Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes believes Rangers have what it takes to put up a sustained title challenge this campaign after the Gers thrashed his side at the weekend.

Speaking after his team’s 5-0 defeat on Saturday, the Dons boss said the good recruitment decisions made by manager Steven Gerrard should pay dividends by the end of the season:

“You can see that Rangers are in a good place. They have a good manager, have spent enough money this summer and seem to have spent it well on their squad.”

“As I said prior to this game, I do think Rangers will be up there challenging Celtic and maybe for a bit longer this season.”

With Celtic having drawn 1-1 at Hibernian, it means Rangers are just one point behind their Old Firm rivals after seven games played at the start of the season.

The Light Blues have two fixtures coming up before the next international break. They travel to Switzerland to face Young Boys on Thursday as they look to make it two wins from two in their Europe League group.

Gerrard’s side will then look to ramp up the pressure on Celtic when they host Hamilton Academical at Ibrox in their next league encounter on Sunday afternoon.