FIRST is the ultimate goal and second is the minimum expectation.

The silverware prospects have changed already for Rangers but their targets in the Premiership haven’t altered.

Defeat to Celtic on Sunday has denied them a shot at the Betfred Cup and now Mark Warburton’s side must regroup once again.

The Gers have little time to dwell on another disappointing derby display and there can be no Old Firm hangover when they return to action at Ibrox.

The visits of St Johnstone and Kilmarnock in the coming days are crucial for Warburton’s side and they must prove that they can build on their wins over Partick Thistle and Inverness either side of the international break.

Rangers are already seven points off the pace being set by Brendan Rodgers’ side and any further slip-ups in their next few outings could be the blows that kill off any lingering title dreams.

The start hasn’t been good enough, but Rangers must now live-up to their own pre-season billing if they are to clinch an acceptable finish in their first campaign back in the top flight.

Warburton said: “I am never going to change. I said to you right at the start that we were going into the league to be highly competitive.

“It would be reckless to say: “We’re going to win it.” You say that and anything less than first is a failure.

“If I say we’re going to finish third, well what about second and first? So you have to be very careful how you answer that question.

“I’ve said from day one, and I’ve never deviated, that we have to be highly competitive.

“We’ve introduced a number of new players. For the past few weeks, we’ve seen improvement, had a good run.

“At Aberdeen we didn’t get the result our performance deserved – and we’re three points behind them, the second placed team.

“So that’s where we are – an apparently shocking start, as many have said. We are getting there.

“We will be highly competitive. And judge us in May.”

Rangers took significant strides forward in Warburton’s first season at Ibrox but progress has slowed in the opening weeks of this term.

The Light Blues have collected just 15 points from nine league outings, with each negative result adding to the pressure on Warburton’s shoulders.

In the face of criticism from all quarters, the 54-year-old has remained positive when assessing his side and remains confident that patience at Ibrox will be rewarded.

He said: "Last year, we had a blank canvas and a number of new players came in.

"We lost 16 players and we had a squad of nine on our first day here.

"A number of new players came in and they gelled really well. It helped that Waggy, Tav, Rob and Wes had all played together before.

"That maybe accelerated the gelling process but it can take time.

"I watched [Erik] Lamela at Spurs. He costs £30million and didn't settle in the first season. Now his performances are magnificent.

"We can't have a player that takes a year to settle in. But it might take six or eight weeks. Even then, that's a very quick process.

"We have said, 'be patient' but the hype and expectation around Rangers is there for all to see.

"Now you are seeing signs of improvement. According to many people, we've had a 'shocking' start but we are still doing okay.”

The dropped points against Hamilton, Kilmarnock, Ross County and Aberdeen were hard enough for the Ibrox crowd to stomach but it is the two derby defeats that have been toughest to take.

There were brief signs of encouragement from Warburton’s side at Hampden on Sunday but Celtic emerged as deserved winners to book their place in the final.

It was better, but not good enough from Rangers. Improvement is needed and is being strived for at Auchenhowie.

Warburton said: “Looking back at the game, we have to look at how we improve. A lot is made of closing gaps. There are areas where we can’t close gaps – but there are gaps we can close.

“So we look at the game [on Sunday], look at areas where we can improve, how we change training, all the stuff you’d expect.

“The boys had 45 minutes on their own, as a group, and then 45 minutes with us – which is way longer than we’d normally spend analysing a game.

“But it’s good for us. It’s good for us to keep learning.”

There was a change of approach from Warburton at Hampden as James Tavernier was handed a more attacking role and Lee Hodson took over at right-back.

But it would be no surprise to see the Gers revert to a more familiar line-up for the visit of the Saints tomorrow night and the Killie clash on Saturday.

Striker Joe Garner was overlooked for a start against Celtic and remains with just a single goal to his name from ten appearances in Light Blue.

The Ibrox double-header this week is hugely significant for Rangers, and they present a chance that Garner will have to make the most of.

Warburton said: “There was a reason he didn’t start on Sunday – the form of Kenny Miller.

“If I sign someone for £1 or £20million, if I drop someone who has been playing really well what does that say to the squad?

“I think Kenny has been outstanding. We all know about his work-rate at the age of 37 and how he conducts himself. He was tremendous at Inverness, played the whole 90 minutes and scored a terrific goal.

“So we don’t drop him, we don’t rest him. The message is if you do well I’m going to pick you.

“Joe knows he has to earn his shirt. Whenever we sign a player we never guarantee them a start.

“Joe is ready and he will be heavily involved in the next couple of games.”