Rangers news latest as Kenny Dalglish sees challenge get instant answer and dream Europa League scenario emerges

Kenny Dalglish reckons the Rangers squad have six weeks to impress Philippe Clement - but they've already fallen at the first hurdle.

Gers dropped points against Aberdeen at the weekend, letting rivals Celtic off with another stumble and highlighting that there is still work to be done despite a positive start under Clement. They'll get a chance to bounce back instantly when Aris Limassol come to town on Thursday and Rangers know a win will send them through to the knockout stage.

That's then followed by a gruelling festive schedule with TEN games to come between December 3 and January 2 - a run that includes the Viaplay Cup final with the Dons and a key Premiership derby with Celtic. And Dalglish, speaking before Rangers faltered at Pittodrie, reckons they've already fallen at the first hurdle ahead of a key six-week period.

He said: "From now until January a will really shape things for how the season will look for Rangers. They have to win the League Cup Final against Aberdeen on December 17. That's non-negotiable.

"On Thursday, they play Aris Limassol in the Europa League and a win will see them into the knockout stages. Again, they should get the job done and tick that one off at Ibrox. There is also a huge fixture away to Celtic on December 30. What a test that is going to be for the Gers. Before that, of course, they go to Aberdeen this afternoon on SPFL Premiership duty in a game that kicks off a really-congested period for them."

Speaking about the Dons game where Clement's team could only salvage a late point through James Tavernier's penalty, Dalglish went on: "Rangers need to do well. They must show they are on the right track under Philippe Clement. But if the next six weeks do not go to plan, I would not be