GARY MCALLISTER hailed a 'special' goal from Ianis Hagi as Rangers moved another step closer to the Premiership title with victory over St Johnstone.

The Romanian netted the only goal of the game at Ibrox to take Steven Gerrard's side within six wins of their first league crown in a decade as they continued their unbeaten league run this term.

Keeper Allan McGregor made sure of the points with three smart saves from Craig Bryson efforts and another clean sheet proved crucial to the cause for Rangers on the night.

Victory over the Saints was Gerrard's 100th win as Gers boss and assistant manager McAllister was delighted to get over the line in a competitive encounter.

McAllister said: "I thought in periods of the game we played some good stuff and created good chances but we weren’t as clinical as we like to be.

"I think you can see the reasons why St Johnstone are on a good run and are in a cup final. They are very well drilled, their organisation is excellent and come the end of the game they threw some forwards at it to try and get a result.

"It was tough but I thought we edged it and it was a special goal to separate the two teams. I thought Ianis was excellent on the night and it was a nice goal.

"That (the saves from McGregor) spreads through the team with the fact that we are on such a good run as far as clean sheets are concerned and when the back four or back five get breached we know that we have got a goalkeeper there with experience and quality and he will make saves in crucial moments of the game.

"The clean sheets do stem right from the top of the pitch back to Allan. We are confident of winning games 1-0 because we are in a good moment as far as clean sheets are concerned."