Gary McAllister reckons that Rangers progress under Philippe Clement can ONLY be measured by winning the Premiership title. or not.
Having already lifted the Viaplay Cup back in December, the Belgian boss' side will have the chance to claim a domestic cup double. Sunday's 2-0 win against Hearts in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup sets up a meeting with Celtic in the showpiece event on May 25.
The former Genk manager arrived at Ibrox with the Light Blues trailing their bitter rivals by eight points at the top of the table, but a good run of form over the winter fired Rangers right back into title contention. However, a dismal defeat against Ross County and a frustrating 0-0 draw with Dundee in the last eight days have severely dented those championship aspirations, with the Hoops now commanding a three point lead going into the final five league games of the season.
Former Gers number two McAllister, who was a part of manager Steven Gerrard's coaching staff that led the Ibrox club to their first league title in 10 years with their landmark 55th triumph in 2021, admits clubs of Rangers' stature will always be judged on winning league championships.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I think the barometer is always the league. Winning trophies is really difficult, even for the big clubs, so when you win a trophy it's always a good thing.
"I think the big clubs are always judged on league titles. There is something about winning the league, it's just up another level."
The ex-Liverpool, Leeds United and Scotland star says collecting two cups in his first season in Govan would be seen as a success for Clement but insists that everyone associated with the club will be desperate to wrestle the title back from their Old Firm rivals.
McAllister added: "I think so but deep down, everybody behind the scenes from the players, to the management staff and the owners will still be chasing winning the league. It brings back memories of when Steven (Gerrard) and our team came up from south of the border.
"We were quite a bit behind Celtic and were given a bit of time, but winning that league was very key. We didn't have great success in the cups but getting that title was the big thing."
