Rangers have endured plenty of disappointment in recent seasons, but expectations at Ibrox never change. Regardless of form, finances or squad quality, supporters demand silverware. Now, with Derek McInnes rebuilding confidence, the possibility of a domestic clean sweep has entered the conversation. Indeed, former Rangers defender Alan Hutton believes Rangers treble ambitions remain a serious consideration despite recent setbacks.

Rangers must aim for everything

The expectation surrounding Rangers remains enormous, regardless of the challenges facing McInnes.

As Hutton explained to Footballpredictions.com:

Rangers will want multiple trophies, absolutely. I mean, it doesn’t matter whether Rangers are in bad form or whatever, or whether the team at the start of the season doesn’t look great.

Furthermore, the former Ibrox defender believes the standards set by Celtic remain an unavoidable benchmark.

Fans go into the new season stating ‘treble’. That’s the bar. Celtic have won it for a number of years so that’s the bar for the two Glasgow clubs.

Nevertheless, Rangers must turn ambition into achievement.

McInnes has a genuine opportunity

The Ibrox side have already made progress in domestic cup competition. Consequently, supporters will expect McInnes to capitalise.

Hutton continued:

They’ve got their foot in the semi-final. Again, the fans will feel that they should go on and win that. It’s not going to be easy, but there’s an opportunity there.

However, the challenge involves considerably more than simply reaching Hampden.

The former Rangers defender added:

Unfortunately, Rangers have fallen short. I think this is probably a real sense now from this Rangers team that they can go and do something like that. It’s easy to say it, it’s harder to go and do it.

European disappointment offers domestic advantage

Rangers’ absence from European football represents a major disappointment. Nevertheless, the reduced fixture schedule could benefit McInnes.

Hutton acknowledged the disappointment:

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a massive disappointment. I mean, that’s what Rangers and Celtic are built for, to be in European competition.

However, the former Scotland international also highlighted an important advantage.

But I think you have to try and take the positives from the negatives, where you’re not playing Thursday-Sunday, it’s just kind of game by game and you need to focus domestically.

Therefore, Rangers treble ambitions could benefit from fewer matches and additional preparation time.

Rangers cannot escape expectations

Ultimately, McInnes must deliver trophies rather than merely promise improvement.

Hutton explained how winning the first trophy could transform Rangers’ season:

If they can get the first cup under their belt, which again is going to be difficult, but if they can, they can build on that confidence, that momentum into the league and into the Scottish Cup.

Indeed, Rangers treble ambitions reflect the standards supporters demand.

Hutton concluded:

So not many people will say it, but deep down they’ll be thinking Rangers should be challenging for a treble.

For McInnes, the challenge remains straightforward. Rangers must convert opportunity into silverware.