IT is hard to focus on the football at Rangers these days.When so much of the talk surrounding Ibrox is dominated by the myriad of off-field issues, even 3pm on a Saturday doesn't bring any respite for a weary, fearful fanbase.

The task is even harder for boss Ally McCoist, whose focus should be on the football but whose time and attentions are occupied by other matters.

On the field, the outlook is far from picture perfect, but it is infinitely more pleasant a view than that at the top of the marble staircase.

Rangers may be nine points adrift at the head of the Championship standings, but McCoist's side remain well in contention for a shot at the second tier crown this term.

Victory over East Fife on Tuesday night moved the Light Blues into the semi-finals of the Petrofac Training Cup while the visit of St Johnstone next week gives them a chance to clinch a last-four berth in the League Cup.

Either side of the meeting with the Saints are two trips to Dumbarton, the first this afternoon and the second in seven days time, as the Gers look to keep up the pressure on Hearts at the top of the table and progress in the Scottish Cup.

After a cruise to the title last term, there have been more setbacks thus far than McCoist would have hoped.

Defeats to Hearts and Hibs and a draw at Alloa piled the pressure on McCoist.

But the reaction on each occasion has been a positive one in terms of the performances and points gathered.

Momentum will be key for Rangers in the coming weeks but it can be lost as quickly as it has been gathered.

"You're always loath to say so as you can get a swift kick two minutes after saying it," McCoist said.

"But I'm really pleased and happy with the squad we've got and how they're reacting to the various challenges and competitions.

"We always knew the quality of opposition this year would be far greater and we wouldn't go through the league like last year.

"Apart from looking at the league table and not being happy with it - even with a game in hand - we have to say we've been reasonably happy with the reaction to the defeat by Hibs.

"We've had some good victories and the level of play and goals has been on the increase.

"I don't want to tempt fate but I would hope that will continue."

Wins over Livingston, Raith and East Fife have seen Rangers respond in style to an abject showing against Alan Stubbs' side last month.

The Light Blues are still playing second fiddle in the Championship but are competing on multiple fronts and chasing several pieces of silverware.

The physical exertions can be absorbed by the largest and best squad in the league.

And McCoist is confident his players can handle the mental challenges ahead, too. He said: "I definitely think we have got the mentality, I really do think we have got the mentality.

"We have got good mentality, a good strength of camaraderie and a good spirit. It is just carrying it out.

"There will be fixtures where we will play out of our skin and not win, that is life.

"And there will be fixtures where we won't play particularly well and sneak a 1-0.

"But the mentality might be the same in both games. I think we have got it, absolutely.

"I don't think there is any doubt that we have got a good mental strength within the squad for the challenges ahead."

While the Ibrox crowd will demand at least one item of silverware is added to the Ibrox trophy cabinet this term, the expectation is different at the other two clubs who find themselves operating outside the top flight.

Hibernian welcome Hearts to Easter Road on Sunday as they look to find the kind of form their Capital counterparts and the Light Blues have hit so far this season.

Defeat for the Leith outfit would leave them 17 points adrift but not out of contention according to McCoist.

He said: "It wouldn't be an ideal situation from Hibs' view [if they lost to Hearts].

"But it is only the second game of the second quarter. So there is no way I would be writing anyone off at this stage.

"It is a game. if we can get a result at Dumbarton, and we have to look after ourselves, we will certainly be watching."

Fraser Aird may have quipped that he would rather watch Coronation Street than the Edinburgh derby but McCoist will certainly be tuned in to the Edinburgh action.

He will do so after, he hopes, guiding Rangers to victory at the Bet Butler Stadium today and seeing his side move within six points of the Jambos.

The Gers boss is set to recall Lewis Macleod, Kenny Miller and Kris Boyd after they missed out in midweek.

But he has a selection headache on his hands after Jon Daly made the most of his chance to impress in Methil.

McCoist said: "I can't praise him highly enough.

"He is a proper man but he gives us something different as well, which not a lot of clubs in the country have.

"I am loathed to use old fashioned but he is an out and out centre-forward.

"He plays that position, and we don't have anyone in the squad that plays that position like he does. It can be, and is, very effective.

"His three goals, two off the bench against Raith and against East Fife in midweek, has given us a nice headache.

"I am delighted for Jon to come back after his injury lay off and get back scoring goals."