Rangers’ Star Reveals McInnes’ Three-Trophy Plan: Can They Survive The Next Fortnight?

Rangers’ Star Reveals McInnes’ Three-Trophy Plan: Can They Survive The Next Fortnight? Rangers have been given a reminder that the season is far from over, with Derek McInnes using a private team meeting to refocus his squad after a miserable start. The Ibrox side exited Europe at the qualifying stage against Jagiellonia and Jablonec, then opened their league campaign with a draw and a defeat. Three straight Premiership wins over Aberdeen, Falkirk and Motherwell have changed the mood, though, lifting McInnes’ side to fourth before Wednesday’s meeting with third-placed St Mirren. Danny Wright’s Ibrox News report detailed the meeting and McInnes’ message. What did McInnes tell the Rangers squad? Defender Emmanuel Fernandez has revealed that McInnes spoke openly about the poor start before pointing players back at the three domestic trophies available. Fernandez said the squad’s togetherness has improved and insisted there is scope for much more, even after the European disappointment. “I feel like the togetherness is getting better,” said the 24-year-old Nigeria international. “And I feel like as a team, maybe our performances haven’t been better since the Aberdeen game, but we’ve grown as a team. “We’re growing, and I still think there’s more to come. “Look, obviously we had a bad start not being in Europe. It was difficult. “The manager spoke to us and showed us that there are still three trophies that are available to win. “We have a domestic charge that we can still push for and be confident, where we have the possibility of doing something great.” The message makes sense. Europe has gone, so Rangers must squeeze every benefit from the league, Premier Sports Cup and Scottish Cup. Yet the recent results need context. Aberdeen, Falkirk and Motherwell all ended in one-goal victories, while Rangers have still shown wastefulness and defensive lapses that caused trouble earlier in the campaign. McInnes has gained breathing space, not security. Can Rangers survive the next fortnight? GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 16: Rangers manager Derek McInnes is seen during the Premier Sports Cup match between Rangers and St Mirren at Ibrox Stadium on August 16, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) For me, this is the spell that decides whether McInnes can establish himself at Ibrox. St Mirren provide a test because they sit third and have started the league season strongly. A fourth straight win would give Rangers a lift, but a laboured performance would reopen questions that followed the European exits. Then come two Old Firm meetings with Celtic, beginning with Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final before the league trip to Celtic Park. Those fixtures carry far greater importance than the previous three league wins because they can shape a trophy chase and McInnes’ standing with supporters and the board. The manager cannot afford to retreat into safety-first football. Rangers need a more convincing defensive shape, quicker attacking movement and better execution in both boxes. Fernandez has admitted his own performances need improvement, and that is significant because defenders must give the side a calmer base against elite opposition. Losing both Celtic matches would leave Rangers out of the League Cup and badly placed in the title race, while another poor showing could make McInnes’ tenure look dangerously brief. The margin for error is tiny, and tonight’s St Mirren test comes first.