Former Rangers midfielder Alex Rae has explained that the Gers have a crucial period coming up as they hope to keep up with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership table.

After their Scottish Cup game against Cowdenbeath tonight, the Gers have away league games against Kilmarnock, who are just a point behind them, and then against Livingston.




Kilmarnock have been the surprise package in the Premiership this season, while Livingston have dropped points in just three home games so far.

Celtic, unlike Rangers, have games against St. Mirren and Hamilton, teams who are in the bottom three of the table, after their clash against Airdrieonians in the Scottish Cup.
 


Rae believes Steven Gerrard’s side need to put down a marker in the two tough away games, and build on the Old Firm derby win against the Hoops in late December.

“I think when you look at it, Livingston are one of the strongest teams at home”, Rae said on Rangers TV.
 

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“Over the course of the season, I think they’ve won 15 or 16 points, which is a remarkable return.

“It’s interesting because it’s a crucial part of the season for Rangers on the back of that good win [against Celtic].

“If they can go and cement wins at these places, then it really puts down a marker because Celtic have pretty much an easy two or three home games on the bounce, so you have to maintain that good run that Rangers are on and build on the back of that Old Firm win.”

Rangers will have four days to recover from their Scottish Cup game against Cowdenbeath before they face Kilmarnock on Wednesday.