Smith was given cause for concern by an impressive Hamilton side

Walter Smith urged Rangers supporters to back his players after they moved to within three wins of retaining the Scottish Premier League title.

Rangers at times looked weary in their hard-fought 1-0 home win over Hamilton, with the visitors often in command.

"We have played 21 games since January and we've got a small group of players," said Ibrox boss Smith.

"It gets to a nervous time of the season but I'd hope everyone would get behind us to help us over the line."

Maurice Edu scored the decisive goal after 11 minutes at Ibrox, slotting home from close range after fine build-up play by Steven Naismith and Kenny Miller.

But Rangers had to work hard to gain possession, notably in the first half, and had Allan McGregor to thank for keeping out a delightful Flavio Paixao curling shot.

Admitting that his team looked tired, Smith said: "Our boys have missed out on a few midweek breaks because we haven't done well enough in cup games.

"We have had to play three cup replays that have caused us to play midweek.

"A lot of teams that are going for championships have an ability to change their team around quite a bit. We don't.

"About 80% of the players have been asked to come in and play every week and that takes its toll. Today it looked that way."

The Ibrox side have a healthy lead at the top of the SPL - 13 points with seven games to play - but recent performances have dipped below the standard set earlier in the season.

"Hamilton are a difficult team to play against, with the way they set out their team and the manner in which they," said the veteran Rangers manager.

"They keep good possession of the ball and it can be frustrating.

"Playing for Rangers, teams are always extremely well motivated against us and it means we have an awkward situation.

"All we need is the break," added Smith. "After Wednesday night's game (against Aberdeen) we don't have a game at the weekend and I would hope that that would benefit us going into the game at Tannadice against Dundee United (on 14 April).

"I would hope that the supporters would have a little bit of appreciation that the squad who are getting us into this position have worked extremely hard to do so and need a bit of backing."

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