ALEX MCLEISH reckons Rangers are in a three-way fight for second spot in the Premiership already this season.

It has been a disappointing start to the campaign for Mark Warburton’s side as they have fallen well off the pace set by Celtic at the top of the standings.

Defeats to their Old Firm rivals and Aberdeen and draws with Hamilton, Kilmarnock and Ross County mean the Gers are fifth in the table after eight top flight outings.

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A trip to Inverness on Friday night is the next hurdle for Warburton and his players to overcome before they bid for derby revenge against Celtic in the Betfred Cup semi-finals.

But former Ibrox boss McLeish fears the Light Blues have to adjust their targets already and should look to finish best of the rest in their first season back in the Premiership.

He said: “They are not as strong as Celtic, I think we know that.

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“We have to give Mark Warburton that respect and give him that patience in terms of the catch-up game that has to be played with Celtic, and even, to an extent, some of the other teams.

“I thought the Aberdeen game would be a big test for them and it proved to be that way. “For me, it should have finished a draw but, at the same time, Aberdeen managed the game quite well and showed that they have got great experience in this league.

“It is for Mark to discover this league as well and for his players to show that they can compete.

“I would say they are going to be in there for the runners-up alongside Aberdeen and Hearts. I really can’t see Rangers taking the title from Celtic, as much as I want them to.”