Maurice Ross has hailed the “absolute monsters” now running through the Rangers team as he highlighted the identity Derek McInnes has established since taking charge at Ibrox.
Rangers have won their last six matches under McInnes, including back-to-back victories over Celtic, and have moved firmly back into the Scottish Premiership title race.
The turnaround has been significant after McInnes endured a difficult start to life as Rangers boss, with the club's European campaign ending early.
But former Rangers defender Ross believes the signs are now increasingly positive and has pointed to the physical presence throughout McInnes' side as a major reason for his optimism.
Monsters at Ibrox
Speaking on the Football Voices podcast, Ross said Rangers now have “presence in every single position in the park”.
He went even further when describing the physical profile of the players McInnes has at his disposal.
“There's absolute monsters everywhere,” Ross said. “That’s identity.
“You're talking about, tippy-tappy, ticky-tacky, whatever you want to call it, that's still identity. So, you know every Saturday or Sunday Rangers are playing, they're going to be in a battle.
“The back four that played in the Rangers games, how quick they are. How good they are in the air.
“They're just specimens. I'm not even talking about the ball. They're just absolute specimens.”
Title race back on for Rangers
Ross' comments come after Rangers have enjoyed a major improvement in results under McInnes, with the consecutive Old Firm victories providing perhaps the clearest indication yet that the Ibrox side can challenge Celtic for the title.
Rangers remain two points behind Celtic, however, and Ross was keen not to get carried away despite the six-match winning run.
“I think Derek's done what I'd expect,” he said. “Again, I tend not to get too carried away. It's still two points behind Celtic.
“But the signals are certainly positive from a Rangers point of view.”
Recruitment success
Ross also praised the way Rangers' recruitment has appeared to match what McInnes wants from his squad.
The former Rangers defender pointed towards the size, strength and athleticism available to McInnes, particularly in attack, with the likes of Kevin Kelsy and Ryan Naderi providing a physical challenge for opposition centre-backs.
He believes the recruitment department has successfully delivered players who fit the manager's requirements.
“I think you look at Rangers and I think they've clearly got an identity, Derek's come in and says this is what I want, and they've went right, here you go, bang bang bang and delivered for them,” Ross said.
“And now Derek’s delivering results for them.”
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