John Souttar flips the Rangers switch as Tottenham task puts Celtic in the shade for now

John Souttar admits Rangers need to earn their Spurs before they even start dreaming of a silver Sunday against Celtic.

A huge week for Philippe Clement’s side kicked-off with a comfortable 3-0 Dingwall defeat of Ross County. But the test for the Ibrox side is set to leap several levels now as they gear up for two massive clashes. First up is Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham in the Europa League at Ibrox before Gers head to Hampden to battle it out with the Hoops for the first trophy of the campaign in the Premier Sports Cup final.

Even with Spurs struggling in the Premier League after a dramatic slump that has left their former Parkhead boss fighting to keep his job, Clement is well aware his team will be rank outsiders to take anything against the North Londoners. And while some fans might not have appreciated their boss admitting it, the big Belgian was right to point out that Gers also operate in a different league financially from their Old Firm rivals.

However, he’s adamant his team can compete with both this week’s opponents on the pitch and has challenged his men to prove that in their glamour double header. Souttar is up for the task - but reckons its vital his side build on their recent resurgence before even contemplating a potentially season-transforming victory over Celtic.

The defender has helped his side respond to October’s Aberdeen defeat with an eight-game unbeaten run and wants to keep that ball rolling in this week’s Battle of Britain showdown. Asked if Sunday’s Highland triumph was the perfect start to a massive seven days, he said: "I think so.

“It was important we played like we did up there and got the win. I think we did the basics well. We ran hard, we got second balls and we dealt with our