Has Alex McLeish helped Rangers turn the corner?

Bert Konterman's extra-time goal has edged Rangers one step closer to their first piece of silverware in 18 months.

The hard-fought victory over Celtic came in Alex McLeish's first Old Firm match as manager, ending his counterpart Martin O'Neill's run of five wins in a row against Rangers.

Rangers showed a resilience and backbone that has been missing from the side for a long time as Celtic have become the dominant force in Scotland.

So has McLeish begun to loosen Celtic's stranglehold on Scottish silverware or do his side still have a long way to go to catch Martin O'Neill's men?

I find it amazing that Rangers fans seem to think that they have now entered another "golden era". Rangers won a close fought, but not particularly good, match with the kind of goal that comes off once in every ten attempt (admittedly for Mr Konterman the odds must be considerably longer).

The league is long gone, they will have two games left in Europe, and they still have a squad that lacks the qualities of Celtic. I hope they can make a race of it next year but as for winning the championship!
Michael Shields, England

The win stopped the rot, but there's a long way to go from here. Domestic cups have to be won and history continually shows that minnows can do this by raising their game on the night, but the real test of domestic quality is the consistency required to win the league.

Uefa Cups have similar characteristics to domestic cups, except the quality bar is a good deal higher. Neither Rangers nor Celtic have demonstrated that quality at that level yet.
Doug Tait, Bahrain

Now Rangers have to pick up the pace on all fronts. This win over Celtic will mean nothing next time they play. I hope that they have not won a CIS game, only to then blow the Uefa game later this month. That would be such a waste. They are better than that, lets make the win over Celtic mean something.
Martin Philip, Scotland

I don't think so. Let's not forget that had Celtic finished better they would have been two up in the first ten mins. Am I the only one who witnessed a pale McLeish on the touchlines at this point. The truth is that by extra time, Celtic had no midfield on the park. One swallow really doesn't make a summer and Celtic will win all remaining fixtures against Rangers this season.
Barbara, London

I think if Alex McLeish is able to pull a few points back on Celtic, win one piece of silverware and produce better performances this season to boast moral and confidence for next season would be a good start to his career with Rangers. It has to be remembered that McLeish has not spent any money yet and hopefully through the summer he should be able to weed out the dead wood from the club.
Ross Crawford, Belfast

Yes, well done to Rangers for getting to the final by beating Celtic, but then after five straight defeats the odds were stacking up against Celtic and Rangers did need extra time before they could finally win the game. Rangers did actually beat Celtic last season in the league, so it doesn't come as a surprise that they did win on Tuesday evening.

Rangers are thirteen points adrift of Rangers, they did not get into this position because they are a better side than Celtic, Alex McLeish has yet to prove himself at Rangers in the League. As for Europe, well the Uefa Cup does not trump the league, it is by winning the league and cups that bring these challenges. Celtic were unlucky to go out in the manner in which Rangers went through but that is what football is all about.
Will Adam, England

He is better than Advocaat but still has a poor team to work with. Trailing by 13 points in the league tells you all you need to know about the current team. He has a big job to do to catch up on Celtic but he is the man to do it.
B. Cowan, Scotland

I think it's early yet, but it's been a good start and the first battle was won when Rangers beat them the other night. I think Rangers need several new faces who get stuck in and know a bit more about playing for the jersey, but this will hopefully come in the summer. If McLeish is cunning he can win the battle with O'Neill over the power in Scotland as O'Neill is a bad loser and they are a dirty team. We'll be back!
Alan Douglas, N Ireland

I am gutted that Celtic have lost out on another treble. An inept performance in extra time gifted Rangers the win with a goal out of nothing. That said, bombscare Bertie's goal was fit to win any game!
Peter McAllister, Scotland

The nervousness of Celtic fans contributing to this column is there for all to see. They know that man-for-man, Rangers have a superior side, but for some reason haven't clicked as a unit for the last 18 months. If McLeish can sort that out, then Celtic have many reasons to be fearful.
Ross Mackinnon, UK

