Alex McLeish expects Celtic backlash but believes Rangers' time has come to be champions again

Former Rangers manager Alex McLeish has predicted a strong Celtic response to the Ibrox club taking the initiative in the title race, but feels the biggest prize in Scottish football will be changing hands for the first time in ten years.

Former Rangers and Scotland manager Alex McLeish promoting Premier Sports coverage of next Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden. (Photo by Bill Murray / SNS Group)

Rangers are six points clear at the top of the table, having played a game more than their Old Firm rivals, after Celtic lost ground with their 3-3 draw against Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday.

Steven Gerrard’s squad are now odds-on favourites to finish in top spot at the end of the season and while McLeish anticipates more twists and turns in the coming months, he insists Rangers are better equipped to stay the course this time around.

"The bookies will change it every week according to results,” said McLeish, who won seven major domestic honours during his four-and-a-half years in charge of Rangers.

"I guess we are all influenced by results and form. Celtic are going through an injury crisis at the moment - it could happen to Rangers in the season. But the way things are going for Rangers now, I get the feeling this could be their year.

"It is still very, very early and Celtic will fight back for sure. But at the moment, and I am probably just going on form, but I feel this is a chance for Rangers this season.

"Mainly because of the recruitment this season because someone like Kemar Roofe is only going to get fitter, while we have not seen much of Cedric Itten yet. But certainly it looks like Rangers are prepared this time.”

Rangers’ focus switches to Europa League business on Thursday when they face Lech Poznan at Ibrox in their second Group D fixture. McLeish believes coping with both domestic and European demands is the biggest challenge for Gerrard.

"To maintain the two competitions is going to be very tough,” he added. "The last couple of seasons when Alfredo Morelos was out injured, sent off or suspended - which wasn't great - they didn't have much cover.

"That is where I felt Rangers were going to be short and I always felt they needed to reinforce the centre forward situation. It looks like they have done a good bit of business for this season with Roofe. They have a great chance.”

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