Everything changes after this weekend for Rangers, the beginning of the end of the season is almost upon us.
Following the excellent morale-boosting victory over Falkirk, many supporters lamented the pause in action, enforced due to the Scottish Cup semi-finals taking place this weekend.
It is more than understandable why many felt that way, as players and fans alike would have bounced into another game, seeking to continue the momentum gained in recent weeks.
However, the two-week break from competitive action meant the squad spent most of last week in Spain, at a warm-weather training camp at La Quinta, Marbella.
Swapping the cold and wet weather in Glasgow for the heat on the Costa del Sol will have given Danny Rohl’s squad a lift in body and mind, but the actual worth of the trip will be defined by the outcome of the SPFL title race, regardless of the facts.
If title glory follows, the Spain camp will have been a masterstroke and if Rangers fall short to Hearts or Celtic, it will be held up as a reason for failure.
Cutting out the noise, it appears that the players have enjoyed a relaxed week in Spain, while being put through their paces on the training pitch. Extra time for tactics and team bonding can only help.
Range of emotions will be on show
This weekend has been much different to how the next four will unfold.
Tension, nerves, drama, excitement, delight, despair. The range of emotions will be on show over the course of the final five games.
The SPFL split is here, with the end-of-season sprint commencing next weekend.
First up for Rangers is the visit of Motherwell to Ibrox, while Hearts travel across Edinburgh to face Hibs in the final capital derby of the campaign.
Both those games are on Sunday, one day after Celtic host Falkirk.
Things are getting real. There will be little room for error, even if it’s unlikely that all three title challengers will go through the split with a perfect record.
All of that will follow over the next four weeks.
For now, enjoy the rest of your Sunday and await the madness that will follow.
