Rangers have a viable chance of bringing silverware to Ibrox this season.
The significance of Rangers’ progression to the Scottish League Cup final this afternoon should not be overlooked.
The 3-0 victory over Hearts had all the hallmarks of a routine win of little consequence aside from progression.
It’s true that the Tynecastle side are struggling of late and have no real manager in place. It’s true that the Gers were massive favourites heading into the fixture. It’s true that Rangers are simply meeting expectations.
Still, Gerrard’s team have smashed through a barrier that has halted the momentum of the last three seasons at Ibrox. It’s an important moment in the Liverpool legend’s burgeoning managerial career.
By reaching their first national final since 2016, the Gers have shown that those lofty expectations of Rangers supporters are beginning to be met.
Gerrard making a difference
Hampden has been a graveyard for Rangers in recent years. It’s also been an arena that has had harsh implications for managers.
Pedro Caixinha didn’t recover from his League Cup semi-final defeat to Motherwell in October 2017, sacked just days later in the wake of a damaging draw against Kilmarnock.
Serious questions were asked of Gerrard last year too when Aberdeen got the better of them at the national stadium.
Ultimately though the difference between the current Rangers boss and Caixinha is that he has proven he can bring tangible progress to the Ibrox club.
Today was further evidence of that.
Finally stepping up
Despite a heavy schedule and difficult European encounters, Gerrard’s side looked fresh and mentally strong, ready to finally step up for a showdown against Celtic with a trophy on the line.
Their best players looked at their best, there was no sense of the occasion taking over.
It’s a mentality that has mostly been missing at Ibrox, even in Gerrard’s debut season. They’ve proved a point to supporters who may have thought they were always going to find some way to fall short.
Toughest test to come
It must be stressed that Rangers will face their toughest test of the competition so far in the final. Success is far from guaranteed. Celtic were similarly impressive against Hibs on Saturday.
In a one off encounter though, Rangers will have a chance to win medals and bring success back to Ibrox. For three years, they’ve failed to even give themselves that chance.
Today could well be the breakthrough moment for Gerrard’s team to go on and live up to their potential.
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