Ibrox number one Neil Alexander insists Rangers should be judged at the end of the season.

The Glasgow giants have yet to adapt to life in Scottish football’s bottom tier and have failed to win a game away from home in the Third Division. They also suffered their first defeat of the season when they crashed out of the Ramsdens Cup to Queen of the South in midweek.

Having come through such a turbulent period in the club’s history, Alexander believes there perhaps needs to be a reality check in terms of expectations, but he is confident Rangers will come good in the end.

The goalkeeper said: “It’s difficult because this isn’t the same Rangers as it was two years ago, five years ago, 10 years ago. People are still making comparisons to that period of time.

“We’ve just got to go out there on the pitch and win as many games as we can and see where that takes us... then judge us at the end of the season.

“It was always going to be tough. Every away game is a cup final. Everyone tries their hardest against us because it’s Rangers coming to town.”

Team manager Ally McCoist faces the task of lifting his players following the midweek defeat at Ibrox as they prepare to play host to Montrose in the league today, before SPL leaders Motherwell come calling in the Scottish Communities League Cup on Wednesday.

Alexander said: “He’s finding it hard to not show his disappointment and he’s let the boys know how disappointed he is. He’s got to get the boys lifted and be positive around the place and get the boys going.

“Sunday (today) is a big game and, if we can get a good performance and a good result, hopefully we can look ahead.”