adminDan Neil is really beginning to win over the Rangers supporters.
The central midfielder joined Rangers on a free transfer from Sunderland during a summer in which 14 players arrived at Ibrox.
Neil initially struggled to win over the Rangers fanbase, particularly during the Bears’ disappointing opening to the campaign.
However, Rangers have now discovered some momentum under Derek McInnes, recording five consecutive victories.
The latest of those was, of course, the convincing 3-0 demolition of Celtic at Ibrox in the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals.
Neil, 24, scored twice in that triumph, a remarkable achievement for a player who had managed only 12 career goals before then, and his display impressed former Celtic player Andy Walker.
What surprised Andy Walker about Dan Neil for Rangers?
Neil did need some time to settle at Rangers, although there was considerable change during the summer.
McInnes was still experimenting with his strongest starting XI, which was understandable given the number of new arrivals.
However, Neil – who spent the second half of last season with Ipswich Town – has begun to develop a promising midfield partnership with Nicolas Raskin.
Walker, speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, lauded Neil’s display, although he admitted he was surprised to see him score twice.
He said: “I’ve seen Dan Neil play for Rangers over the past couple of years. It’s obviously taken him a couple of weeks, maybe a couple of months to get into the groove of what’s required.
“I must say I’m really surprised he’s got two goals, he’s not a goalscoring threat from the middle of the park, maybe he’ll add that to his game.
“He was always a really important part of a Sunderland team going for promotion. He’s found his feet, the goals he scored were terrific. the big surprise was no one getting anywhere near him.”
Rangers have to do it all again now
Neil and his Rangers colleagues were superb against Celtic last weekend.
But they now need to show that performance was not simply a one-off.
It was one thing producing that display in the League Cup, but what Rangers supporters desperately want is to reclaim the Scottish Premiership title.
For too long, Celtic have been the leading force in the league, and Rangers are eager to close that gap.
Now, they have another immediate chance on Sunday when they take on Celtic once again at Parkhead.
Can Rangers repeat the feat in hostile territory with no away supporters in attendance?
It will be a demanding challenge, but this is a major opportunity for the team to demonstrate their character.
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