Round-Up: Smith is told to save his money and place faith in Ibrox squad

Steven Whittaker believes Rangers manager Walter Smith does not need to plunder the transfer market this month when he already has a ready-made replacement for Fulham-bound Daniel Cousin at the club.

Whittaker was impressed once again by team-mate Kris Boyd, who scored in Saturday's 4-0 defeat of St Mirren. Despite his goalscoring exploits, Boyd has struggled to win a first-team place this term and Smith has been linked with English strikers Luke Moore and Marcus Bent.

But Whittaker – who managed to overshadow Boyd's contribution with a double against the Buddies – said: "We've got a big squad and there are boys who are dying to get their chance, like Boyd. If we don't bring anyone in, we have got boys to rely on."

The 4-0 win allowed Rangers to temporarily move seven points clear. And Whittaker is keen to keep the pressure on their title rivals: "If we pick up the points, Celtic need to do that just to keep tabs."

Dundee United cemented third place with a 2-1 win over a dire Kilmarnock side at Rugby Park, Barry Robson and Craig Conway securing the three points.

Hearts meanwhile put an end to Aberdeen's 13-match unbeaten home run as Christian Nade took advantage of debutant Stuart Duff's mistake to give the visitors a deserved 1-0 win.