ALLY McCoist has challenged his players to command the respect of Scottish football and prove they are ready to return to the top flight by lifting the League Cup.
The Rangers manager accepts winning the bottom two divisions in two seasons has not convinced many observers, given the lack of success in other competitions, but believes points will be proven if his players take a major trophy.
"It would be recognised as the first step back in terms of competing with the big boys again," said McCoist ahead of Tuesday's quarter-final tie with St Johnstone at Ibrox. "We won two titles in recent seasons and a lot of people, understandably, say that's to be expected.
"I think a real indication of a step back, in many people's eyes, though, would be clinching a domestic trophy. Even reaching a final would be seen as an improvement."
McCoist believes his players can matching every team in the Premiership and they would be ready for a meeting with their Old Firm rivals, Celtic.
"On our day, we would be a match for all the teams in the top flight," he said.
Darren McGregor agrees Rangers could make life tough for the SPFL Premiership champions in a one-off encounter.
"We have players who have not experienced top-flight football and that might be your only sticking point," said the Rangers centre-back. "I definitely think we have guys capable of reaching those heights in the likes of Lewis Macleod and Fraser Aird."
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