The former Ibrox captain explains,what Rangers must do to win title race

It all comes down to this.

Yes, watching Scotland’s progress has been an enjoyable distraction throughout the season even if the last two results stick in the throat, but the domestic title has always been what got me out of bed in the morning. It’s why you pull your boots on for the first day of pre-season. It’s the reason these Rangers players have given their blood and sweat and tears to claw their way back into contention since Philippe Clement arrived in Glasgow when everyone else had written them off as no hopers.

It’s why they have fought and scratched their way into the position they find themselves in this morning – on the starting blocks for one final sprint towards the line – and it’ll be lighting a fire inside their bellies as the clock kicks down to kick-off against Hibs on Saturday. Now that everything else is out of the way, now is the time to empty the tanks until there’s not a drop left to give. And if Rangers can do that between now and May then they’ll have a whole summer to celebrate their achievements.

All they have to do is reach out and grab them because these players worked too hard and given too much to let anyone stop them now. If I was in that dressing room – and you’ve no idea how much I wish I was – I’d break what’s left of the season down into two blocks.

First, I’d look at the next two weeks before the split and four massive league games. Deal with Hibs at Ibrox, win the biggest game of the season at home to Celtic eight days later and follow that up with wins away to Dundee and Ross County. Take 12 points from these games and you’ll go into the post split fixtures in an incredible position. It really is that simple.

I’m not saying Rangers are four wins away from the title because, from personal experience, I learned to expect the unexpected. It’s never over until that trophy is in your hands. But my God, what a position Rangers will be in if they can take maximum points from that block of matches.

If they had been offered that scenario when the new manager first arrived I’ll bet every single one of them would have bitten your arm off for it. So now they have the chance to turn an impressive recovery into a historic campaign for the club.

And if the thought of that doesn’t get the adrenaline pumping then they’re wearing the wrong shirt!

Over these next few weeks they are about to have their temperament examined as well as their ability to handle the pressure. And I’ve seen enough from this group of players already to believe that they have the mentality and the bottle required to finish what they have started over these last six months.

Just look at the way they have responded since Clement came into the job.

Yes, this next period will be a different kettle of fish because the stakes are even higher. But it’s the same for Celtic who will realise the heat is on them too, with no room for error.

And that’s why this stage of the season really gets the juices flowing. There’s so much riding on every pass, every tackle and every shot. This is when the really big players – the born winners – stand up to be counted.

Having got to know the way Clement works he won’t let them get ahead of themselves. Yes, during the international break, they might have looked at the next four games as a crucial period. But, by kick-off time on Saturday, the whole focus will be on the next 90 minutes and nothing else.

Do whatever is required to get three pints tucked away and then worry about what comes next later. The lads will have a full week to rest and recover ahead of the visit from Celtic and Clement will assess whatever his options are when derby day comes around.

It’s good news that Ridvan Yilmaz could be back for the Old Firm game because the little man has made a huge impression ever since the winter break and has nailed down the left back berth for himself.

He’s been a slow burner – and that can happen with any young player adjusting to life in a new country – but he’s a proper Rangers player now and I’m sure the manager will want him back fit as quickly as possible.

But, in the meantime, Borna Barisic might have to step back into the line-up and I have no qualms at all about that. Yes, he may be coming towards the end of his time at the club but his commitment to the cause has never been in doubt. If this is going to be his last few months in Glasgow then I am positive he’ll want to bow out with another championship in his bag.

There could be no better way to say goodbye after so many years of service. Borna has obviously been heavily linked with a potential move to Trabzonspor and, as he’s out of contract this summer, he may have an eye on his next move.

But he will understand the importance of going out on a high as well as the effort the whole squad has put in to get this far. If he’s needed during the closing stages then I’m more than sure he’ll be ready and willing to play his part.

I also noticed that the same Turkish club has been credited with an interest in taking John Lundstram too as part of a double swoop. They ought to be quickly told to forget all about it. Yes, Lundstram’s deal is also up in the summer but, while it might be time for Barisic to move on, that’s not the case where the Scouser is concerned.

Along with Jack Butland, James Tavernier and Connor Goldson, Lundstram’s name will be one of the first on Clement’s team sheet this weekend. The Belgian might rotate his players regularly – and his midfield men in particular – but Lundstram has played almost every single minute.

That tells you how important the manager believes him to be to the team. And it tells me Clement will be desperate to get him tied down on a new deal over the course of the next few weeks. I certainly hope he puts pen to paper.

Lundstram is one of those guys who thrives on the pressure and the responsibility of representing the club. And now that this campaign is coming down to the nitty gritty, I fully expect him to lead the charge from the front.

Big clubs demand big players with big character. And, when everything is about to go on the line, it’s guys like Lundstram you want standing beside you in the trenches.