Old Firm decline gives hope to rising forces

Rangers fans once wouldn't even dare whisper it near Ibrox that their once invincible side is now a spent force.

But now even the most fervent followers of the Glasgow Giants are shouting it from the rooftops that their club is in the midst of a rapid decline.

Rangers are now out of all European competitions before Christmas but to make matters worse their stranglehold on the Scottish game is also beginning to lessen. Walter Smith's troops bowed out of the Champions League with less than a whimper when they lost 2-0 at home to Stuggart. That result means they will finish bottom of Group G even with one game left to play to further increase the gloomy cloud hanging over the Govan club.

The Light Blues don't even have the consolation of qualifying for the Europa League following a dismal continental charge.

Rangers are badly in need of fresh investment to breathe new life into a club that's virtually on its knees.

Smith's squad was stripped to a bare shell during the summer transfer window and the lack of strength in depth is clear for all to see. The Stuttgart result made it three consecutive home defeats in Group G for the Gers following earlier 4-1 losses against Sevilla and Unirea Urziceni.

Smith was left to lament another disappointing home performance. He said: "We've looked far more comfortable away from home. We've certainly had a struggle at home trying to impose ourselves whilst still retaining a decent level of defending."

The Ibrox club will definitely finish bottom of the group regardless of what happens in the final match against Sevilla but are still unbeaten away from home after 1-1 draws with Stuttgart and Unirea. There has been one ray of light for the Gers boss thanks to the emergence of Danny Wilson with the teen defender producing some encouraging Champions League displays.

Wilson again looked the real deal in only his fifth senior start against Stuttgart and if Rangers are going to rise again they'll need to unearth more starlets from their youth ranks. Smith's Old Firm counterpart Celtic boss Tony Mowbray also hasn't had his troubles to seek as the Hoops' Europa League future hangs in the balance.

Celtic's leaky defence has been one of the main reasons behind their inconsistent form this term and Mowbray knows he must shore up his back line ahead of the do or die Hapoel Tel Aviv clash. But that doesn't make things any easier on Smith who will still be smarting from a less than glamorous exit.

Perhaps the shortcomings of the Old Firm are more symbolic of the falling standards within the Scottish game. It was no surprise when national boss George Burley was recently dismissed from his Hampden post following a string of disappointing international results.

While the gulf in class between Scotland's big two and the leading lights in European football continues to grow bigger domestically the gap between the Old Firm and the best of rest is becoming smaller. Rangers and Celtic fans crave silverware and while they might be realistic about their chances of success in Europe they expect domestic dominance.

But there's a new rising in the SPL that's threatening to break what once seemed like an unstoppable duo. Hibs and Dundee United are both leading a spirited chase to catch the Old Firm. However, its Craig Levein's United, still buoyant from their Tannadice victory over Celtic, who could top the table this weekend.

The Arabs boss takes his team to Fir Park to face Motherwell but will be well aware results elsewhere could help propel them to the top of the tree. The Tangerines have a better goal difference than Rangers and that could provide them with an extra edge.

In the wake of their European exit Rangers will not be relishing a trip north to face old enemies Aberdeen. The clash is again likely to a real contest and after their European agony it's a big test for the Light Blues. Celtic will be looking to hit back from their Dundee United reverse when they host St Mirren but if the Old Firm both lose and the Tangerines win it will be a further hammer blow to the big two.

Levein's stock continues to rise as he furthers moulds an impressive Tannadice side and another win will only enhance his reputation. The United boss has already been tipped for the Scotland post but is also a genuine candidate for the Rangers post as Smith nears the end of his contract at Ibrox.