STEVE Simonsen is certain the Rangers defence will show their lapse against Alloa was only a blip when they return to action in a top-of-the-table clash with SPFL Championship leaders Hearts.

Simonsen and his Gers team-mates conceded their first goal in nearly seven games in the league meeting with part-time Alloa at Ibrox at the weekend.

The keeper could only parry a Kevin Cawley shot late on and Liam Buchanan pounced on the loose ball in the penalty box and cancelled out a Lee McCulloch strike.

It was a deeply disappointing end to a poor performance as Ally McCoist's side had gone over 540 minutes in all competitions without conceding a goal.

The result, which allowed the Jambos to move six points clear in the second tier, was also far from ideal preparation for the trip to Tynecastle on Saturday.

However, Simonsen has stressed the Rangers players are still confident they can keep their main rivals for the second tier title at bay and record a win in the capital.

And he hopes the regular back four of Richard Foster, Darren McGregor, Lee McCulloch and Lee Wallace will be in the starting line-up in Gorgie.

He said: "We've suffered a couple of disappointments. We lost the opening league game to Hearts and let in a goal in the last minute and then had a poor first half against Hibs.

"Obviously on Saturday was disappointing as well.

"But it's important to remember that we've done okay in most of the games that we've played in.

"We've scored goals, kept clean sheets and have got results. We're still in quite good heart.

"This is a huge game for us. We know that things can change quickly in football. It's a long hard season. So nobody is getting too down about the result at the weekend. We are all still positive we can enjoy a successful season."

Simonsen added: "We were disappointed to let a goal in against Alloa. But in the games before that we have defended really well. The lads in front of me have done a very good job as well.

"It goes without saying that you would like to keep a settled team as much as possible.

"Sometimes, though, that isn't possible due to injuries and suspensions.

"But at the moment the back four, and also the lads in front of them in midfield and up front, have been quite settled.

" I think that has helped us to be as comfortable as we have been. Hopefully, we can do well against Hearts."

Experienced English stopper Simonsen has enjoyed a prolonged run in the Rangers first team due to the calf injury first-choice keeper Cammy Bell has picked up.

He is being pushed hard by back-up Lee Robinson - who came in for the games against St Johnstone and Dumbarton - but is determined to play well against Hearts and hold on to his jersey.

He said: "Playing in the team every week has been fantastic. It's something I never expected to be getting when I re-signed for the club in the summer so I am thoroughly enjoying it.

"Every game that goes by is fantastic. To pull the shirt on and be out there representing Rangers is wonderful and I hope it continues for a while as we have big games coming up.

"At my age, and where I've come from in the last few years, I never expected to be playing for such a fantastic football club with the chance to get into the final of a major cup competition.

"So I'm really excited about it all and enjoying it. I am looking forward to Hearts."