MARK WARBURTON reckons Rangers proved they have the right mentality for the title challenge as they took another step towards the Championship crown with victory against Raith Rovers last night.

The Light Blues maintained their five point advantage over Hibs as Andy Halliday netted the only goal of the game at Stark’s Park.

Rangers were comfortable winners on the night but had to dig deep to see out the tie as freezing temperatures and a blustery wind made for far from ideal conditions in Fife.

Warburton’s side have now won their last seven league and cup outings as they have rediscovered their form after a frustrating run that saw their advantage at the top of the table eroded late last year.

And the Ibrox boss was pleased with another determined showing from his side as they kept up the momentum and edged closer to a Premiership return.

Warburton said: “I thought we were very good in the first half and we were disappointed not to get more goals because we were dominant.

“In the second half the wind was gusting, it was a difficult surface which was cutting up and it wasn’t as good, but I thought both teams put in good performances.

“But we were comfortable and dominated possession. The centre halves were comfortable and we deserved the result.

“It was difficult to play on that surface but when you come to places like this, against a difficult performance, it’s a good victory.

“These are the places you have to come, it’s the same three points you get for winning at Ibrox in front of 50,000.

“No matter how big the crowd is or what the conditions are like, the points are the same.

“There are 13 games to play, suddenly you realise how quickly the season is going.

“The rest of the season will fly by now, people are asking about Hibs and Falkirk but it doesn’t matter.

“It’s about Rangers, if we keep winning games of football we’ll be fine.”

Despite Rangers dominating possession at Stark’s Park, they could only breach the stubborn Raith defensive line once on the night as Halliday finished off a neat move that saw Kenny Miller and James Tavernier split the Rovers rear guard.

The midfielder returned to the side after missing out against Falkirk at the weekend after picking up a controversial second booking for celebrating at Cappielow last Monday.

He marked his goal with a low key celebration and handshakes with his team-mates this time out and Warburton said: “Andy made that outrageous mistake of celebrating a goal again – so hopefully he’ll get away with this one!

“It was fine, you have to enjoy the good moments in football.

“When you score a goal to win a game you have to enjoy it, simple as that.”