After Drawing in Footbal Match McCall Optimistic

McCall was denied his first win as Rangers boss by a late equaliser from Liam Buchanan after his team had trailed 1-0 courtesy of Ben Gordon's header early in the second half.

Nicky Clark scored twice in five minutes to put Rangers 2-1 up before Buchanan's leveller for Alloa, for who Michael Chopra made a debut as a 94th-minute substitute.

Rangers - who stay third - have now won just once in nine games in all competitions and have drawn five-consecutive Scottish Championship matches, including against Livingston at Ibrox on Saturday in McCall's debut match in charge.

Rangers' next match is at second-placed Hibernian on Sunday, with McCall's side going to Easter Road six points behind Alan Stubbs' team but with a game in hand. Hibs have scored nine goals in three league wins over Rangers this season.

And McCall suggested playing away from Ibrox may suit his team at present.

"At this moment in time it's not an easy place to play - probably one of the hardest places to play," he said.

"The players know they have got themselves into that position with the performances we have put in over the last three or four months.

"But you look how tight the games have been against Alloa this season - that's three draws and a win each - it was never going to be a three or four nil.

"The players showed a lot of spirit and ability to get back in the game. We should be in that dressing room saying 'lots to build on but a good comeback' and they have scored with what might have been their second attack of the game.

"Nobody will give us hope on Sunday going to Hibs, but I saw a lot of performances that we can take a lot from.

"Naturally, you look at the result, and I accept it's not good enough. But there is still a long way to go in this season and there will be no defeatist attitude from anyone in that dressing room."

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