GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST conceded it will be 'more difficult' for Rangers to retain their Premiership title after failing to beat Celtic in the final Old Firm clash of the campaign.
The champions made the trip to Parkhead on Sunday knowing that only a victory would do as they sought to apply some late pressure to Ange Postecoglou's side at the top of the table.
But it is Celtic who are now well in the control and a six point lead with three games remaining is all-but insurmountable for Rangers as they prepare to relinquish their crown sooner rather than later.
Fashion Sakala cancelled out Jota's opener but there was no winner for Rangers on a day where a handful of missed chances proved costly and ultimately denied them any chance to retain the Premiership trophy this term.
Van Bronckhorst said: ‘We needed a win to close the gap to three points. We didn’t, we drew but I think we did everything.
"I couldn’t have asked for more from my players, what they have given today, especially in the second half.
"They pushed really hard to come back into the game, which we did, and get good opportunities to win the game in the final 10 or 12 minutes.
"We did everything we could to win this game but in the end we are two points short.
"Did I feel the momentum was with us? Definitely. In the second half we saw after 60-65 minutes we were getting stronger and stronger. I think we did really well in those moments.
"We created great chances, we hit the post. Fashion had one against one against Hart. What more can you ask for? The only thing is we didn’t score the big chances we had.
"Of course [we will keep going in the league]. I think only a win today would give us a chance to close the gap even more.
"It’s still six points with the goal difference in favour of Celtic so it will be more difficult after today."
