Alex McLeish says Rangers are now favourites in the Premiership title race.
The former Ibrox boss has been watching with interest as Steven Gerrard's men won 2-0 at Celtic Park on their way to establishing a six-point lead.
McLeish, who won the 2003 and 2005 titles during his time in charge, believes Gerrard pulled off a "masterstroke" in the summer transfer window and has given Rangers the attacking strength they need to deny Celtic a historic tenth successive title.
McLeish said: "Rangers are favourites, in current form.
"Anything can happen in a season, there are lots of games. Injuries can catch up, as we've seen with Neil Lennon and Celtic in recent weeks.
"But Gerrard has taken everything in his stride and not shouted from the rooftops about what he can do. He's doing it very quietly.
"For me, Stevie's recruitment has made a difference this season.
"Two strikers in Cedric Itten, who we haven't seen a lot of yet, and Kemar Roofe, whose goal on Thursday was phenomenal.
"Last season, Alfredo Morelos was (sometimes) out, whether through injury or suspension, and Jermain Defoe can't go on forever. To have these two extra strikers was a bit of a masterstroke and it was needed to be honest."
