Rangers 'huge news' is a game-changer - pundit

Rangers are set to finally return to Ibrox after playing their opening home games of the season at Hampden Park.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, ex-England international goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes Rangers’ return to their real home will give fans and players the boost needed to kickstart their season.

Rangers are set to return to Ibrox after the international break, hosting Dundee FC in their first home match on September 21 in the League Cup.

A delay in materials from Asia caused a hold-up in the renovation of their Copland Road Stand, forcing a temporary move to Hampden Park.

The club has been upgrading their disabled facilities and adding around 600 new seats, with that section of the ground remaining closed until the improvements are finished.

Rangers need Ibrox return to boost season

Philippe Clement’s side have played two Premiership games at the National Stadium, securing a 2-1 win over Motherwell and an impressive 6-0 victory against Ross County.

Rangers’ first home Scottish Premier League match at Ibrox this season is scheduled for September 28 against Hibs.

“You look at their recent record in the Old Firm, if you’re not beating the boys across the City then that’s where the problem starts”, Robinson told Football Insider.

“They can pick up as many points as they want in the rest of the season, but if you’re not beating their biggest rivals in the Old Firm, that’s where the issue is.

“I think it’s huge news that they’re going back to Ibrox, I think that whole situation was handled poorly, but the fact that they’re going back will play a huge part in the rest of the season.

“They’ve got to close that gap on Celtic, their recent record in Old Firms is poor.

“In the final third I think Celtic have got better attacking options that Rangers have, I don’t think they’re far away on a game-to-game basis but it’s every game they’re getting beat which is the problem.

“You watch the games, they’re in the games but they’re still getting beaten.

“They’ve got the edge at the moment to Celtic and Rangers have got to close that gap. I think the thing for Philippe Clement is he’s a good manager if given the time and the players, and the most important thing, the budget.

“I think Michael Beale was a huge mistake for Rangers, they gave him a lot of money and he signed a lot of players who didn’t produce and the results weren’t there.”

In other news, McAvennie hits back at Souness’ baffling Ibrox claim.

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