OVIE EJARIA is confident Rangers have a serious title challenge in them this term as they set their sights on top spot in the Premiership at Tynecastle.

Steven Gerrard's side moved up to second place in the standings with a 3-0 win over Livingston on Saturday as Daniel Candeias, Alfredo Morelos and Scott Arfield netted at Ibrox.

With league leaders Celtic in Betfred Cup final action against Aberdeen this weekend, victory for the Gers over third-placed Hearts would see them take pole position in the title race.

And midfielder Ejaria is determined to make the most of the opportunity as Gerrard's side look to maintain their momentum through a crucial run of fixtures.

He said: "If we win next week it would be a big confidence boost for us but we’re just taking each game as it comes.

"Could we stay there? Yes, definitely but we have to take each game and use the confidence from each match.

"There are a lot of top players here and everyone is focused and that’s our goal.

"As I said, take each game as it comes because it’s a long season.

"It’s quite close at the top. We know Celtic are a very good side and we’re a very good side as well so we’re confident we can do really well.

"I’m not too sure how they (Celtic) will see it but we see it as a big opportunity and everyone is really focused and our main goal is to try and win the league."

Before Rangers can start dreaming of top spot in the Premiership, they have a huge Europa League clash with Villarreal to focus on this week.

A win over the Spaniards would be a major boost to their chances of progressing from Group G and Ejaria hopes they can go one better this time out after a battling 2-2 draw in the Estadio de la Cerámica on Matchday One.

He said: “Yes [we can take confidence from our form at Ibrox] - and especially on the back of our last two results as well.

"The confidence is really high so everyone is looking forward to the game on Thursday.

"I missed the game in Spain with injury. I was getting treatment back here and I had to watch it on television.

"Of course, that was frustrating because as a player you want to perform in every match but sometimes these things happen and it’s about how you react. You’ve always got to support the team.

"I want to play every game but we have a big squad and a lot of top quality players. With loads of games coming up it’s the manager’s decision to who he picks. Whoever the manager picks I’m sure he will do a good job for the team."