Whisper it because Rangers are masters of false dawns but they may finally be getting their act together on transfers

At the same time as Celtic were unveiling £9million man Jota - Rangers were offering deals to Zak Lovelace and Findlay Curtis.

At first glance, it looked like yet another example of how the Old Firm clubs are now poles apart. Opposite ends of the financial spectrum. A gulf between Parkhead and Ibrox that’s supposedly widening by the day. But you know what? If you actually take a step back and look a bit deeper, that might not be the case after all.

Instead, Jota’s mega-money return and Rangers investing in youth are actually inextricably linked. Because put simply - if Philippe Clement and Co are EVER going to catch up with Celtic and challenge for titles, it’s the only route they can possibly go down. And to be fair to the Belgian, he’s said it all along.

Of course, initially it’s hard to stomach for Gers fans. Like every other set of supporters - but especially in this city - they demand instant success. That’s part of the Old Firm deal. Irrespective of the circumstances, they have to be top dogs.

But when their biggest rival splashed out for their Portuguese poster boy during the week, it was a reminder of where Celtic and Brendan Rodgers are right now. It was evident in the summer, of course. Arne Engels snared for £11milion, Adam Idah for £9m, Auston Trusty for £6m.

If they feel the need to spend at that end of the market, they have the ability to do so. When they sold Kyogo to Rennes for £10m, there wasn’t a thought of banking the profit they made on the Japanese striker. They didn’t have to, as their bank balance is already bulging with Champions League cash and previous sales.

So they splurged it on Jota which, for punters, softened the blow of Kyogo’s exit. Such is Celtic’s financial wherewithal right now,