BRAHIM HEMDANI today insisted that Rangers were ready to embrace a punishing schedule of five games in 14 days that will define their run-in to the season.

Manager Walter Smith knows that his injury-hit squad cannot afford to lose any more bodies as they prepare for a run of crunch matches starting against Hibs this Sunday at Easter Road.

After that capital tester, Rangers face Osasuna at home, Celtic at Parkhead, the return leg with the Spaniards and then Aberdeen at Ibrox in the SPL.

And, with priceless points up for grabs in the race for second in the SPL - and the guarantee of a £3million Euro bounty should Rangers reach the last eight of the Uefa Cup - it's shaping up as a massive March for Hemdani and his team-mates.

"It's a tough schedule," said the on-form Hemdani, who has already emerged as a candidate for Rangers' Player of the Year with his consistent displays over this up and down campaign.

"But people looked at it the last time before Christmas and said we would struggle against Hibs, Celtic and Aberdeen. And we took seven points out of nine.

"From a player's point of view you want to be involved in big games at this stage of the season. We'll prepare properly, rest between game and we can look forward to it."

Hemdani also believes that confidence is at an all-time high for the season as Gers continue their mini-revival under Smith.

The former boss returned in early January to take over from Paul Le Guen. Under his leadership, Rangers have won five, drawn one and lost one of the seven games they've faced.

And their 4-0 hammering of Hapoel Tel Aviv last Thursday was easily the best display since Smith's return, a sign that the dressing room confidence is now being carried onto the pitch.

Hemdani said: "It was a good performance from the whole squad last week. We started very well and got everybody in the side involved in the game. It was great to get a goal early on which settled us down.

"After that, I thought we controlled the match. It was a great night, one of my best since I have been at Rangers. But it is hard to say it was our best performance of the season."

He continued: "We have had many good games this season, particularly in Europe. What it does show is that Rangers can play at a very high level both in Scotland and in Europe if, as was the case on Thursday night, everybody is concentrating on his own role.

"Every player did well against Tel Aviv, but Barry Ferguson was outstanding in the centre of midfield. He is playing with a lot of confidence just now and when that is the case the team plays well too.

"I have never played Osasuna before but I am sure they will be a good team. If they are in the last 16 of the Uefa Cup then they must be good.

"But if we can play at the same high level as we did against Hapoel then I am sure we will be able to give them a good game both home and away and make it through to the quarter-finals."

Hemdani's class and composure certainly told in that game too. Although midfield is his preferred position, the former Marseille skipper has been asked to drop back to defence on several occasions this season.

In some SPL matches he has struggled to cope with the physical side of the game. But, in Europe when the game is played more on the deck, the 28- year-old has excelled.

He went on: "I played in defence alongside Davie Weir and enjoyed the experience. He is a player who speaks to those around him a lot and that helps us perform well as a unit.

"We all know what we are supposed to be doing. I am happy to play in any position for Rangers."

Hemdani was closest to the controversial incident that saw Allan McGregor red-carded just after Rangers' third goal for a clash with Luciano De Bruno.

The keeper is adamant that he did not touch the Hapoel sub and Rangers have vowed to appeal. But it looks as though McGregor will get at least a one- game ban, with Stefan Klos set to come in from the cold.

Hemdani said: "I think it was a deliberate ploy by Hapoel to get him sent off. They hadn't had any scoring chances up until that point. It was important to their chances to get the keeper sent off.

"They knew it would make it harder for us. That is why they did what they did. After the way they had behaved in the first two games, it wasn't a surprise.

"If Allan isn't available for the Osasuna games, then we have a great replacement in Stefan Klos.

"Stefan is a world-class goalkeeper who has performed at the highest level in Scotland and in Europe for years. Losing Allan won't be a huge problem for us."