We'll storm the Castle and close that gap . . .

In a curious campaign in which European progress has been tempered by inconsistent domestic form, Rangers now have it all to do in the last weeks of the season as they strive to ensure they are not on the outside looking in next term when a new Champions League campaign will begin.

Paul Le Guen will take charge when Alex McLeish steps aside and, given the success he had in Europe with Lyon, Rangers will be keen to marry the experience of this season with the guidance of the young Frenchman.

To ensure they are in with a chance of being involved in Europe's premier competition there is the small matter of overhauling Hearts who have occupied that second berth for the majority of the campaign.

Six points separate the sides, but Lovenkrands is determined that will be reduced this weekend.

"It is definitely possible and it is vital that we get second place," said the Dane.

"Anything can happen. We have shown in the last couple of seasons that so many things can go right to the wire and we can do that again this time because we're going to fight all the way to get that Champions League spot.

"It will be a really exciting game, not just for those watching it but for us to play in.

"We need to get close to Hearts again. If we can beat them we will be within three points behind them and that would be perfect for us.

"We need to try and win the game and, at the very least, not lose it."

Confidence has eluded Rangers for much of this season, particularly in the SPL, but of late there has been a self-belief about the Ibrox team.

Buoyed by their performance, if not the final outcome of their meeting with Villarreal, Rangers have had an assured look about them and Lovenkrands is gearing up for one more push.

"We know we can play well now. We have been playing well in our last few games and that breeds confidence because you start going into games knowing what you can do.

"We have been looking forward to getting out and playing our next game and the fact that it's Hearts is good because it's a great chance for us.

"The gaffer has done tremendous in the years he has been here and we want to send him out on a high."

A lot of changes are anticipated when the new manager arrives, but Lovenkrands maintains the only concern at the minute is league business.

"I'm just focused on playing football and I think the rest of the boys are the same," he said.

"We have to wait and see what will happen at the end of the season but just now our main priority is getting ourselves into second place.

"Things were a bit uncertain for a few weeks and then the new manager was confirmed but most of the players are only concerned with playing every game just now."

Meanwhile, Lovenkrands has still not decided where he will be plying his trade next season.

"At the moment I don't know too much," he said. "I am just focused on playing, staying in the squad and doing the best I can.

"Hopefully there are a few more goals to come from me this season."

Taken from Evening Times