Rangers go from turbulence to take-off as pundits assess McInnes revival after Ibrox era threatened to unravel

Derek McInnes has overseen a remarkable transformation in Rangers' fortunes, with back-to-back victories over Celtic providing the clearest evidence yet that the uncertainty surrounding his early days in the Ibrox dugout is beginning to give way to confidence, belief and a recognisable identity.

The latest 1-0 victory at Celtic Park followed last week's emphatic Premier Sport Cup triumph and completed a second successive Old Firm win for Rangers. For a club that appeared to be searching for direction only weeks ago, the speed of the turnaround has been striking.

But what have a string of TV pundits said about Rangers significant upturn in form in recent weeks?

Peter Lovenkrands

Former Rangers striker Peter Lovenkrands described the achievement as “unbelievable”, particularly given the circumstances McInnes inherited. The first meeting with Celtic provided McInnes with an opportunity to reshape his team, and there has been little doubt about the effectiveness of that change over the past two matches.

“It's an unbelievable achievement, especially where the club was, with going out of Europe,” Lovenkrands said on BBC Sportsound. “They were in turbulence at that point, not playing well. It was all about trying to find a style.

“This first Old Firm game and the cup game that came around was kind of what Derek McInnes needed at that point, getting his team right and trying something different.

“Coming here now again, at Celtic Park and win for two in a row is an unbelievable achievement for him and the team and the club. For Rangers, it's going to give them so much confidence.”

James McFadden

The significance of Sunday’s success may extend beyond the three points. Rangers now appear to be playing with a conviction that was missing during the uncertainty of the opening weeks of McInnes' tenure.

McInnes had been under immediate pressure following the club’s European disappointment, but his response has been to establish a side increasingly familiar with the characteristics associated with his teams: organisation, intensity and a willingness to compete.

“Rangers have an energy, confidence and belief in what they're doing,” confessed Scotland and Everton legend James McFadden on Sky Sports. “Derek was under pressure straight away after what happened in Europe, but since then it's been more like a McInnes side you're used to seeing. They could have scored more, but they're missing a lot of players as well.”

Andy Halliday

Perhaps the most revealing observation concerned the ease with which Rangers were able to dictate possession at Parkhead. The challenge now facing McInnes is to ensure this recent resurgence represents more than an impressive fortnight. But after the turbulence of his opening weeks in charge, Rangers have suddenly found something precious: momentum.

"I honestly don't think I've ever seen a Rangers team go to Celtic Park and get so many easy touches of the ball,” said former Rangers defender Andy Halliday. “It was so similar to last week. Celtic, they just don't tackle anymore. They don't get close to people, they don't make contact.”

Kris Boyd

The assessment of Celtic was considerably more severe, with Rangers' dominance leaving their opponents fortunate to escape with a one-goal defeat. The second half, in particular, underlined the changing balance of power.

Ex-Gers striker Kris Boyd declared: “It was men against boys, the exact same as last week. To dominate a Celtic team like that, it should have been more convincing than what it was. Celtic are lucky to get out of here with a 1-0 loss. They are a team in big, big trouble.

“It's a massive result for Derek McInnes. It was about backing up last week's result and they absolutely did that. They controlled the game, had better chances and thoroughly deserved to win.”

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