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Up until Kyogo rifled the ball into the back of the Rangers net in Monday’s pulsating Old Firm derby, the title race appeared to be back on.

Michael Beale’s men had battled back from losing a sloppy opener to lead their arch-rivals thanks to goals from Ryan Kent and James Tavernier.

Had Malik Tillman been more clinical in front of goal the landscape would be looking far rosier for the Ibrox club.

As it stands, the 2-2 draw does little to reignite the faint hopes there was of clawing back what looks like an insurmountable lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

What the late equaliser does highlight is the need to strengthen the squad in January. A quick glance at both teams' substitute benches on Monday reveals a stark difference in quality.

Ange Postecoglu was able to call upon the likes of Josip Juranovic, Liel Abada, Jota, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Aaron Mooy.

Without being disrespectful, the Rangers bench simply doesn’t boast the same level of quality.

Yes, it’s important to factor in the raft of injuries which have plagued Rangers all season. Ianis Hagi, Tom Lawrence, Ridvan Yilmaz and John Souttar would all have strengthened the matchday squad.

However, the club are in desperate need of new faces to revitalise an ageing and tired squad.

Beale was as open as ever when quizzed on whether major surgery is required. “I definitely want to bring in players but they’ve got to be the right players,” he said.

“I want John Souttar fit, Ridvan, Ianis Hagi, Tom Lawrence, Kemar Roofe and Antonio Colak, that will be a start. If we can add two or three more to it then we could have a second team as good as the first team that was out there today, and then it’s game on inside the building.

"You have to earn your shirt. I think the last few weeks people have played regardless. None of you knows whether I fancy these players or not because they are the players I’ve got.”

He continued: “This month will be a big month, sorting out one or two futures, tying one or two things up.

“I don’t want short-term [signings] until the end of the season because there is no point, to appease myself or the fans.

“We need people to come in that will be big players for Rangers in the next two or three years. They don’t just grow on trees. With this game out the way now it gives me time to get into that. There are some people I have got in mind.”

Last year, the club did bring in stop-gap signings in the form of Amad Diallo and Aaron Ramsey during a manic deadline day but, they simply cannot afford to look short-term.

Given Beale’s comments, you sense this window will be far more fruitful in terms of planning for the future and bringing in players that will shape this new-look Rangers side for the years ahead.

Rangers Review: (Image: NQ)

Where additions are required should be fairly obvious. The fact Charlie McCann is the most expensive midfielder in the first-team squad in terms of outlay tells you where money needs to be invested.

Coupled with the fact Steven Davis’ horror knee injury looks to have all but ended his career, midfield reinforcements must be the priority.

It’s vitally important Rangers nail the recruitment in this transfer window. With the league title all but gone, Beale needs to build a squad capable of competing next season and that starts this month.