Aberdeen manager Barry McInnes has emphasized the importance of establishing his team as consistent contenders in Scottish football as they prepare for the upcoming Old Firm derby, where Rangers will play without traveling supporters following a decision by the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL).

McInnes, who recently joined Rangers, highlighted the need for the club to move beyond sporadic successes and reinforce their domestic relevance by competing regularly for trophies. “We need to be more relevant domestically as a club,” he said, acknowledging Rangers’ history of limited silverware in recent years despite occasional cup victories and one league title. He stressed that everyone involved—from players to coaching staff—bears responsibility for delivering trophies to justify their positions.

With his new role at Ibrox under scrutiny, McInnes recognized that his success will ultimately be measured by the number of trophies he can help secure. Yet, he also acknowledged the significance of his record in high-profile derby matches, which tend to heavily influence public and fan judgment. Reflecting on his previous successes at Hearts, where he won three out of four matches against Hibernian, McInnes expressed confidence in replicating similar results against Celtic, Rangers’ fiercest rivals. He called the fixture “a bigger fixture” this time and noted that while a win in the current cup tie does not guarantee overall victory, it can provide crucial momentum.

Earlier in the season, McInnes’ side was eliminated from the Conference League qualifiers after a penalty shootout loss to Czech club Jablonec. While he downplayed the significance of penalties prior to that match, this experience has since prompted a focus on preparing for shootouts. McInnes has studied last year’s Scottish Cup penalty defeat against Celtic and has ensured his players are practicing spot-kicks ahead of possible shootout scenarios, though he remains hopeful his team can settle matches within regular time.

Having secured four consecutive victories recently, McInnes is optimistic that his players are building the momentum required to challenge for honors. He acknowledged the fine margins that can shape outcomes in crucial fixtures and stressed the importance of preparation and mental readiness as key factors in Rangers’ quest to become the dominant force in Glasgow and Scotland.