From a dispirited, fragile-looking side as Christmas approached, Rangers turned round their season by winning both cups at the expense of rivals Celtic.

The league race was virtually over by the time McLeish arrived, so it is this season when it will really become apparent how McLeish's Rangers compare with Martin O'Neill's Celtic.

The main question is whether Rangers can display the same consistency as their city rivals - points dropped against supposedly lesser teams cost the Ibrox dearly last season.

Last season's Scottish Cup final victory over Celtic suggested that a fighting spirit has been restored to the dressing room.

McLeish will also be hoping his side can improve on last season's promising Uefa Cup run.

But the main priority will be preventing Celtic capturing their third SPL title on the trot.