Ibrox great detects Rangers have found their identity under Derek McInnes but word of warning issued

Back-to-back victories over their Glasgow rivals in the league and Premier Sports Cup represent another significant step forward for manager Derek McInnes in a season that began with considerable uncertainty.

The Ibrox boss has gradually brought stability to a squad that underwent significant change during the summer, and Durrant, a key member of Rangers’ historic nine-in-a-row era, believes the settled defence and midfield are providing the foundations for improvement.

He insists it was the manner of the performance at Celtic Park as much as the result which suggested Rangers are beginning to find their identity.

“Professional. Very, very professional,” said the former Rangers midfielder. “Everybody to a man did their job. I always go back to Walter [Smith] and he used to talk about the spine of the team; the spine of the team is very strong just now. Now Derek has got a settled team: goalkeeper and the back four are unchanged, through the middle of the park.”

The transformation is particularly notable given the questions surrounding Rangers only weeks ago. Their shock exit from European competition brought criticism and disappointment, but Durrant believes McInnes has used the subsequent period to establish greater cohesion.

“It’s not so much leaders, it’s people taking responsibility to do their job,” he said. “You get found out quickly if you go hiding in the Old Firm. You get found out very quickly. They've got men now. Derek has got them more physical.

“When you saw them in the tunnel yesterday, they looked a team. You can see it, there's a presence and a hungriness. He’s slowly but surely getting there. It's still early days, but he'll be pleased with the momentum they've got.”

Durrant: ‘You can see the team and confidence growing’

The youthfulness of McInnes’ squad offers both encouragement and an explanation for some of Rangers’ early-season struggles. Durrant was struck by how inexperienced the side remains, with James Penrice, 27, the oldest player in Sunday’s starting XI.

“You don't realise how young they are in terms of inexperience,” he said. “Maybe that's where they get caught out in Europe, not having that bit of savvy, that bit of experience that can get them through these games.

“But now, not having the European ties, maybe takes a bit of a burden off the inexperienced boys who are growing into the jersey.”

Durrant also pointed to Dan Neil as a player beginning to justify his reputation. After a difficult introduction to life at Rangers, the former Sunderland man has formed an increasingly effective midfield partnership with Nico Raskin.

“In the last few games, him and Nico look as though they've played with each other for years,” Durrant said. “Two young men in their prime looking forward to playing for Rangers.”

Durrant remains wary of Rangers’ title prospects, however. Asked whether McInnes is building something substantial, he offered a pointed warning: “Beware, just beware. It’s September.”

“You can see the team and the confidence growing,” he added. “The players are learning. Maybe the break is coming at the wrong time for them in terms of momentum, but I look forward to the next home game.”