GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST is confident Rangers have the energy to maintain their momentum throughout a hectic run of festive fixtures.

The Dutchman took charge of his seventh game on Wednesday night as the champions eased to a 2-0 victory over St Johnstone at Ibrox.

Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent were on target to maintain the four-point lead over Old Firm rivals Celtic heading into this weekend's top flight card.

Rangers host Dundee United on Saturday before St Mirren make the trip to Ibrox on Boxing Day and meetings with Aberdeen and Celtic will round off the first half of the campaign.

Van Bronckhorst said: “Well of course you have to look at how your team feels.

"Physically, we will asses the players but after a game on Saturday we have eight days to rest and then we will go into the final week before the winter break with three games.

“I’m more than happy with all the energy the players will give to the team.

“We will work hard for Saturday. It’s a short time but it’s just the way it is.

“After Saturday we can have a bit of a rest and make sure our stamina levels are high for the last week."

There were plenty of positives for Van Bronckhorst to take from the Saints showdown as his side produced another accomplished performance to extend their unbeaten run.

It could have been an even better night for the champions but Celtic would leave it late as they snatched a last-gasp winner to salvage all three points away to Ross County.

Van Bronckhorst said: "As a player, I was always concentrating on my team. As a coach as well, you only have influence on the games we play.

"We just go into every game to win the game and get the three points we need. That is all I thought about."