He's done well with the players he inherited from Advocaat. At least he has instilled some spirit, which is a good beginning. Let's hope that, this summer, he is given - if not the ridiculous sums expended by his unlamented predecessor - at least some cash to remake the team in his own way.
Lindsay Whitton, USA

I don't know many managers that could come to a big team like Rangers and do as well as what he has so far. To say that the CIS Cup is meaningless is a lot of rubbish, so if it was such a small trophy to win, why where Celtic supporters making such a big fuss about winning the treble again this year?
Shane Marshall, Germany

Top marks to Mr McLeish. It was a gamble leaving Flo on the bench in such a physical encounter. Come on Mr O'Neill, you have to lose with a bit more dignity in future - Rangers deserved their win!
Gordon Smyth, N Ireland

As a Rangers fan, it's great to see the team have an opportunity to finally win a trophy. A new era at Ibrox - are our memories that short-term that we have forgotten embarrassing results against Berwick and Kilmarnock. True progress could be considered once the CIS Cup has been secured and possibly the Scottish Cup. The League is a lost cause.
Iain, California

Well done Big Eck! Rangers showed true spirit and fight against a Celtic team which is tough to beat. Keeping Barry Ferguson is a must and buying some tougher midfielder must happen too.
Cliff Renfrew, United States

Rangers and Celtic have said that the CIS Cup is a worthless tournament along with the Scottish Cup and the SPL championship. So why are Old Firm fans celebrating failure? Could it be that's all they are likely ever to win?
Mac, Scotland

I think Alex McLeish has done wonders for the Ibrox side. The only way for McLeish and the guys is up. Congratulations on a brilliant game against Celtic it was a great birthday present.
Alasdair McKerral, Scotland

The victory against Celtic shows that we should, and will, be champions again. With no disrespect to Ayr after their brilliant cup run, I think we can go on and win this cup. This victory should give the team a lift, and push us on to wins in both the league and remaining cup ties.
Steven, Scotland

I think beating Celtic at Hampden was a fantastic result for Alex McLeish in his first "Old Firm" derby. He has finally got Rangers playing good passing football they are associated with and what was so evidently lacking earlier in the season under Dick Advocaat.

I admit that whilst Celtic had the League won by about Christmas, I still believe that Rangers under McLeish can achieve a domestic cup double and hopefully, with a bit of luck, win the Uefa Cup to complete a memorable treble!
Richard Barnes, Northern Ireland

It's good to see that Rangers are able to finally put their passing game into full motion with some great finishing. It was a great result for Alex McLeish and the fans. This will have an enormous bearing on Rangers run in Uefa and also their remaining cup and league fixtures.
A. Dickson, Dumfries

It's still too early to say that McLeish has transformed Rangers; to beat Celtic is only the first step. Most fans will agree that the League is too far-gone now, but Rangers could still do a Cup double in Scotland and we are still in Europe.

If McLeish can bring at least one cup back to Ibrox this season it wouldn't be such a disaster losing the League. As for the comments about the CIS Cup being a meaningless trophy, well it's only meaningless when you are knocked out. Why fuss about the treble if this trophy is meaningless?
Andy, Netherlands

Its to early to say the balance of power has shifted but well done to the team it was a long time coming but it was worth it to see big Bert ruin their treble after they jeered him throughout the match. Also, well done to Alex. He got his tactics spot on and took the game to them after a shaky start.
Steven Boyle, Scotland

Bringing in a new manager will always buoy a team for a while, especially after a long spell of low morale. But let's not get carried away. They have won one Old Firm encounter out of seven and it was a close call last night. McLeish has his work cut out competing for honours with Martin O' Neill.
Brian McAllister, England

This is a massive boost to the season. Now the players have regained the self-belief that has been missing for well over a season. Some silverware in the CIS Cup may lead to a further extended run in the Uefa cup, which trumps the Scottish Championship, currently out on loan!
Jason Hughes, London

One swallow doesn't make a summer. Celtic have the League in the bag and a Scottish Cup to look forward to. Rangers have worn themselves out winning the semi-final of a meaningless trophy - just like they did when they bought Flo - all to win an Old Firm match. The CIS Cup is worthless unless it's combined with another trophy - namely, the League championship.
Robert McDowell, Scotland