Scott Wright backs Rangers to shake off Celtic setback as Kilmarnock first foot offers title race redemption

Scott Wright has urged Rangers to leave their Old Firm agony behind in 2023 as they look to get the new year off to a winning start against Kilmarnock.

Derek McInnes’ team will be the first footers to Ibrox as they provide the final opposition before Gers head into the winter break. And the game is a chance for Philippe Clement’s side to shake off the disappointment of losing under their new gaffer for the first time during Saturday’s 2-1 Parkhead defeat.

The result means Rangers now trail Celtic by eight points but with two games in hand. And Wright is determined to ensure his side will be right on the Hoops’ tails when they return from their January getaway to Spain. He said: “For us, the title race is just about the next game and trying to get three points. We have got ourselves in this position by fighting for the next three points and focusing on each game.

"That is how we got here and that is how we will continue to go forward. We will continue to fight for the three points in every game. Saturday was a disappointing result for us but we will go again.”

There’s been major strides forward since Clement took over at Ibrox. His first 16 games brought the Viaplay Cup, qualification for the last 16 of the Europa League and renewed belief Rangers could challenge Celtic for the Premiership title after a disastrous start under Michael Beale.

Wright knows defeat in the big Belgian’s 17th match in charge is a set back but said: "It's a disappointing result for us but we just need to make sure we bounce back and go into the next game and try build that momentum again.

"We created plenty of chances out there on Saturday but games like that are always about moments. We just need to try to take the chances we created but it's