Just 8 points stand between Rangers and league leaders Celtic suggesting that finally, after a long hiatus, the blue boys from Ibrox are back and ready to challenge their old Glaswegian enemies for the most coveted titles in Scottish soccer.
Although the attentions of the sporting world are normally fixated on events south of the border in England, that’s all changing now thanks to the emergence of a more youthful, vibrant and fearless Rangers under the stewardship of ex-Liverpool stalwart Steven Gerrard.
The Old Firm rivalry is one of the biggest sporting contests on the planet, capturing the imagination of soccer fans far and wide. With the re-emergence of 54-time league champions Rangers as once-again- contenders, international supporters groups from as far as Cobourg to Calgary in Canada can hardly contain their excitement.
In fact, Rangers viewing figures in North America and other areas of the globe have skyrocketed this season with soccer fans enticed by the prospect of a rags-to-riches return for one of the most famous names in British sport.
Steven Gerrard has helped breath new life into the club undoubtedly and with Canadian-born imports like the fearless Scott Arfield playing an integral role in the team, a new wave of North American fans are now flocking to don the navy blue jersey.
With Celtic facing instability following the departure of Brendan Rodgers, and dropping points where nobody expected, do Gerrard’s Rangers have a chance at a fairy-tale redemption?
Fans at Ibrox will certainly be hopeful, but it would take a monumental effort from them and slip up from Celtic should it happen with just nine games to go.
The bookies certainly don’t fancy their chances; a quick glance at online betting sites like Betsson and 10Bet place Celtic at 1/20 and Rangers 8/1 for the title, which is perhaps even a little conservative but if you are viewing things through blue-tinted spectacles it may be worth putting a few dollars behind Steven Gerrard’s men.
The run for Celtic in the final four First Phase fixtures looks a lot more comfortable than Rangers’ run in, with three of the four games being against bottom four clubs. Rangers on the other hand take on Kilmarnock, Hearts and Motherwell alongside the March 31 Old Firm Derby.
Rangers go into the game as underdogs at 16/5 with the bookmaker Betfred, whilst Celtic are best priced at 5/6 with William Hill. The game could prove to be huge, particularly if Rangers can pick up maximum points in their other fixtures and would close the gap heading into the Second Phase.
The Second Phase is going to be massive for the club as it’s still a little unclear as to how Neil Lennon will perform with his Celtic team and any dropped points will provide opportunity for their neighbours.
It would be a statement of intent by the club even if they finished within touching distance of Celtic though. It’s likely they’ll finish inside the 12 point gap between themselves and top that happened last season, and should have no problems remaining in second, as they stand eight points clear of Aberdeen in third. It’s another step in the long road back to the top, even if it ends up trophyless.
Steven Gerrard has shown plenty of encouraging signs with the club and a few more dealings in the transfer market could make them even bigger contenders next term.
Former striker Lee McCulloch believes the Liverpool legend deserves more time and and that further boosts to the squad could be key. He said, “You've got to give him the time. He's had two transfer windows and it's hard when you're in that position to get players out as hard as it is to get players in.
"I would imagine come the summer there'll be more activity as long as the board back him and the team will look stronger.
"The recruitment has been pretty good so far but it's a massive transfer window for him and his staff come this summer."
He’s got some high-quality performances out of a number of players, including Alfredo Morelos who is the current top scorer in the Scottish Premiership.
Keeping hold of him for next season will be a huge step to claiming a title, while a number of players are already being linked to the club, including Graeme Shinnie and Millwall’s Mahlon Romeo.
Romeo could move to Ibrox for free in the summer, while Shinnie has really shone for Aberdeen this season.
Gerrard hasn’t ruled out a move for the 27-year-old who is also out of contract in the summer and hasn’t looked close to penning a new one.
While the rookie manager hasn’t ruled out a move for Shinnie, he has been very keen to lay the law down on his players as he fights for success.
Gerrard said, “Whether you have a contract until the summer or for two years, you have always got to prove and fight for the right to be a Rangers player.
“That’s what we’ve tried to do here, to remind players we won’t tolerate or accept anyone who becomes complacent or doesn’t show a certain level.
“We’ll move players on as quick as they have come in the door because results and success at Rangers is so important.”
Recruitment will continue and Gerrard has also been very complimentary of the board allowing him to move players in and out. That certainly tells us that Gerrard is looking to the future, although he does need to be careful he doesn’t take his eye off the present.
This season isn’t over yet and if Rangers can win both their remaining fixtures against Celtic, in First Phase and Second, then it puts them in a very good position to pounce on a Celtic slip up.
It’s a long shot, but hope will be there not one for this season, but for next too.