Jack Butland sees Rangers trending upwards at last but there's a HUMONGOUS hurdle left to clear

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Jack Butland is confident Rangers can produce new year fireworks as Philippe Clement hunts down a first Old Firm victory over Celtic.The Ibrox goalkeeper was hurting after seeing the maiden silverware of the season head to Parkhead in Sunday’s thrilling League Cup Final that went all the way to spot kicks.

But he believes Rangers are good enough to be beating their arch rivals when they lock horns in Govan on January 2 - and proved it by matching them step for step across 120 minutes at Hampden on Sunday.It was a far cry from the meek display as Clement - still seeking a first derby win after six attempts - and his side were swept aside 3-0 in the first Old Firm of the season at Celtic Park three months ago.

The new regime of chairman Fraser Thornton and CEO Patrick Stewart began their work at Ibrox on Monday in the wake of the cup final showdown.

And Butland hopes their first taste of a derby in office will be a successful one.Before then Clement’s side must take care of Dundee at Ibrox this weekend and away trips to St Mirren and Motherwell.