Ex-Celtic ace Charlie Nicholas is backing Giovanni van Bronckhorst to remain as Rangers manager.

Pressure is growing by the day for a decision to be made by the Ibrox board with regards to the Dutchman's future.

Celtic extended their lead at the summit of the Premiership to nine points over the weekend as the Gers slipped up in Paisley with a 1-1 draw against St Mirren.

Several fan groups have called for Van Bronckhorst to be removed from his position as manager of the club.

And while there's a five-week domestic break for the World Cup Nicholas reckons the Dutchman will still be in charge come December 15.

He wrote in the Daily Express: "Rangers won't catch Celtic in the title race but that shouldn't spell the end for Giovanni van Bronckhorst. I think Ibrox chiefs will show a bit more patience.

"Rangers can still get back into the Champions League next season with there being two slots available again.

"I can't see them qualifying automatically by winning the league because at nine points the gap is already too big.

"Van Bronckhorst might get some of his injured players back after the break but I just can't see them catching Celtic.

"This is now the ultimate test for the Rangers board. Are they going to give Van Bronckhorst the opportunity to sort things out? Do they back him or sack him?

"The good thing for them is that the club seems to be in a lot better position financially. They have paid off Mike Ashley and other debts and are now looking at more long-term projects on the transfer front.

"They didn't gamble by spending big going into the Champions League but at the same time they brought in a lot of money with player sales and qualification to the group stage.

"It is clear they spent on stopping Celtic's 10-in-a-row and since then they have been paying off that debt.

"I have heard people say he is too nice a guy. I don't believe that is an issue because you can be a good guy and a good manager.

"You also have to remember van Bronckhorst led Rangers to the Europa League final so if he was to leave then his stock would still be high. Situations such as Kent, Morelos and results have left him staring down the barrel just now.

"You would have thought in Van Bronckhorst's time his team would have an identity but it doesn't. It is running on empty and needs rebuilt.

"I accept there have been injuries to a number of key players and that has left the team short and struggling.

"Ianis Hagi, Connor Goldson, Ryan Jack, Filip Helander and Kemar Roofe will all be fit. That is just about half a team that starts.

"I think once the manager has a near full-strength squad that is when he really should be judged."

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