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Inverness midfielder claims Rangers have been given reality check this season

Rangers manager Mark Warburton (REUTERS)
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Mark Warburton takes his Glasgow Rangers side to face Caley on Friday.

Rangers manager Mark WarburtonRangers manager Mark Warburton

Inverness midfielder Ross Draper has claimed that Rangers have received a reality check after their mixed start to the new Scottish Premiership season, the Daily Record reports.

Mark Warburton’s men were sensational last season, reaching two domestic finals – winning one – and strolling to the Scottish Championship title.

Rangers players celebrate after winning the penalty shootoutRangers players celebrating their victory over Celtic last season

Along the way, they also claimed various top flight scalps, so it was hardly surprising that many were expecting the Gers to move straight back into the title picture following their promotion.

However, after eight games, the Light Blues are fifth in the table, and their title hopes already look very bleak. And ahead of Friday’s game between themselves and Caley, Draper has suggested why things have been so difficult for Warburton’s men before insisting that they still boast an extremely strong squad.

Celtic's Scott Sinclair in action with Rangers' Wes FoderinghamCeltic comfortably beat Rangers earlier in the campaign

“The season so far has been a little bit of reality check for them though,” he said, as reported by the Record.

“Rangers did well in one-off cup ties against the bigger teams last season.

“But they have struggled a wee bit this season playing tough games week in, week out.

Rangers' Joe Garner celebratesRangers’ Joe Garner

“On their day Rangers are a great side and they have real quality players.”

While Rangers have arguably been somewhat disappointing on the whole, their most recent form suggests that things may be beginning to click.

But Draper will be hoping that the international break has set their progress back slightly, because, as he suggests himself, the Gers have a squad more than capable of claiming an emphatic victory if they are on form.