Ally McCoist backs Rangers to pose title threat to Celtic

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Rangers sit ahead of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

Ally McCoist has told BT Sport that he believes Rangers can challenge Old Firm rivals Celtic for the Scottish Premiership title this season as Steven Gerrard continues to impress after nine games in charge.

The former Liverpool and England captain has remained unbeaten in those 10 outings, drawing only to Aberdeen with 10 men, before three ties in Europe against FK Shkupi, NK Osijek and Maribor.

Rangers won a place in the last eight of the Scottish League Cup on Sunday with a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park thanks to an Alfredo Morelos hat-trick, and former player and manager McCoist spoke afterwards.

He said that he believes Gerrard has made the Gers much more solid in the defensive third, and is confident that they can rival Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic with the Hoops eyeing an eighth consecutive title in a row.

“I’m not getting carried away,” McCoist said. “It’s far too early to get carried away. You have to be honest, though, and say the improvement is there for everybody to see. Really pleased with the two centre-backs and obviously Allan McGregor.

“They look a lot more street wise. They look physical, they look harder to beat. At this moment in time, it is a long way off, but yes [Rangers can challenge Celtic].”

Rangers progressed into the last eight where they will face Scottish Championship side Ayr United at Ibrox. Celtic face a difficult challenge in Perth against St. Johnstone.

Gerrard will face one of the toughest weeks as Rangers manager as his side go up against Russian outfit FC Ufa in the Europa League play-off round at Ibrox on Thursday, with it being key that they gain a first-leg advantage.

They then travel to Fir Park to face Motherwell, with fans desperate to see the Gers remain ahead of Old Firm rivals Celtic. The Hoops play host to Hamilton, a match they will be expected to win, so three points against The Well is key.