ALEX MCLEISH admits it will be ‘difficult’ for Rangers to retain their Premiership title if they lose the third Old Firm clash of the campaign next Sunday.

Rangers head into the Celtic showdown three points adrift of Ange Postecoglou’s side and in need of a victory to kick-start the defence of their crown after a mixed recent run under Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s guidance.

McLeish famously masterminded a dramatic title triumph on Helicopter Sunday as Rangers recovered from a derby defeat to lift the silverware in 2005.

And the Treble winning boss – who was back at Ibrox in charge of a Legends side that lost 3-2 to a World XI on Saturday – is well aware of what is at stake on derby day.

McLeish said: “Gio is doing a fantastic job here and this season reminds me of the battles we had with Celtic in 2003 and 2005.

“They went right to the very last day and it’s the same this year and that’s great for both teams they are neck and neck.

“Next Sunday is a massive game for both clubs. It would be difficult for Rangers to win the league if they lost the game.

“These games are so significant in the title race. We lost to Celtic in 2005 but we were able to win the league so it can be done.

“Celtic were in the driving seat that year and it went to the last day for Helicopter Sunday. It was a dramatic day.

“Gio knows having played here the demands of Rangers football club, the fans and everyone else.

“He has good experience and he has to get everything he can out of every single player now.

"It seems quite a tough task [to go for all the trophies]. They have come so far in Europe, but it is very important to win the league because of entry to the Champions League next season.”