'I can't have that' - Sky Sports pundit refuses to accept as Rangers face 'Unthinkable' situation

Rangers losing at Tannadice on their return to action after the international break is “unthinkable”, says Kris Boyd.

The Sky Sports pundit wrote in his Scottish Sun column on 13 September that nobody at the club can be allowed to slip into accepting being second best in Scotland despite the gulf in finances to Celtic.

After being thrashed 3-0 in the Old Firm derby last time out Philippe Clement’s side go into the game against Dundee United trailing their rivals and Aberdeen by eight points each after both won on Saturday, making a win a “must”.

Boyd wrote: “Defeat is unthinkable for Rangers. They could be eight points behind Celtic and Aberdeen by kick off. If there is to be a title race, then three points at Tannadice is a must.

“But maybe there are people around the club who are starting to accept being second and I can’t have that. No matter how big the financial gap is to Celtic, Rangers must strive to be on top.”

Kris Boyd refuses to accept Rangers inferiority to Celtic

On one level it is the right mindset for Rangers to maintain that second is nowhere and only the best will suffice, but on another it is difficult to ignore the reality.

Clement and his players are probably best off completely forgetting about Brendan Rodgers’ side until the next Old Firm, unless they manage to close the gap in the mean time.

On current evidence that doesn’t look especially likely, and John Bennett’s immediate resignation as chairman on health grounds has only increased the uncertainty engulfing the club.

The squad has no choice but to focus on what they can control, which is each game ahead of them, and with Jim Goodwin’s side also ahead in the Scottish Premiership table it will be another significant challenge.

Attempting to envisage a title race seems more likely to crush what little confidence the players currently have.

Nedim Bajrami’s possible debut could provide a spark, while Clement indicated ahead of the game that Oscar Cortes could be back from injury at last, so perhaps some green shoots of recovery can develop, although whether James Tavernier needs to drop out is a key question after he opted against a Turkey transfer [HITC, 12 September].

But clearly there is a lot to be concerned about at Ibrox at the moment, and another loss to the Tangerines will only make that worse.

In other Rangers news, an “important” update has emerged on Bennett’s investment in the club after his sudden resignation.

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