Exclusive: Alex McLeish backs Rangers to mount title challenge amid ‘huge pressure’
We’re delighted to welcome former Rangers manager Alex McLeish as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Alex McLeish has claimed that there is “definitely” a chance that Rangers can topple Celtic and win the Scottish Premiership this season.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the former Gers boss admitted that his old side will have to overcome “huge pressure” to usurp the Hoops, but also argued that Steven Gerrard’s men are capable of doing so following a summer of eye-catching recruitment.
In particular, McLeish referenced the increased firepower that Gerrard now possesses following the arrival of Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten.
Speaking to Ibrox News, he said: “I do think there’s definitely a [title] challenge now that Steven’s brought these strikers in.
“Now they’ve got to deliver, it’s not just that it looks good on paper, these guys have to deliver and there’s huge pressure when you play for or manage a club the size of Glasgow Rangers.
“That is definitely a factor.
“It’s there for Celtic to lose and Rangers to prove they can finally topple them. It’s going to be a big season for both sides.”
Rangers finished 13 points behind their bitter rivals at the summit of the Scottish Premiership last season, and are bidding to prevent Neil Lennon’s men from lifting a 10th consecutive league title.
Gerrard has yet to lift a piece of silverware during his time in Glasgow, but has reinforced his squad substantially this summer, bringing in six senior players, including Roofe and Itten for a combined fee of around £7.2 million.
In other Rangers news, we bring you another exclusive, as Frank McAvennie claims Alfredo Morelos could upset the Ibrox dressing room if he stays.