Barry Ferguson has warned a good first month at Rangers needs to be followed by a 'brilliant' second one from Philippe Clement.

The Belgian is unbeaten since taking over from Michael Beale in October and has reignited fans belief that there could well be a title race this season as Gers are eightpoints behind Celtic with a game in hand. A win over St Johnstone on December 20 would cut that gap to five ahead of a trip across Glasgow to take on their rivals, providing they keep the winning up against Motherwell on Christmas Eve.

Keeping the champions within arm's length will be key. And Ferguson knows how quickly gaps can widen again in the midst of a hectic schedule when the pressure to win every match is huge. But he's seen enough from Clement to give him confidence that his former club will remain consistent to set up a blockbuster derby clash that could really ignite the title race. Oh, and there's also the small matter of a first trophy should they defeat Aberdeen in the Viaplay Cup Final.

"He's had a really good first month in charge and I think he has to have a brilliant second one, starting at on the 26th against Aberdeen up there." he told GO Radio. "On the 17th, you want to get that first trophy and then obviously you look at the 30th.

"But in between that, there's games that you need to make sure you win. December is a massive, massive month for Rangers. Although they've still got two big games on November; Aberdeen and Aris Limassol, with Fir Park as well so there's a few tough ones.

"But when I'm looking at this Rangers team, they're in a different place. They're in a good place at this moment in time. So he knows, the second month needs to be even better than the first month. But I've got every confidence in him.

"I like the way he comes across. He doesn't give much away, is straight talking and knows what he wants. I don't think players will get away with much. But they've got a big month coming up."