Ahead of the second leg of the Scottish Premiership playoff tie between Rangers and Queen of the South, former Liverpool and Leeds United midfielder Gary McAllister took time out to preview the quarter-final affair.
The Gers will take a 2-1 advantage into the Ibrox showdown thanks to Dean Shiels's winner 15 minutes from time in the reverse leg, although it is still very much all to play for on Sunday afternoon.
McAllister, who is BT Sport's lead Scottish Football analyst, also reflected on current events at his old Elland Road home in an exclusive chat with Sports Mole, as well paying tribute to a former teammate in Steven Gerrard, who will bid an emotional farewell to Anfield this weekend.
Rangers will take a slender lead into the second leg. Can they now push on and progress or do you believe Queen of the South still have more to offer?
"It will still be tough for Rangers. The away goals don't count and they've really struggled the last couple of times they've played at Palmerston, but they are in a strong position after defending really well and gaining a 2-1 lead to take back to Ibrox. They have to be considered massive favourites now, but I feel that the next goal in the tie could decide which way it goes.
"If Rangers score it I feel as though it will be job done, although if it goes the other way it will make things really interesting because the big home support may make it tough for the Rangers players."
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So Rangers remain on course to achieving their target of promotion to the top flight, but is finishing in the playoffs good enough for them?
"They would have wanted to have gone up as champions, but Hearts were just unbelievable this season. All the trials and tribulations has seemed to impact the players and the whole staff, and with the managerial change it has been such a rough ride for everybody at Ibrox so finishing in the playoffs is just about right.
"They now have to try and get up the hard way from third place. It's a long, drawn-out process when you make the playoffs, but they have made a positive first step by winning at Palmerston."
Do you feel that Rangers can become a force again if they do manage to cross the line and gain promotion?
"I think the new owners who have come in fully understand that it is a long process and success won't happen overnight. They are still a long way off the Premier League and these playoffs heavily favour the side who finish in 11th place in the Prem. There is a long way to go, of course, but again they have made a positive first step to achieving that."
Prediction time - can Queen of the South spring a surprise in the second leg?
"I think Rangers will come through the tie with a 2-0 win at Ibrox, which should make it nice and comfortable for them. But I wouldn't want to disrespect Queen of the South because I've been really impressed with their style of play this season."
The way the playoffs are structured means that semi-final opponents Hibernian will go three weeks without kicking a ball competitively. Does that give them an advantage, or is the prolonged break more of a hindrance?
"Well they've taken the opportunity to get away and get some sun, so that gives the players a good opportunity after a long, hard season to get rid of any lasting niggles. I'm sure they will be rested and well prepared, and knowing Alan Stubbs he will make sure that his side are ready whoever they face."
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Switching attention to one of your former clubs now, Liverpool received the bad news last week that one of their reported targets in Memphis Depay is to join rivals Manchester United in the summer. How much of a blow is that to Brendan Rodgers?
"I think there could be a few more blows like that along the way. When you drop out of the Champions League spots it becomes even more difficult to attract the top names, but I'm sure that Brendan will be working away to try and improve things to mount another challenge at the top end of the Premier League next season.
"I think it's going to be tough for Liverpool to break back into those top four places, likewise with Tottenham Hotspur as well. But I feel that is where Liverpool - a club synonymous with the European Cup - ought to be."
Steven Gerrard, an ex-colleague of yours, is to call time on his Anfield career this week. Do you believe he has made the right choice to head off to the MLS, or does he still have the ability to compete in the Premier League?
"I think he could have played another season, but he's made the decision now and it will be the right one in his eyes. He's a wonderful footballer and has been a fantastic servant to Liverpool, and this will provide a cracking challenge for him."
Another of your previous clubs, Leeds United, have endured some troubled times in the recent past. Do you believe they can enjoy some stability in the coming years under the watch of Massimo Cellino?
"It is very difficult to comment on the situation at Elland Road, because nobody quite understands what is going on there. It is all pretty sad to see, but I would love to see Leeds back in the Premier League one day - that goes without saying.
"We now need to wait and see what the owner does in the summer as far as recruitment is concerned. I'll be watching developments with a close eye. I still live in the Yorkshire area and Leeds are very close to my heart."
What about speculation linking you with a director of football role at Elland Road?
"They are just rumours as far as I know. I think if there is any chance to try and help Leeds United then I'm here. They know where I am."
Rangers vs. Queen of the South is exclusively live on BT Sport 1 from 3pm on Sunday. BT Sport will show every game from the Premiership Playoffs live, covering the semi-finals on May 20 and 23 and the final on May 28 and 31.
Daniel Lewis
