Rangers finished third in the Scottish Premiership last season, 12 points behind Celtic.
Former Celtic attacker Craig Bellamy has told the Daily Star that he reckons Rangers can close the gap on Celtic this season, but claims they will fail to win the Scottish Premiership for the “next couple of years”.
Rangers failed to beat Celtic in five attempts last season, and are yet to secure a victory over their Old Firm rivals since regaining their Scottish Premiership status.
However, optimism has never been higher at Ibrox since the arrival of Steven Gerrard as manager, as well as high-profile signings such as Allan McGregor, Connor Goldson, Nikola Katic and Scott Arfield.
Bellamy, who played for Celtic during the second half of the 2014-15 season in which he scored nine goals in 15 games for the Hoops, reckons Gerrard will give fans confidence over the long-term – but will not win the league this season.
“It’s a tough job,” Bellamy said. “As long as Rangers fans see them getting closer or going somewhere. Celtic are still going to be dominant again this year but if he can just bridge that gap, just because it was too big last year.
“Bridge it just a little bit closer, which I don’t see him not being able to do. And Rangers fans see it and think ‘you know what, next couple of years we’ll be there’.
“That’s the challenge he has – to get them close, to find one or two gems. Play well for him, play a certain way.”
Gerrard’s Rangers have got off to a solid start, earning a 2-0 aggregate win over Macedonian side FK Shkupi to progress into the second round of Europa League qualifying.
They now face Croatian side NS Osijek for a chance to progress one step further, with the first leg being held away from home on July 26 before the return leg at Ibrox a week later.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
