MARK WILSON has seen Hibernian and Rangers at close quarters and suffered defeats to them both at Dumbarton in recent weeks.

And the Sons defender admits it is Alan Stubbs' side that impressed him more ahead of the play-off fight to the finish this season.

Hibs were 2-1 winners at the Rock earlier this month as they continued their impressive second tier form but it is Rangers who are in pole position in the promotion race.

A Ryan Hardie double and Haris Vuckic strike cancelled out Wilson's early opener to clinch a 3-1 win for Stuart McCall's side to move them another step closer to second spot.

Wilson said: "They are very close, it's a tough one to call, it is going to go to the wire.

"If I'm honest I thought Hibs came here and passed the ball a lot better than Rangers did.

"I know it's a dry day and the pitch was bobbly, but it was similar when Hibs came here and they passed the ball better.

"They created a lot of chances and we were probably fortunate that the score remained what it was that night.

"But who knows, it's an exciting race and I think we are all glad the play-offs are here because the season would just be drawing to a close.

"So we're excited it is here, we're just disappointed we couldn't take any points off them."

While the win was all that mattered for Rangers at the Rock, the performance of Ibrox kid Hardie was another reason to be cheerful.

The 18-year-old bagged a brace on his first start for the club and Wilson was impressed with the Light Blues forward.

He said: "He was very good. It was the first time I'd seen him and the first time I'd even heard of him to be honest.

"I thought he did very well. He looked lively and quick and put himself about. He's got a great chance and he's got a good manager.

"It's good to see that the new manager is not scared to play the younger boys a few weeks after he was appointed."