NACHO NOVO today admitted he's baffled by Celtic fans' criticism of boss Gordon Strachan.

The Rangers forward believes this is one of the most crucial seasons in the Ibrox club's history as they try to end their city rivals' title domination.

Novo knows how hard it will be to wrestle the flag back from Parkhead, which is why he doesn't understand the flak Strachan gets after leading Celtic to three consecutive titles and back-to-back qualifications for the last 16 of the Champions League.

The Spaniard said: "Gordon Strachan has done a great job at Celtic. Some of their supporters are not happy with him and I don't understand that. He has been great for Celtic and is a good manager.

"That's why this is a crucial season for us. It is never nice to see your biggest rivals winning the league, especially three times in a row.

"So we need to try harder than ever before to get it back. I'm sure we will get it back, but we have to make sure what happened to us last season doesn't happen again.

"I think we would probably have won it last time if we didn't have so many games in the cups and Europe, but that doesn't matter now.

"We have a lot of quality in our squad this season, but Celtic have very good players as well."

Meantime, Jean-Claude Darcheville could be on his way out of Rangers in January as boss Walter Smith looks to trim the squad and wage bill.

The 33-year-old striker has struggled to get a game this season and has been linked with Nantes and Marseille.

Darcheville said: "There is no doubt Marseille will always be a legendary club. I'm not sure if I could refuse that kind of offer."

Another player whose long-term future could be in doubt is Alan Gow, on loan at Blackpool.

Gow's agent Phil McTaggart said: "Blackpool have agreed a fee with Rangers, but there have not been any talks yet on a permanent contract. At the moment he is just concentrating on football."