OVER 33 months have elapsed, 112 games played, 267 goals scored and three managers employed.

There have been draws, defeats and disappointments, not to mention some downright drubbings, along the way.

And the financial issues and off-field uncertainty that resulted in three seasons of absolute upheaval still haven't, despite the best efforts of so many, gone away.

But now, at long last, Rangers find themselves in the closing straight of what long ago became known as "The Journey".

Just two games, against Motherwell home and away, stand between the Ibrox club and a place in the top flight of Scottish football.

It has been a harrowing few years for the Glasgow giants since they were dumped into the bottom division alongside a bunch of part-time minnows in 2012.

But if they are in front after the games at Ibrox on Thursday evening and Fir Park on Sunday afternoon, then all the anguish, pain and torment will be forgotten.

Since being founded in 1872, Rangers have won the Scottish title 54 times, the Scottish Cup 33 times, the League Cup 27 times and lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1972.

Successfully negotiating the SPFL Premiership play-off quarter-final, semi-final and final will be celebrated every bit as much as any of those successes.

Dave King, the Govan club's major shareholder, was passed as a fit and proper person by the SFA last week and allowed to take up his place as chairman.

The next seven days, though, promise to be even more momentous as Stuart McCall's charges vie to win promotion.

It won't be easy. It never is with Rangers. Plus, their opponents have, despite finishing second bottom in the Premiership, shown improved form since strengthening in January.

Manager Ian Baraclough certainly has a nucleus of experienced players in his side who won't be deterred by going to a packed Ibrox.

The first leg match promises - with tickets costing just £5 - to be a sell-out, and the atmosphere loud and intimidating for the visitors.

But Stevie Hammell, Keith Lasley, Stephen McManus, Scott McDonald, Stephen Pearson and John Sutton will have seen it all before.

McCall admitted his Rangers side is exhausted after four high-intensity play-off matches in the space of a fortnight - but he is confident they can compete against Motherwell.

"It's the same as the scenario with Hibs," he said. "I couldn't have said if it was better being without a game for 18 days or going into it with momentum.

"It could go both ways. We've come through four really, really tough games and the lads are shattered.

"There's no celebrating because (a) we've done nothing yet and, more importantly, (b) they're too tired.

"But we have got what everyone talks about, momentum, and we've got togetherness. We've got the job done over two really difficult games."

McCall added: "There was no favourite between us and Queen of the South, especially with our results down there, and there was certainly no favourites between us and Hibs because they've got a good side. And there will be no favourites between us and Motherwell.

"I think it balances out. We have won more games this season and they have had a wee struggle, hence them finishing eleventh, but we've had four tough games.

"The one good part for us is that at least it's not until Thursday. We will have enough time to recuperate and re-energise."

There is the added complication of Darren McGregor, the Rangers Player of the Year, being suspended for the second leg of the final.

McGregor, who former manager Ally McCoist brought in from St Mirren on a Bosman transfer, has been incredibly consistent in the 2014/15 campaign.

He has flourished alongside Marius Zaliukas at centre-half since Lee McCulloch was dropped after the draw with Falkirk last month.

But he is suspended after picking up a sixth booking of the season in the 1-1 draw with Queen of the South at Ibrox.

So who does McCalll go for in his absence? McCulloch's form has tailed off in the second half of the season, while Bilel Mohsni is too unreliable. It is a dilemma.

If Rangers have a one or two-goal lead after the first leg there will be no guarantee they can protect it.

The ultimate prize is within touching distance, but there is still a danger it will remain, for at least another season, tantalisingly out of reach.

McCall said: "It will be tense and probably edgy, but when needed this year, the fans have been there for us.

"Don't get me wrong, they've been there for the club all the time, but they've been there for the players. I think the players have responded to that.

"The players would be the first to admit it's been a disappointing season, but they are turning it around themselves and all credit goes to them because they are showing a desire to win.

"We weren't great on Saturday obviously, but there are different ways to win and it was about resolution and desire and it's good to look around the dressing room and see that you have that because that's what you need. I'm sure they will be two tight, tight games."