Inside ‘frustrated’ Rangers dressing room after Celtic derby collapse as honest admission from one star says it all

At Parkhead in January, Rangers only showed up for one half of football – and it got them an Old Firm win.

They were at it again in Sunday’s derby at Ibrox. Only this time, 45 minutes of dominance wasn’t enough to earn them three points against Celtic. Instead, a dire second half display cost Danny Rohl’s side big-time. Not just in terms of their failure to see off their Glasgow rivals when they had their foot on their throats. But also in terms of their title ambitions.

At the New Year, Rangers were a goal down at Celtic Park before recovering after the break to win 3-1. But at the weekend, yet another Premiership draw – when they were in total charge at 2-0 up – did nothing to boost anyone’s belief that Rangers can be champions. And John Souttar knows it.

The Ibrox defender has been around long enough to know what can derail a title challenge. And not being able to put together a complete, 90 minute performance is a red flag. That failure, or inability, to get the job done in certain games is a huge no-no if you want to get your name on the trophy.

And that’s why Souttar was still scratching his head afterwards as to exactly how and why Rangers had let victory slip through their fingers.

When Youssef Chermiti fired in a first-half double, they were on easy street. At that stage, it looked like Rohl’s men could rack up four or five and bury Celtic in the title race.

Instead, Rangers retreated after the interval and went into their shell. Martin O’Neill’s team upped their game and took advantage, through goals from Kieran Tierney and then Reo Hatate in injury time. Souttar finds it hard to explain Gers’ drop-off in intensity levels. But he’s adamant that – if they have genuine ambitions to be champions – their bit-part displays have to stop.