THERE are no trophies left to play for.

No European place is up for grabs. They are, too, working for a fraction of their rightful pay.

Yet there can be no questioning the total commitment of the Rangers players to the Ibrox club's cause in these dark and desperate times.

The supporters held aloft red cards in the 18th and 72nd minutes of the game with St Mirren to show their vehement opposition to liquidation. If those who took the field in light blue strips had not been focused on play, they would have joined them in that very public show of defiance.

The decision to accept massive cuts to their salaries to safeguard the jobs of non- playing staff highlighted their devotion. Yes, clauses have been inserted in contracts allowing Ally McCoist's key squad members to move on in the summer for cut-price fees as a consequence.

And, given the turmoil the Glasgow giants currently find themselves in as a result of years of appalling mismanagement at boardroom level, there will no doubt be some departures. But if anybody had even half an eye on an exit at the end of a truly miserable season, would they currently be performing with such bravery, dedication and panache?

Every member of the Gers starting XI, and all of the substitutes, put their bodies on the line in the 3-1 triumph over a visiting team that was reduced to 10 men in the second half. No Rangers player pulled out of a 50/50 challenge, no tackle was shirked and the merest sniff of a chance up front was pounced upon without a second thought for personal well-being. Every Gers fan witnessed the impact that constant speculation and ongoing uncertainty over his future had on striker Nikica Jelavic before his move to Everton in January.

If the likes of, say, Maurice Edu, Dorin Goian or Allan McGregor, were agitating for a move to England or abroad, the quality of their displays could be similarly compromised.

With hopes now high that –despite debts that could rise to £134million if the club lose the HMRC tax tribunal – one of the three bidders can somehow take Rangers out of administration, their attitude is important.

If any of the potential owners, or anybody representing them, was in Govan at the weekend they could only have been impressed with the professional approach of the players given the exacting conditions they are working under.

The show of passion and unity from the 46,998 crowd – an unprecedented support for a game at this stage in the season for a club with no prospect of silverware – will not have harmed their survival chances either.

Of course, the 140-year-old institution's continued existence hinges on more than goodwill, no matter how laudable. Hard cash, and plenty of it, is what is needed at this moment in time. Fortunately for Gers, they have had McCoist as their figurehead. The legendary former striker has spoken to Paul Murray of the Blue Knights and Bill Miller as well as Brian Kennedy, who waits and watches in the wings, in recent days.

With no competitive fixture this weekend, he will no doubt spend as much of his time in the days ahead in talks with whoever club administrators Paul Clark and David Whitehouse identify as the preferred bidder.

A man renowned for always having a smile on his face, McCoist is managing to remain positive and upbeat despite revelations about the total debt.

"I could totally understand where the fans were coming from," he reflected of their protest. "But there is a distinct possibility that we can come out of administration through a CVA. That is what everybody wants and we have still got a good chance.

"There is the very real threat of liquidation. That is not the desired option. I haven't got a clue who the preferred bidder will be. But my preferred bidder would be the one with the club at heart who wants to take the club forward.

"That seems to very much be the case with three gentlemen I have spoken to (Miller, Murray and Kennedy) so far. The vast majority of people associated with the club don't want liquidation and I am encouraged that we won't have to go down that route."

Incredibly, referee Willie Collum awarded four penalties in just an hour – a record for an SPL match – in what turned out to be a hugely entertaining game. Even more remarkably still, neither boss had any issues with them.

Nor should Rangers supporters have any misgivings about the players and the manager who are representing their club at this current moment in time.