Former Rangers star Peter Lovenkrands feels the club's rivals Celtic have taken "a massive step back" during the time the Gers have been absent from the Scottish top flight, something which means the gap between the two sides is not a big one.
Rangers stunned Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final this season, enjoying the better of the game and beating the Bhoys on penalties.
Celtic started as heavy favourites in the game due to being Scottish champions and from the top tier, while Rangers were plying their trade in the Championship.
After winning promotion, Rangers will be in the top flight next season and Lovenkrands sees no reason why the Gers should be worried about Celtic, who he feels have regressed, especially in Europe.
"For me Celtic have taken a massive step back. When I was at Rangers and played against Celtic they were also quite dominant in Europe and went to the Europa League final and all these different things", he said on Rangers TV, assessing the 2015/16 campaign.
relatedNewsStory
"They used to be a force at Parkhead and not be beaten. They've been terrible this season.
"They have taken a massive step back and we've taken a huge one forward", Lovenkrands explained.
"They didn't spend a lot of money because they thought with Rangers not there to compete with them they had it in the bag anyway.
"It's hurt them in Europe and now they've taken a massive step back."
Celtic parted ways with Norwegian tactican Ronny Deila at the end of the season and will go again next term under the guidance of former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.
