Former Rangers midfielder points to slip-ups from Steven Gerrard's side in wake of big results as a concern

The former Ibrox midfielder reckons there are serious question marks after Wednesday’s defeat to Kilmarnock that brought Rangers crashing back down to earth following their Old Firm victory last month.

And former Celtic defender Mark Wilson has warned that that if Celtic pull nine points clear in the next four days, it will effectively be game over.

Rae, who won the title in 2005 with physical players like Dado Prso, Fernando Ricksen and Marvin Andrews, feels the next three games in the Ladbrokes Premiership are pivotal.

He said: “Have they got what it takes? That’s the big question. They were completely dominant at Rugby Park in the first 25 minutes, scored a goal, hit the post and then suffered a setback and completely lost their control and fluidity.

“So there are question marks about the mindset that’s needed. I understand Joe Worrall would be affected, but that’s when you need leaders to carry you through to a win.

“Steven Gerrard said after the Old Firm game that all of his players won their individual battles but I’m struggling to name one player who got pass marks at Rugby Park.

“The players have got to cope with the demands of playing for a club the size of Rangers. The fans have gone from the top of the roller coaster with the Old Firm win to a feeling of bewilderment after that performance and result at Kilmarnock.

“They’re wondering, ‘Where do we go from here?’ The key thing for me is that this is the second time this season they have gone top of the league and then lost the subsequent game.

“They won well at Tynecastle to hit first place and then lost the very next game at home to Aberdeen.

“Now they have gone from the high of beating Celtic and gong joint top to losing the next game again to Kilmarnock.

“I had felt the first four league games after the break would determine whether Rangers were real contenders or not – Killie last Wednesday, Livingston on Sunday, St Mirren at home next week and then Aberdeen away.

“I was looking at it and thinking 10 points from that run would be acceptable, so now the next three games are games that have to be won.

“It doesn’t have to be free-flowing football. They just need to find a way to win to stay in the title race.

“It won’t be easy at Livingston. They play in a very organised way, they’re good at set plays and they’ll look to hit Rangers on the counter.”

Former Celtic star Wilson also feels Celtic’s business in January is already looking very astute.

He said: “There were some worries about Oliver Burke and Timothy Weah because Burke’s career has been stop-start, despite huge transfer fees, and Weah has not played that many games.

“But both of them looked really good on Wednesday night in the easy win over St Mirren. Burke is strong, he can come short and spin in behind and he can destroy defenders with his pace and power.

“Weah looks so sharp and his finishing looks excellent on the evidence of his first two appearances.

“A lot was made of Rangers signing Davis and Defoe and the experience that they bring, but there is no doubt that the signings Celtic have made are exciting the supporters already with their freshness, and youthful hunger.

“Celtic moved the ball really well on Wednesday night and they look very strong. Rangers now need to deal with the pressure and show they can win, no matter what, as Celtic have done.

“If Celtic win their next two games and Rangers lose at Livingston it will be a nine-point gap and you can’t see Celtic letting that slip.”