now and the end of the season.

"We have to be reflective but, at the same time, totally focused and positive - and, indeed, we are."

THE medals won't be dished out until next May but the coming weeks could prove decisive for Rangers' Championship ambitions.

Title bids are often made or wrecked during the festive fixture schedule and McCoist needs plenty of seasonal cheer to ensure his side still have a chance of playing Premiership football next August. Hearts' points advantage, which is already considerable, can't be allowed to grow for Rangers' sake and McCoist's sake.

"Going into Christmas and New Year is a very important period," he told RangersTV. "And, as you go deeper into January and February, things tend to take more shape and you get a general idea in terms of league positions.

"So we desperately want to be still in touch when we head into the Christmas and New Year period - and there is no reason why we can't be."