Mark Hateley: Premiership title will be big ask for Rangers

Former Rangers striker Mark Hateley has warned the Ibrox faithful they may have to settle for a cup win next term after admitting Mark Warburton's team are unlikely to wrestle the Ladbrokes Premiership crown from Celtic.

The Light Blues make their top-flight return this term but Englishman Hateley reckons winning the title at the first attempt will be tough.

Asked if the Championship winners could repeat last season's league victory in the top division, the retired frontman said: "I think it will be a big step, I really do.

"The importance for Rangers in their first season back should be one trophy and a European spot. That would be high up on the list.

"But I think a championship would be a big ask.

"Look at Hearts last season. They had a tremendous season last year after completely dominating the Championship. They came down and went back up with the same group of players but it still wasn't enough to win them a championship, so it is difficult.''

Hateley - who struck 163 goals 222 games for Rangers - was speaking after the fixtures for the 2016/17 season were released on Friday morning.

The Ibrox men will open their campaign at home to Hamilton on August 6 but their trip to Celtic Park on September 10 is the stand-out early fixture.

Gers stunned the Hoops in the semi-finals of the William Hill Scottish Cup last season as they edged through on penalties after dominating the previous 120 minutes of action.

But they are unlikely to have it so comfortably when the venture into enemy territory for the first time in four years.

Hateley's advice to the current squad though, was simple: "They have to go out and enjoy it. "People told me in the build up to my first Old Firm game that you don't remember it. I probably don't remember my first two. It was a blur.

"They are fast games but that was a long time ago. I think the games have changed markedly because of the influence of a lot of foreign players now so it has diluted things.

"It's not the fast and furiously frantic game it once was in the 80s and 90s.

"But it's still a great game to play in, one that is watched all over the world. It's our pride and joy and I think everyone is glad to see it back.''

While the former AC Milan and Monaco target man is not convinced Gers can compete with Brendan Rodgers' Celtic side, he would happily reconsider his position if Gers could successfully negotiate a tricky festive period.

"We've got a big December coming up,'' he said. We play Aberdeen, Hearts and Celtic and if we've got all our bricks in the right place, then it becomes an important month.

"If those three games come down to a championship challenge then we're in a good place.''