Don’t say Celtic have thrown title away... Rangers have WON it
ICAN feel it now. The excitement. The anticipation. My home in Denmark might be more than 600 miles east of Glasgow but, honestly, it almost feels like I am back at Ibrox.
The countdown to Rangers winning the title is very much on. Seven more points. That’s all it will take to end a decade of disappointment and hurt.
It’s an incredible thought. One that makes me smile every time it pops into my mind. I’m sure that will be the same for so many of us former players and former managers, wherever we might be in the world right now. Trust me, we know what it means.
It’s not just about getting the better of Celtic. At least not for me. It’s about much more than that.
It’s about the history of Rangers, the travesty of what happened to the club and the completion of this journey back to the very top of Scottish football.
The finishing line is in sight and everyone with the club in their heart can relish the weeks ahead.
Of course, the fact it could actually be won at Celtic Park adds yet another dimension to this season. It almost seems like it has been fated.
If the gap remains the same, then Rangers would go there on March 21 needing just a point to be arithmetically certain of becoming champions.
It could happen even sooner depending on the next two rounds of results for both clubs. But a little part of me hopes it goes to the derby — and not just because of the additional drama that would bring.
Steven Gerrard said after Sunday’s 4-1 victory over Dundee United that he thought James Tavernier could be fit within three weeks.
The Ibrox manager was clear that the timescale for both Tavernier and Kemar Roofe wasn’t set in stone, but there is cautious optimism that their injuries may not be as bad as first feared.
I really hope Tavernier makes it in time for the decisive day. If anyone deserves to be on the pitch when Rangers win the title, then it’s the captain.
He has been essential to this whole campaign. When the club needed it most, he has come up with the best season of his entire career.
It would be a real disappointment, just terrible luck, if he wasn’t fit enough to help get the result that started the celebrations — whenever that might be.
Even then, nothing could take away from what he has done since August.
You looked at Tavernier and hoped he could respond to all the disappointment endured towards the end of the last campaign. What a response he has delivered. He’s had plenty to cope with. It’s been almost unheard of for a Rangers captain to go through this period of time without winning a trophy. A lot of scrutiny and criticism has been sent his way over previous seasons. Now just look his stats — 17 goals and 15 assists. Even for an actual attacking player, that would be phenomenal output. For a full-back — admittedly one who is very offensive in the way he plays — it’s just sensational. There would be something special about him leading the team to glory at Parkhead, if that’s how the situation falls.
We have to remember it has been only three years since Tavernier was part of the Rangers team beaten 5-0 when Celtic clinched the 2017-18 title at their own ground.
To go back there and officially become a champion himself would be the most incredible sense of personal closure.
Of course, it’s not just about Tavernier. The finale to this title bid is about everyone associated with Rangers.
After so many difficult days, potentially having a chance to seal a first title since 2011 at the home of your greatest rivals seems like something conjured up by an award-winning author. But this tale has been written by Gerrard and his players.
Hours after United were beaten at Ibrox, Celtic slipped to defeat against Ross County in the latest chapter of a miserable season for Neil Lennon’s men.
Yes, there have been major problems at Parkhead, but let’s be clear about one thing. They haven’t thrown the title away. Rangers have won it.
Gerrard’s side have only dropped eight points from a possible 90. They have only conceded nine goals in 30 games. Regardless of the chaos at Celtic, that’s the form of champions for sure.
I think it’s an important point to emphasise. Because Rangers are edging ever closer to finishing off a pretty remarkable feat.
People have been talking about Celtic collapsing. About a manager possibly being on his way out. About their recruitment not being as good as it has been.
Maybe some people thought they could win a tenth title without too many problems against a Rangers team that had previously struggled to put together a full season of performances.
None of that has caused any distraction at Ibrox. When you are on a winning streak like Celtic have been, the force is with you in a sense. To me, it’s a lot easier to go out and win again.
Rangers had to overturn all that momentum. And they have done it in the most important season of their players’ careers. That’s how much this will matter to the club. They are so close to a truly historic moment.
Gerrard can see the prize now. On Sunday, he admitted he is beginning to harbour thoughts of claiming the title, but again stressed he wouldn’t get carried away too soon. It’s all about staying ‘in the zone’. And his messaging has been pretty much faultless throughout this entire campaign.
This experience is not something Gerrard will take for granted. Nor will guys like Tavernier, Allan McGregor, Steven Davis and Connor Goldson.
They have brought the leadership and experience that has allowed the younger players around them to flourish.
As a collective, they deserve all the good things that are coming their way.