LEE McCULLOCH reckons the festive fixture schedule will play a huge part in determining Rangers' title dreams this season.

Ally McCoist's side fell nine points adrift of Hearts at the top of the Championship as they crashed to a 2-0 defeat at Tynecastle on Saturday.

And that came just a week after an embarrassing home draw with Alloa. Rangers had embarked on an impressive run of form after going down to Hibernian in September but still find themselves struggling in the second tier title race.

The Light Blues face Queen of the South and Hibs next month before hosting Hearts and facing Old Firm rivals Celtic in January. And skipper McCulloch knows it is a huge spell of the season as McCoist's side compete for silverware on four fronts.

He said: "It is definitely the toughest title challenge we have experienced since administration, but not since I have been here.

"We have had title challenges going to the last day of the season twice so that just shows you there is a helluva long way to go this season.

"By Christmas, as long as we are within touching distance, and if the gap has closed, then we would be delighted with that.

"Christmas is a very important period for us and we have got a lot of big games in the cup and in the league.

"With a bit of luck hopefully we will stay injury and suspension free and can close that gap and do well in the cups."

After seeing their title dreams suffer another blow at Tynecastle, Rangers return to Ibrox this weekend when they face Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup.

And Ibrox boss McCoist is convinced the Killie clash will be the start of another sustained run of form for the champions.

He told the club website: "I think that it is a great game for us to have this weekend, coming up against another team from the top flight.

"We've done well against in the previous two games when we've played against teams from that league, winning both home games by a goal to nil.

"It's a game that holds no fears for us, but at the same time it's definitely against stiff opposition.

"They'll be looking forward to the game as much as we will.

"It will give us a bit of freshness in terms of it being an opportunity to progress our run in the Scottish Cup.

"We're still heavily involved in all of the tournaments that we are in and this is another opportunity to progress in one of the cups.

"I think that still being in all four competitions is probably my toughest challenge as Rangers manager yet.

"As much as it is difficult, it's enjoyable and exactly where we want to be - I know I am enjoying it, as are the players and all the coaching staff. You do have to deal with highs and lows, but that is completely natural."