‘They’ll fall behind’ – BBC Sportscene pundit shares

The big question for Rangers in their bid to win the SPL title is how they manage the quick turnaround with the Europa League, according to Leanne Crichton.

Writing on the BBC Sport website on Thursday (29 February), the Sportscene pundit said the Gers could fall behind Celtic in the title race on weekends where they are playing after their Old Firm rivals due to the Europa League matches falling on Thursday nights.

But she added that there isn’t anything at this moment to suggest the Light Blues don’t have the mentality to “stick it out” after Philippe Clement has turned things around since he took over at Ibrox.

“Mentality has been the big change at Rangers under Philippe Clement,” said Crichton. “That was the big question mark under Michael Beale. There was a lot of chat from Beale and it was overkill at times. Clement has really changed that.

“It’s repetition in terms of his messaging. The win against Hearts and the comeback against Kilmarnock shows where the mentality is at. Beale’s team probably struggles to get maximum points from them.

“There’s a belief within the group that they’re good enough to remain top. The big question is the Europa League and the turnaround with that.

“That could mean they’ll fall behind in the title race again if Celtic play before them, but there’s nothing at this moment that tells me they don’t have the mentality to stick it out.”

Rangers players full of confidence under Philippe Clement

There is no doubt that Clement has changed several things about his Rangers squad since he walked through the door, but the mentality has perhaps been the biggest difference.

When he walked through the door at Ibrox a few months ago, there were huge question marks surrounding a number of players who are now flourishing under the new boss.

The Belgian has simply found a way to win and has put the message across to his players that they are winners and they can achieve great things at the club.

While it will be a test of their mental resolve managing the Europa League alongside their title aspirations, it is something Clement and his players will no doubt be relishing.

It’s anyone’s guess how far they could go in Europe this season, but the whole squad will be needed if they are to go deep in the competition and continue to set the pace in the title race.