James Fowler: This is a different Rangers side

QUEEN of the South were the last opponents Rangers faced under Kenny McDowall four weeks ago and they left Ibrox with a 1-1 draw but manager James Fowler is warning his men that they face a very different side tonight.

Fowler's side have taken four points off Rangers so far this season. Picture: SNS

Fowler said: “We have done well against Rangers with a win at our place in December and then the draw at Ibrox however they are a different team now.

“That was Kenny’s last game and they have changed things around under Stuart McCall and Kenny Black. They have altered the personnel and have had a real boost from their last few results. They are really going for second place now. Their energy levels have been increased and that shows you the lift Stuart has given them.”

Fowler added: “Rangers always had good quality however they are now showing that quality consistently as opposed to earlier in the season.” But the Dumfries men are not planning to sit back and admire the improvements.

“We are looking forward to the challenge and it should be a great game. Our need is just as great as Rangers’ as we want the three points to keep close to fourth place,” added Fowler. “We have had a difficult run of games with Raith Rovers, Hearts and then Hibs away and it is a bonus to be going into the Rangers game after a win at Easter Road.

“We had expected Falkirk to win against Raith Rovers at the weekend but you cannot focus on what they are going to do. You need to go out and get your own results.”

Skipper Chris Higgins will play despite an eye injury he picked up at Easter Road with Fowler saying: “We are glad that Chris’s eye has opened up again as earlier in the week it was completely closed.”

Iain Russell and Michael Paton are injury doubts with Paul Burns and Mark Millar already ruled out.