Rangers backed to reclaim title from Celtic as former Ibrox director makes recruitment claim

Former director Paul Murray enjoyed Rangers' run to Seville as much as any Gers fan but stressed the importance of wresting the cinch Premiership title back from Celtic next season.

The Light Blues enjoyed a thrilling Europa League campaign which just fell short in Spain last week when they lost 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out to Eintracht Frankfurt after the final had ended 1-1 after 120 minutes.

However, the Ibrox side went into the match having lost the league title to Old Firm rivals Celtic, after preventing the Hoops making it 10 in a row the previous season.

Murray, who played a key part in Dave King's boardroom takeover in March 2015 before standing down from his second spell as director in 2018, is still harbouring European disappointment but is looking for Rangers to reassert themselves domestically next season.

He told PA News agency: "As (former Liverpool manager) Bill Shankly said, the league title is your bread and butter.

"That's what you go for at the start of the season and ultimately the league table doesn't lie.

"The best team in the country tends to win the championship. So I think it is really important.

"It is great that both (Old Firm) teams are really strong, there isn't a lot between the teams.

"There is no question that Rangers are back. Celtic did really well last year and you have to praise the new manager (Ange Postecoglou) for the fantastic job."

The summer transfer market is vital in Murray's mind, with new arrivals expected while Connor Goldson and Calvin Bassey are among those linked with moves away.

"Recruitment in football now is absolutely critical and if we get the recruitment right in the summer, we have every chance of winning the league next year," said Murray. "I would be pretty