Ferguson wore an armband in a tribute to Phil O'Donnell

A 2-0 over Dundee United put Rangers a point clear of champions Celtic with Tuesday's game in hand to come.

"We've got two games coming up against St Mirren and Gretna and they are going to be difficult games," said the Rangers captain and midfielder.

"Those are the games you need to win to win championships."

Interview: Rangers manager Walter Smith

Celtic were not in action this weekend as their game against Motherwell was postponed following the death of Phil O'Donnell.

And Ferguson paid his own tribute to the Motherwell skipper by wearing an armband bearing a Motherwell badge and O'Donnell's number 10 squad number.

We created a lot of opportunites, so it was frustrating not to score more Rangers manager Walter Smith

"It was our main aim before the game to get three points and go top of the league," he said.

"I don't think we have been there for a long time and, now that we are there, we are hopeful we can stay there."

Those thoughts were echoed by Rangers manager Walter Smith.

"It's important to keep winning - that's the fact," he said.

Smith praised his side for the style of their victory over United.

"I have impressed on them that they have to pass the ball better," he said. "And, in the last half dozen games, it has been a lot better.

"We're not improving in terms of the goals scored, but we are doing better in terms of possession than we were at the start of the season.

"We created a lot of opportunites, so it was frustrating not to score more."

Smith stressed that he would not be making wholesale changes during the January transfer window.

"If we can find someone who can improve one or two positions, we will go for them," he said.

"But, if we can't, we'll just go with what we've got."

Daniel Cousin's agent, Willie MacKay, was quoted as saying that several Premier League clubs in England were interested in the Rangers striker.

"So far, Willie is the only person who knows these clubs are interested, so that's the way it is at the present moment," said Smith.

The manager praised right-back Alan Hutton for another impressive performance, two days after rejecting an �8m move to Tottenham Hotspur.

"I thought he played very well for us, as he has been doing for us since the start of the season," said Smith.