Gerrard must prove points in top six

WHAT better way to show that the greatest glories really are within ‘tangible reach’ than proving you can get the better of the other teams at the top end of the league more than once in a blue moon?

Yesterday’s win at Hearts has given Rangers good momentum in the wake of similarly impressive victories over Motherwell and the Tynecastle side at Ibrox.

It is now, though, that the players have to confirm that there really is meaningful progress being made at Ibrox under Steven Gerrard.

So far this season, Rangers have won just four games out of 18 in all competitions against the other teams in the top five. Against Hibs, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock, the record reads three out of 15.

Parrotting these statistics clearly annoys people inside Ibrox, but they are not good enough for any club harbouring hopes of winning any silverware, far less the title.

Chairman Dave King, of course, was wrong to insist that Rangers are ready to dominate domestic football when trying to flog season tickets.

However, his remarks do set the tone for a fascinating year or so ahead.

Although Gerrard is right to point out that lofty targets require serious investment, Mark Warburton will tell you how things can pan out when King starts making public pronouncements about second not being good enough.

Gerrard has always stated that these closing games of a failed season remain hugely important. They most certainly are. Rangers need to lay down a marker and prove some points.