Walter Smith's men travel to Hibernian on Sunday before welcoming Dundee United to Ibrox three days later. They then face Celtic in the first game of the new year.

Their lead already stands at four points over Celtic, and Beasley knows a clean sweep of victories would see Rangers stretch that advantage, possibly substantially.

The American winger said: "It's a very crucial period. We are playing well and we have a lot of confidence going into the first game against Hibs. It's crucial to get nine points.

"It will be vital to the rest of the season. In this country, leading at the halfway point is a good thing and we want to be that team.

"We are four points clear now but we have to look beyond that and try to keep this streak going.

"We had a bad start to the season, because we weren't playing as well as we normally can, but we are still at the top of the league and now we are starting to gel and we are getting that fighting spirit back in the team.

"That's what we need going into the second half of the season."

Beasley has enjoyed a dramatic return to form, starting the last four matches and scoring in wins over Dundee United and Motherwell.

But he has been keen to pay tribute to team-mates for their contributions, not least strike combination Kenny Miller and Kris Boyd.

"Kenny and Boydy are scoring goals and they are two of the best players in the country," Beasley said.

"When they hit form and their confidence is high then we are going to be a good team going forward."

Beasley pinpoints midfielder Steven Davis as the real unsung hero of the Rangers team.

Beasley said: "He has been amazing. He has been our most steady and most consistent player throughout the time I've been here.

"His work ethic is unbelievable. From box to box, defending, going forward, creating chances - you can't ask for anything more than Davo.

"He is our engine, he is the guy who makes our team go. He is all over the pitch and I'm just happy he is in our team and not anyone else's."