'Beware, just beware' - Rangers have turned a corner under Derek McInnes but nine-in-a-row legend urges caution

Ian Durrant believes Rangers have discovered a new resilience under Derek McInnes after their latest Old Firm victory at Parkhead provided the clearest indication yet that the Ibrox side are developing into a more formidable proposition.

Frontman Ryan Naderi’s first-half goal secured a 1-0 win over the champions on Sunday, giving McInnes and his players back-to-back successes over the Hoops and completing a remarkable turnaround after the turbulence which surrounded the club earlier in the season.

The most encouraging aspect for nine-in-a-row legend Durrant was not simply that Rangers won across the other side of Glasgow, but the manner in which they went about it.

“Everybody to a man did their job. It was very professional. “Derek has got them more physical. When you see them in the tunnel, they look a team.”

Durrant believes that collective responsibility has become increasingly important as McInnes has attempted to mould a new-look squad containing a significant number of new faces.

Rather than relying on one or two dominant personalities, the Light Blues are beginning to develop a group in which players understand what is required of them and are prepared to deliver it.

“It’s not so much leaders, it’s people taking responsibility to do their job,” Durrant admitted. “You get found out quickly if you go hiding in the Old Firm. You get found out very quickly. They've got men now.”

That transformation has taken time. Rangers endured a difficult opening period as McInnes sought to integrate his summer signings, while the failure to qualify for European competition intensified scrutiny on the new manager.

However, Durrant believes the subsequent absence of European fixtures may ultimately provide McInnes with an opportunity to concentrate entirely on the domestic campaign and achieve greater consistency.

He stated: “I always go back to Walter [Smith] and he used to talk about the spine of the team. The spine of the team is very strong just now.”

The emergence of midfielder Dan Neil has also caught Durrant’s eye. After struggling initially to adapt following his move from Premier League outfit Sunderland, Neil has recently developed a strong understanding with Nico Raskin.

“He came with a reputation,” Durrant said. “I saw him a few times at Sunderland and you're going, ‘Yeah, you've got a player there.’ There were a few teams after him. Maybe that transitional period of getting used to playing. It's a shift, the Old Firm, coming into that team and the expectation level, especially when you're coming from the Premier League. You're being scrutinised more than a younger player coming from Europe.

“In the last few games, him and Nico look as though they've played with each other for years. Two young men in their prime looking forward to playing for Rangers.”

Durrant remains keen to temper the excitement surrounding Rangers’ dramatic return to form. “Beware, just beware,” he smirked. “It’s September. Derek’s had a wee hard shift to start with, but you can see his team growing. You see the confidence growing. The players are learning and you need to learn quickly.

“Maybe the break is come at the wrong time for them in terms of momentum, but I look forward to the next home game. I think everybody will be champing at the bit to get back playing again.

“Hopefully the internationals come back with a clean bill of health to hopefully get that steady continuity in the team after having two weeks in a row the same team. Same back four for the last five games with the goalkeeper. You can see motions getting set in terms of the team setup, and they look full of energy.”

*The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly