It’s a big week for Mark Warburton and Rangers

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Saturday will be the true homecoming for Rangers fans as they take on Celtic in Saturday’s Old Firm.

It must feel like a lifetime for Rangers fans since they last faced rivals Celtic in the league after entering administration in 2012 and subsequently finding themselves forced to start again in the fourth tier of Scottish football.

Ally McCoist secured promotions from League 2 to The Championship, with manager Mark Warburton getting the club over the line last season back to the top tier of Scottish football.

Former Rangers manager Ally McCoist

Despite Rangers already being back in the Scottish Premiership, Saturday is when most Rangers supporters will realise they are back where they belong when they do battle once more with their fiercest rivals.

The journeys to Berwick Rangers, Annan Athletic, Montrose and Stirling Albion have been and gone, a victory on Saturday would be even sweeter for many given the journey the club have endured in the past four years.

Despite Warburton already beating Celtic in last season’s Scottish Cup semi-final, it will certainly be a different type of game. Cup shocks can happen but given the squad The Hoops have at their disposal under Brendan Rodgers, Celtic will be the favourites.

Rangers players celebrate after winning the penalty shootout

No doubt that Celtic are favourites to be the Champions come May although a victory for Warburon and Rangers would suggest the gap isn’t as big as many would think. Arguably Warburton’s biggest test so far will be Saturday, European football is a bonus for Celtic however the league is the bread and butter and both sides will be looking to gain an early advantage.

After what the club have been through it will mean more just to see a league fixture between the two sides, this will be the moment the Ibrox club announce themselves back in the big time.

Rangers manager Mark Warburton celebrates winning the Scottish Championship with the trophy

The long road is well and truly over for the Gers, just being back in the top flight is good enough, for now, but a win come Saturday lunchtime will be the icing on the cake for all associated with the club.