Hugh Keevins guarantees Derek McInnes first as Graeme Souness emulated at Rangers
Derek McInnes has seemingly made Rangers favourites for the Scottish Premiership title.
The Scottish manager was under pressure a few weeks into his stint at the Gers, but the two Old Firm derbies have shifted perceptions in Glasgow.
With the ex-Hearts boss outclassing Martin O'Neill twice in the span of a week, things are on the up in G51.
McInnes was brought in to bring success back to Ibrox and he looks on course to do so.
The Govan side will face Aberdeen in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at the end of October and have a chance to lift silverware before the year ends.
In the league, Celtic are still two points ahead of their Old Firm rivals, but that may not last long.
Hugh Keevins predicts Rangers chances of winning league title
Rangers' two wins over Celtic have ramped up talks of who might win the league title this season.
The Hoops won the Premiership for the fifth straight time after beating Hearts on the final day of last season.
McInnes saw his fairytale run at Tynecastle Park end with major disappointment, as the Jam Tarts could've been crowned with just a draw at Parkhead.
The Scottish manager has never won a major league title in his managerial career, but Hugh Keevins has no doubt he will do so this season in Govan.
"It’s hard to believe the now bearded and slightly wizened-looking McInnes was still a fresh-faced teenager when Graeme Souness, 36 years ago, became the last manager before him to win his first two Old Firm derbies in charge at Ibrox," Keevins said.
Writing in the Daily Record on 26 September, he added, "Derek has now emulated that achievement in the space of eight days. His first league title, 20 years after becoming a manager, is nailed on.
"Trust me. Or, you could always give me a better idea if you have one."
One aspect that will bring the league title back to Ibrox
Steven Gerrard was the last manager to win the Scottish Premiership with Rangers in 2021.
While Danny Rohl had the chance to do something special in G51, he scuppered it after the Gers ended the season poorly.
Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises likely chose McInnes to replace the German boss because of his experience in Scottish football, and it has already paid off.
Apart from dominating Celtic in the two games, the Govan side ensured they didn't concede any goals.
In their last six matches, the Light Blues have kept five clean sheets, and it's their defensive solidity with Dujon Sterling, Emmanuel Fernandez and Olwethu Makhanya at the back that will surely lead them to success in May.
Fingers crossed that something special is brewing.