Rangers’ ‘special’ Mickey Moore was always outstanding – Jermain Defoe

Rangers are now level on points with Celtic after a poor start to the season under Russell Martin.

Both teams trail Hearts by six points, but now under the stewardship of Danny Ruhl, the Ibrox club have assembled a level of consistency that has quietly propelled them into title contention.

During his three-year spell at Ibrox, Defoe clinched the Scottish Premiership title while Steven Gerrard was manager, and the former England striker believes the latest Old Firm result is “huge” for his old club.

“This win is a big win because both clubs faced their difficulties,” he said.

“And now they’re both level on points. Rangers won this game and how they won, that’s huge.

“Not just for the players but for everyone involved in the football club and the fans. It is one of the biggest matches in world football.”

It is a sentiment echoed by Ibrox midfielder John Souttar, who told Rangers TV: “I think we have experience in the team and you have to help the younger boys.

“The atmosphere can be intimidating for some players, but we didn’t show that today. Everyone stood up and took the ball and the aggression on the ball was tremendous.

“We have momentum, athleticism, speed and strength, and when we do that and push hard and put them under pressure, we have a great chance of winning and we did that.”

Soutar added: “The fans were amazing. Some of my family were here and it was unbelievable.

“It’s a special moment for everyone here, but we want to make sure there are more of these in the months and years to come.

“We have to build on this. We have to keep the momentum going and do the basics and what the coach wants from us and then we can see where we are going.”