FORMER Rangers defender Terry Butcher believes his old side are a shoo-in for the Premiership title - thanks to the seamless transition between Steven Gerrard and Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Gerrard quit Ibrox last month for a move to the Premier League with Aston Villa and van Bronckhorst was named as the Liverpool great's successor in Govan the following week.

The Dutchman has got off to a promising start in Glasgow's south side, winning five of his first six games in charge, including a 2-0 win over Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday.

Rangers enjoy a four-point lead over their rivals Celtic at the top of the league standings and Butcher reckons they will go the distance and seal back-to-back titles - thanks to Van Bronckhorst's immediate impact.

"As an ex-Rangers captain, I can hardly say that Celtic are going to win the league – I will never say that," he said. "Rangers have thrown the gauntlet down for Celtic to pick up, and with Ange Postecogolou coming in this year, it took some time for him to settle in – like it did with Gerrard when he first went to Rangers.  

"Celtic are more consistent now than at the start of the season. They seemed in disarray and were struggling. I thought Rangers would go unbeaten at home on their way to the title.  

Glasgow Times: Terry Butcher opened the new Paddy Power store in Bury St Edmunds, with the shopfront wrapped in a giant headband – nodding to the England legend’s famous head injury against Sweden.Terry Butcher opened the new Paddy Power store in Bury St Edmunds, with the shopfront wrapped in a giant headband – nodding to the England legend’s famous head injury against Sweden.

"But it's different now, they’re being chased [by Celtic] so they have to do their job properly. Celtic have got their act together and will push Rangers. Celtic always push them as their supporters demand it.  

"Rangers do have the strength and the experience, particularly with Giovanni van Bronckhorst as manager. He’s a legend at the club and he has good experience of winning leagues as a manager.  

"Rangers are in good hands and it’s worked out well that Van Bronckhorst was available. It was a lovely fit and an automatic transition which is reaping the rewards, as they already have a good record under Gio. 

"They have some excellent players and are starting to get into the groove now. They had a poor start, but they’ve knuckled down mentally and physically, so I don’t see Celtic winning the title.

"Rangers will definitely win the title, but it’s going to be a lot closer."

Terry Butcher was speaking at the launch of Paddy Power’s new Bury St Edmunds store.