Thursday 24 November 2016 13:53, UK
Charlie Nicholas believes Rangers are a 'good team' but remain a long way behind Celtic on and off the park.
Celtic bowed out of the Champions League on Wednesday following a 2-0 home defeat by Barcelona, but their European journey saw the Hoops bank upwards of £22m.
The millions from the continent's premier competition will further increase the gap between Brendan Rodgers' side and last season's Championship winners and Nicholas admits Rangers will struggle to match the champions' spending power.
Celtic, chasing a sixth successive Premiership title, have already beaten Rangers twice this season and are in action in the first domestic final of the season - the Betfred Cup final - this weekend against Aberdeen at Hampden.
Nicholas, who played for Celtic for eight years in two spells during the 1980s and 1990s, told Sky Sports News HQ: "Everybody expected Rangers to come back in and be second and forcing Celtic, but they are a long way behind.
"They are a good footballing side, they pass it well - sometimes they overpass it - but they are a lot of money behind too and they are probably two decent players away from Celtic.
"However, the problem is they do not have much money. I think they are trying to get money together and refocus and they have their big AGM coming up on Friday.
"Mark Warburton has done a decent job but they need to add a little bit of quality, more than they already have. They are a good side, but they are no better than that."
Rangers have the chance to close within eight points of Celtic at the top of the table when they face Partick Thistle in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Saturday.
But Nicholas believes leaving Maryhill with all three points will be no formality for the Ibrox side.
"Partick Thistle are a good little team - Firhill for thrills as we used to call it in the past," added Nicholas. "A good little side so it will be a good game of football.
"But the competitive edge for Rangers is trying to finish second competing with Aberdeen, competing with Hearts, these types of situations are what Rangers are after."
Upgrade to Sky Sports now and get 12 months half price. Hurry, offer ends December 4!
