The second stage of the season is now upon us, and Derek McInnes and Rangers know what is required with six games across the next five weeks.
That brings us up to the next international break in November.
With no European football to contend with, the schedule becomes much more straightforward. The demand isn’t as intense and the domestic games take on added importance.
Rangers will fight on two fronts in the coming weeks, in the Scottish Premiership and the Premier Sports League Cup.
Thanks to the strong results since Jablonec, a platform has been created. Rangers are now just two points behind Celtic, and could go top at least temporarily this weekend, and the fine Old Firm outing at Ibrox last month has paved the way for the first semi-final of the season.
That Hampden date comes later this month, and it can wait.
Rangers form must continue
Rangers go into Saturday’s clash against Kilmarnock with a point to prove in the sense that momentum must continue.
Last month’s derby victories were great, but they will only have true purpose if the form is sustained.
Over the last few years, Rangers have tended to struggle immediately after international breaks.
There can be no excuses this time around. McInnes needs to calmly reassert the key messages and the players need to show the hunger and application to kick-start the campaign.
The supporters will welcome the team in great voice, and they must reciprocate on the pitch.
Derek McInnes sets demands on his players
Derek McInnes was clear that he wants to see a high level of performance in this upcoming period, when asked at the Kilmarnock press conference on Thursday.
“For me, the biggest indicator of results is performance.
“We need to just concentrate on maintaining and improving on performances. I think the season’s still early on, but I think we’ve had a wee flavour of what we could potentially become as a team, certainly showing a bit more verve at the top end of the pitch.
“But the biggest part for me at the minute, and what needed to be changed, was getting clean sheets and having that strong resolve.
“I think we’re only one goal in the six games. Doing this job a long time, the biggest drain of confidence is losing cheap goals.
It makes everything so much more difficult, particularly at the start of the season when they’re firing all cylinders at the top end of the pitch. Obviously, getting that side of it as a team has been strong.
“Keeping the back door shut, keeping the opportunities to a minimum, is very important. But I do think the introduction of Kevin, the introduction of Minsu Kim has given us a different dynamic. And obviously Ryan Naderi, another one who’s came to the fore.
“Lads like Minsu making their international debut, Ryan making his international debut. Kevin scoring his first international goal.
“So it’s been positive even away from the Celtic game. So these guys are all in a good place. Bojan scoring a goal against St Mirren, a really important goal for us as well.
“So I think we’ve got goal threats in us at the top end of the pitch. And any time you’re involved in a team, whether you’re a defender, midfielder, goalkeeper, you need to know that’s there in your team.
“And I feel as though that’s improved the last wee while. But we’re going to have to improve even more if we want to have the season we want.”
Saturday afternoon should produce a lively encounter. Ibrox expects.
