Derek McInnes applauding fans
Derek McInnesImago

Three Rangers questions to emerge from the past seven days include has McInnes turned the corner?

Pete Hanson

Pete Hanson is the Head of Editorial Standards for Ibrox News as part of the Breaking Media network. With a vast background in sports journalism and data analysis, Pete provides expertise in talent development, strategy planning, and new content strands for all things Rangers. Based in Sheffield, Pete has previously worked for PA Media, Sporting News, and Stats Perform, after earning a Masters in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University.

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Rangers have finally strung some results together in the Scottish Premiership under Derek McInnes.

The Gers made an inauspicious start to life under the new gaffer, who replaced Danny Rohl at the start of the summer.

Rangers were knocked out of qualifying in both the Europa League and Conference League in embarrassing circumstances.

All of this was happening amid a backdrop of a huge overhaul of the squad during the summer transfer window.

No fewer than 14 players were signed by Rangers during a hectic summer in Govan.

The focus is now fully on the football and McInnes' battle to win over a doubtful fanbase, though, and Ibrox News looks at three questions to have emerged from the past seven days.

Have Rangers turned a corner under Derek McInnes?

Frankly, it is just far too early to say definitively that Rangers have turned a corner under McInnes.

Three straight victories over Aberdeen, Falkirk, and now Motherwell was absolutely essential, and credit where it's due Rangers did that.

All of those wins were by single-goal margins, though, and Rangers are not playing with any great fluency.

There is another test they simply have to tick off against St Mirren on Wednesday, nothing other that victory at Ibrox will be enough.

Then, it is onto the real acid test of McInnes' credentials.

Derek McInnes applauding fans
Why Lawrence Shankland injury comes at the worst time as Rangers finally click vs Motherwell

What will the Celtic double-header tell us about McInnes?

Like it or loathe it, Rangers managers live and die by their record in the Old Firm.

Even the biggest sceptics will be won over by McInnes if he can mastermind victory over the old enemy.

But, boy, could there be a bigger challenge that back-to-back derbies?

Rangers host Celtic at Ibrox in the Scottish League quarter-finals on Sunday, before visiting enemy territory a week later in the league.

If McInnes is to prove his side really have turned a corner, then he really needs Rangers to show their mettle in those games.

If they don't then the pressure will really be on.

What do Rangers do now Lawrence Shankland is injured?

A bit like McInnes, Rangers skipper Lawrence Shankland has faced plenty of criticism early in his Ibrox career.

But the Scotland striker found his feet, scoring three goals in the wins over Aberdeen and Falkirk.

An ultimately hamstring injury could keep him sidelined for some time, a big blow considering Youssef Chermiti is out for a substantial period.

It means McInnes has to hope new boy Kevin Kelsy can hit the ground running, and that Ryan Naderi - who netted the winer against Motherwell - can chip in with enough goals.

Others will have to contribute too, but it was a big disappointment to see Shankland pull up injured prior to two huge games with Celtic.

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