Rangers manager Ally McCoist has insisted that his side can still win the Scottish Championship title following their defeat to rivals Hearts.

The Gers were beaten 2-0 at Tynecastle Stadium on Saturday as Hearts moved nine points clear at the top of the table.

Despite seeing his team's title bid suffer a setback, McCoist insists that Rangers are still capable of closing the gap and being crowned champions come the end of the season.

"It's going to be difficult but it's not insurmountable, that's for sure," he told Sky Sports News. "We are not halfway into the season, there's a long, long, way to go.

"Nine points is not ideal, far from it, but we have a firm belief that we can do it. It's not going to be easy but we still believe we can be champions come May."

Rangers are back in action next Sunday when they host Kilmarnock in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.