Rangers' Pre-Season Form Is Promising - But Stopping Celtic Remains a Daunting Prospect

Rangers? Winning a trophy that Glasgow rivals Celtic could have scooped?

You'd be forgiven for thinking that's not possible, but that's exactly what happened when Steven Gerrard's side earned the Veolia Trophy after beating decent Ligue 1 opposition in Lyon and Nice.

Celtic, meanwhile, laboured to a 1-1 with Patrick Vieira's side - admittedly, it was the Bhoys' first game in 131 days - while they narrowly lost out to Lyon at the Groupama Stadium.

That probably means very little in the grand scheme of things, but belief has returned among the Ibrox faithful that this could be the year they halt Celtic's domestic domination - preventing Neil Lennon's side from scooping a tenth successive Scottish Premiership crown.

But will they?

Gerrard's side looked well organised as they cruised their way past Nice and Lyon, winning by two goals to nil on both occasions. The Gers were clinical in front of goal, the attacking guile of Joe Arribo and Ryan Kent looked particularly threatening as they continuously probed the opposition defence.

Having taken the lead early on in both encounters, Rangers' defence was able to hold firm and soak up pressure while remaining dangerous on the counter. Centre backs Connor Goldson and George Edmundson formed a strong partnership throughout as Rangers kept back-to-back clean sheets.

Celtic, on the other hand, struggled to assert themselves in their outings. Lennon experimented to no avail and the Hoops were under constant pressure throughout. Unlike their rivals, the Bhoys looked vulnerable.

When it was said and done, there were scenes of jubilation recorded on smartphones in socially distanced Rangers' pubs across Glasgow. After all, it is their first silverware since lifting the Scottish Championship trophy some four years ago.

It also indicated a bit of belief that Rangers could finally put behind them the difficulties that have plagued them for the past decade. Financial difficulties ruined the club in the late 2000s, eventually leading to administration and subsequent liquidation in 2012.

The business and assets were sold to a new company, who were voted against re-entering Scotland's top-flight by the majority of league members. Just like that, one of the world's most successful clubs were booted down into the Scottish Third Division. Their time spent withering in the lower leagues allowed Celtic to gain a substantial financial and footballing advantage over their rivals.

Now, with four years of top-flight experience back under their belt, Rangers are on a slow and steady upward trajectory.

Under Steven Gerrard, they have assembled their most talented squad since entering administration back in 2012 - but success is only measured on the blue half of Glasgow by winning major trophies, something Gers haven't done for a decade now.

The signing of Ianis Hagi - son of legendary Gheorge - symbolises the improving quality of Rangers' squad, and his ability was there for all to see when he bagged a brace against Lyon. It's not the first time that he's shown he's able to compete with European-competition worthy opposition, either, as he was star of the show when Rangers ground out a steely 3-2 win over Braga in the knockout stages of the Europa League.

There is a caveat, though. With lethal frontman Alfredo Morelos recently agreeing personal terms with Ligue 1 outfit Lille, any success next season could hinge on whether or not the Colombian striker can be replaced at Ibrox.

El Bufalo has netted a whopping 77 goals in 137 appearances for Rangers - and with 29 goals and 10 assists this past term, news of his potential departure is a crushing blow.

If he does leave, the weight of expectation will fall on Ryan Kent - signed from Liverpool for £6.5m - to deliver more. Although he's looked a constant threat on the wing, he's yet to register an assist since joining the club - even though he has found the back of the net on seven occasions.

The 23-year-old did, however, set up a goal against both Nice and Lyon - something to whet the appetite of the Rangers faithful as they hope to see him improve that side of his game.

Squad strength aside, Rangers must also improve the mental side of their game if they are to compete. To stop Celtic winning a tenth title in a row, they've got to stop dropping points against the likes of Kilmarnock and Hamilton, for example. Time and time again - even under Gerrard - mental wobbles have cost them dearly, and that's got to change if they want to mount a serious title bid.

The £15m fee that Rangers will reportedly pocket for Morelos will help with strengthening the squad, but fixing the current crop's mentality is just as important. Success is long overdue, but Rome wasn't build overnight. Yes, the signs are promising - but it's still a big ask to topple Celtic next year.