Steven Gerrard’s arrival has been a breath of fresh air for Rangers - and supporters, by and large, are optimistic for the future.

However, the fact that Rangers have got off to their worst start to a season since the 1989-90 campaign cannot be ignored.

The Gers have picked up just five points from their opening four games, winning just once - a 2-0 victory over St Mirren.

However, that result now looks more impressive after Celtic were held to a 0-0 draw by Oran Kearney’s side on Friday evening.

Rangers, who currently sit in seventh place in the Scottish Premiership table, can now close the gap on second-placed Celtic to two points with a win over Dundee on Saturday afternoon.

Ahead of the Friday night fixture at St Mirren Park, though, former Celtic striker John Hartson dropped his honest opinion about Gerrard’s side, less than two weeks after the Old Firm derby.

Celtic ran out 1-0 winners against Rangers prior to the international break, although that scoreline flattered Gerrard’s side - despite the fact he blamed the referee for his team’s defeat.

Hartson drops honest opinion about Rangers

Hartson reckons Rangers are nowhere near Celtic’s level and will probably finish third in the table, behind Aberdeen.

"No chance, I still think it'll be 15 points,” Hartson told BT Sport when asked if he expects Rangers to challenge for the title. “And I think Aberdeen will finish second.

"It was all hyped. They had a big point to prove in terms of 'can they go up against Celtic toe-for-toe?' They clearly showed that they can't.

"The result should've been four or five, if it wasn't for [Allan] McGregor.

"Celtic hit the bar four times, hit the post. It was an annihilation, I have to say that.

"Neil Lennon said as well, there's still a lot to do, a lot of hype around Gerrard coming.

"They had some good results in the Europa League, I'm not denying that, but I still think they're a million miles behind Celtic."

While Hartson’s Aberdeen prediction might be a little fanciful - the Dons have also picked up five points from their first four games - it’s clear that a significant gulf in class still exists between the Old Firm rivals.

Closing the gap was never going to be straightforward for Gerrard, though, and he requires time and patience to make his mark at Ibrox.

Still, it’s very difficult to imagine Rangers seriously challenging for the Scottish Premiership title this season based on what we’ve seen over the past few weeks.

Is John Hartson right about Rangers? Have your say below.