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Neil McCann: Exciting times ahead after Rangers' promotion

Rangers' Rob Kiernan (centre) and Harry Forrester (left) celebrates after securing the Championship title

Neil McCann believes there are "exciting times ahead" for Scottish football, following Rangers' promotion to the Premiership.

The Gers sealed their return to the top tier of Scottish football, after a 1-0 win over Dumbarton on Tuesday sealed the Championship title.

McCann, who played for Rangers between 1998 and 2003, told Sky Sports News HQ that the club's presence in the top flight will be a bonus for the Scottish game as a whole.

"It's massively important to our game. Rangers helped a lot of sides along the way in getting back to the top division, but without a doubt, we need all our biggest teams in the top division," said McCann.

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"It'll have a kickback right down the divisions, and just for the competition itself, it's vital. Celtic have been winning titles, but the whole thing has stagnated.

"Aberdeen have been exceptional in the last couple of season, and indeed are still going for a title challenge. Hearts have proved they can do well coming up from the Championship, and Rangers will be looking to do that next year. There are exciting times ahead in our game."

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But McCann, who won 10 major honours at Ibrox, insists that it will not be easy for his old club to mount an immediate title challenge, and believes Rangers should learn from past mistakes, and build slowly.

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"I think anything is possible, but I think you have to be realistic and think that Celtic are quite a bit ahead of Rangers at the moment," McCann added.

"You'll be looking at Hearts to go stronger next season, and Aberdeen. But if you're a Rangers fan, the expectation is going to be high and I think the players are fully aware of that.

I think anything is possible, but I think you have to be realistic and think that Celtic are quite a bit ahead of Rangers at the moment.
Neil McCann, Sky Sports

"Andy Halliday suggested it'd be ridiculous not to try and put in a title challenge for the fans. Rangers are starting to build things again, and it's important they don't throw everything at it again. They need to be careful and go for it prudently."

McCann also revealed his delight at the return of the Old Firm rivalry on a regular basis, and believes this month's Scottish Cup semi-final clash between the sides will serve as a test to see how far Rangers have come.

"The semi-final will be a huge marker to see how far they've come. They dismantled Dundee in the last round, which was a bit of a surprise.

Ronny Deila final whistle 0-1 v KIlmarnock
Image: McCann believes Rangers' clash with Celtic and manager Ronny Deila (pictured) will be a huge test of their ability

"But next week will be the test to see how close Rangers are to Celtic. Celtic aren't firing on all cylinders, and I think they've got weaknesses - but so do Rangers. This will tell everyone how close they can be.

"It is our flagship game, it brings huge interest back to our leagues again from all over Europe. It is a game that whets the appetite no matter who you are. I'm delighted the game is back and, as I said, we're just going to get a little bit of that when the sides meet in the semi-final."

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