Rangers face a significant test in the days ahead which will tell us a lot about the immediate direction of the team under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
For everything that was good against Aberdeen last Saturday, another bump in the road came in midweek with Ajax crusing to a 1-3 victory at Ibrox in what was the last European game of this season.
With elimination from the Champions League via the fourth place finish in Group A, all that remains is the domestic priorities with Rangers needing to hit the ground running, starting on Sunday against St Johnstone.
A lengthy injury list has deprived Gio van Bronckhorst of choosing from a full quota of players but it is his responsibility to get the best from those at his disposal, something which has not happened enough this season but in last week’s 4-1 win at home to Aberdeen, there was plenty to like. Yes, Jim Goodwin’s tactics played into Rangers hands giving space and impetus to dominate, however the initiative was seized on that occasion.
Now it has to be followed up. There is no more talk of not being able to compete or having to face an opposition of superior quality – if anything the reverse situation applies. This is the Scottish Premiership, the bread and butter, the level at which this team will rightfully be judged. Gio has called for the clear goal to be achieved over the next week in the final three games before the World Cup break and that is a must, nothing else will do.
Fresh hope or false dawn? The emerging picture will reveal a lot more very soon.