Glasgow Rangers big 1-0 victory over Glasgow Celtic in the 'Old Firm' derby suggests that Rangers are in position to win their first Scottish Premier League title since 2005, and veteran captain David Weir and manager Walter Smith have kept their side firmly focused on the prize.
Smith claimed he is relishing the pressure which comes with being in front. With three games to go, two away from home, his knowledge and strength of purpose is invaluable.
"Rangers managers always work in this environment," he said, with reference to the pressure.
"If you're Rangers manager for the first time then you might find it strange but it is obviously not the case for me. I know all about the expectation. When I arrived (at the start of his second spell in 2007] we were third in the league and for a Rangers team, that was not acceptable."
"We had no chance that year but I felt we did extremely well last season and without being biased, I think the fixture pile-up had a huge influence on how we did," he added."It has not been an easy season for me but it has not been easy for the players, either. It is a credit to them how they have approached things. We lost two regular players and a lot of the lads have been asked to come in who hadn't played as often – or even for most of the season – and they've adapted to it."
Alan Pattullo of the Scotsman had a great recount of the game, and stated Weir's presence on his young team.
Three or four Rangers players – younger, more impulsive members of the side – had begun to drift towards the home stands, fists pumping, smiles as wide as the Clyde. But Davie Weir, flawless throughout on the eve of his 39th birthday, made another telling intervention; 'you lot, in there' was the gist of his thumb-led gesture, as the skipper observed these hints at premature celebration with a rising distaste.
These cowed players followed him down the tunnel and into a dressing-room where you can be sure the same message was hammered home again: let's close this deal. Until that moment comes, and if it should come, then the lid should stay firmly on the celebrations.
Smith was also quick to pay tribute to American midfielder Maurice Edu, who played a key part in the victory. The manager never envisioned playing Edu in such a pivotal match a few short weeks ago, but following Barry Ferguson's suspension and subsequent injury, the 23-year-old has been thrust into the limelight.
"I've said to you on many occasions he would be a really good player for us," Smith remarked.
"It was always going to be difficult for him coming in and he still needs to gain experience. He's only had one full season in the MLS and when we brought him along I thought he would be in and out of the team for the whole of this season to allow him to develop and settle-in. As it has happened, he's been a regular for the last few games and he has shown that he's enjoying it."
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