Rangers kept the pressure on Hearts for second place in the Bank of Scotland Premier League by taking all three points from Motherwell.

Kris Boyd grabbed the only goal in what ultimately proved to be a flat and uninspiring affair.

Hearts remain in the runners-up spot heading into the last five games of the season and a tense climax is now guaranteed in the race for Champions League football.

But the major talking point at Ibrox was whether Ronald Waterreus would hold onto his place between the sticks.

The Rangers goalkeeper had allegedly criticised chairman David Murray and his fellow players in an interview with a Dutch magazine, as well as branding the treatment of boss Alex McLeish this season as "disgraceful."

However, McLeish opted to name the same team who had defeated Dundee United 4-1 the previous week, meaning Stefan Klos was left on the bench again.

Waterreus' first touch was met by jeers from the Ibrox club but, undeterred, Rangers pushed ahead in search of the win.

A Thomas Buffel cut-back was met by Barry Ferguson - only for the skipper to shave the post with his long, low drive.

Waterreus then appeared to have the home fans back on side when he pulled a save out of the top drawer to tip a Richie Foran effort just over the crossbar.

Rangers had been threatening to take the lead and they did just that with 27 minutes gone.

Ferguson played the ball out right to Buffel who raced down the right flank before squaring into the path of Boyd. He collected 10 yards out before rifling home.

The striker then saw a header blocked on the line by goalkeeper Graeme Smith, before firing wide of the post.

But it was Peter Lovenkrands who should have doubled the advantage before the break when he met a Buffel ball, only to see his effort fall agonisingly wide of target.

Motherwell wasted no time in trying to put Rangers under pressure after the restart when Foran skipped past Julien Rodriguez, with Waterreus smothering the shot.

But it was not too long before Rangers were back on top in terms of possession and chances.

Lovenkrands' mazy run in the box culminated in a cheeky chip that was not too far away, whizzing just past the far post.

Goalscorer Boyd then turned provider for Ferguson but his shot did not really trouble the Motherwell goalkeeper, who comfortably snuffed out the threat from the Rangers captain.

Lovenkrands should have put the game past Motherwell when he raced past Stephen Craigan into the box but he stumbled, allowing Smith to race from his line and clear the danger before he could pull the trigger.

Motherwell could have nicked a point when a Scott McDonald header teed up the volley for Foran but his thunderous effort flashed wide.

Then it was Lovenkrands who squandered another decent chance to kill the game off with a misdirected header a few yards from goal.

The 1-0 victory - along with Aberdeen's win - ensured Motherwell would see out the remainder of the season in the bottom half of the table.

But there is little doubt Rangers will have to raise their game if they are to pip Hearts to Champions League football next season.

Teams

Rangers Waterreus, Hutton, Rodriguez, Kyrgiakos, Smith,Lovenkrands (Murray 89), Hemdani, Ferguson,Buffel (Gavin Rae 86), Kris Boyd (Novo 73), Prso.

Subs Not Used: Klos, Andrews, Malcolm, N'Guessan.

Goals: Kris Boyd 27.

Motherwell Graeme Smith, Corrigan, Craigan, Kinniburgh,Paterson, McBride (Hamilton 78), McCormack (Kerr 85),O'Donnell, Foran, McGarry (Clarkson 77), McDonald.

Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Leitch, Thermeus, Fitzpatrick.

Booked: McCormack, Foran.

Att: 49,481

Ref: K Clark (Scotland).