STUART McCALL reckons promotion rivals Hibernian and Queen of the South will have it tough when they face Livingston next week.

The Rangers boss saw his side drop two crucial Championship points at the Energy Assets Arena on Wednesday night, but the 1-1 draw was enough to move them into second place in the standings.

The Light Blues head to Dumbarton this afternoon aiming to open up a four-point gap while Hibs are on Scottish Cup semi-final duty against Falkirk.

McCall said: "Regardless of what happens, we need to try and win the game. I think Hibs' match at Livingston will be difficult, as will any side facing the bottom teams.

"Livi are fighting for their lives and I'm not just saying that because of our game in midweek, but Hibs and Queen of the South both have to go there.

"They are where they are, but they are playing with confidence and spirit."

With just three games left this season, the race to finish best of the rest and gain the upper hand going into the play-offs looks set to go down to the wire.

A furore erupted this week over the scheduling of the final fixtures of the campaign, with the SPFL forced into an embarrassing U-turn over their plans to scheduled Rangers' clash with Hearts the day after Hibs face play-off chasing Falkirk.

All Championship games will now kick-off at 12.15pm on Saturday, May 2, and McCall said: "I am glad it has been sorted out. It is no different to us.

"I didn't have time to think about it. It came to me after the Livingston game and I had other things to think about, then it was sorted the next day.

"In reality, every game should kick off at the same time if there is something to play for in those matches."