THE message of ‘keep believing’ inspired Rangers to one of their most famous title successes as Alex McLeish’s side emerged victorious on Helicopter Sunday.
Now former Ibrox forward Billy Dodds reckons that same mindset is shining through once again as Steven Gerrard bids for a Premiership triumph that would go down in Light Blues’ folklore.
Victory over Celtic in the second derby clash of the campaign has Rangers neck and neck with their Old Firm rivals going into the winter break.
The Gers have made the trip to Tenerife with a spring in their step and two new faces on board after Steven Davis and Jermain Defoe clinched 18-month deals at Ibrox.
The win over Brendan Rodgers’ side was a statement of intent. The transfer deals have then hammered home the message for the Gers.
Dodds said: “Belief. That’s the key word for me. Rangers believe they are in the running.
“Celtic have been so far ahead for so long. There is a belief among the Rangers players now that they are a lot closer than anybody truly imagined.
“Now is the time to strike and that’s exactly what Rangers have done with this calibre of signings.
“Rangers are not standing still. And for me, this far outstrips the expectations of Rangers fans at the start of the season.
“I think they thought this campaign would be about trying to bridge the gap and then look to go again next season.
“But they have qualified for the group stages of the Europa League and they realise now that they are so close to Celtic that they are pushing ahead.
“In the past Rangers have dithered on deals but they’ve moved so quickly to get both Davis and Defoe.
“In thinking from the outside people are sensing there’s a belief about this Rangers team, but more importantly I’m beginning to sense that from inside the dressing room they are starting to believe now.”
Gerrard has done his best to play down the talk of a title challenge this term as he has taken his first steps in management and made an immediate impact at Ibrox.
But supporters are now daring to dream after a dominant derby display was produced and the deals for Davis and Defoe were put in place.
And Dodds reckons the Light Blues have sent out a message with their business in the opening days of the winter window as two experienced operators have been added to Gerrard’s ranks.
He said: “It’s a massive upgrade and it’s a massive statement of intent.
“The Old Firm victory has catapulted them towards this way of thinking.
“Maybe the gap isn’t as big as we thought and what they thought.
“Steven Gerrard has a steely determination but I think for the rest of us, no one really saw Rangers being in the position that they find themselves.
“They are way, way ahead of where anyone thought they would be.
“I’m sure even Gerrard himself would have sat down after that Old Firm win and thought to himself, ‘ok, we’re in with a shout here.’
“The objective then was to add one or two players of genuine quality in this transfer window.
“With Davis and Defoe I don’t think anyone can argue that that’s exactly what they have done.
“With those two coming into the dressing room it adds to the kind of winning mentality which the likes of Allan McGregor already has.
“Davis will bring so much quality to the middle of the park and Defoe will undoubtedly bring goals. They are sending out a very powerful message to Celtic.”
Rangers could, and perhaps should, have been going into the top flight shutdown with an advantage over Celtic after an overall impressive season to date.
A lack of cutting edge cost Gerrard’s side on several occasions, though, as chances were missed and points were allowed to slip through their grasps.
But the 38-year-old has wasted little time in adding guile and goals to his team as he prepares for a title race and shot at Scottish Cup glory.
Dodds said: “I think Defoe will do really well up here. Don’t get me wrong, I think it will be tougher than he probably imagines.
“Many players come up here thinking it will be a stroll and it doesn’t work out.
“I don’t see that happening with Defoe because I think he has the mentality and more importantly the quality. He still has that sharpness too and he’ll score goals.
“Davis is a tremendous signing too. Gerrard has talked about himself, the need for a quality No.10.
“I’m no saying Davis will play that far forward but if you are looking for creative then my goodness what a signing this is.
“He hasn’t played a lot this season but even last season in the Premiership he was still sheer quality.
“Because of their age people will always ask questions, but I think it’s two massive signings for Rangers.
“It’s Rangers telling Celtic that they know who close they are to catching them.”
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