AS RANGERS prepare to return to action there is a sense of excitement in the air that title number 56 isn’t too far away.

The reigning champions sit proudly at the top of the Premiership table, six points ahead of nearest challengers Celtic.

Fears of the season potentially unravelling following the departure of Steven Gerrard and his backroom staff has not only failed to materialise but the fortunes of the team have been enhanced with the return of Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

The Dutchman has worked wonders since arriving in late November, winning seven out of seven league games, conceding just once as well as guiding Rangers into the knockout stages of the Europa League.

The players look revitalized and focused on ensuring the league trophy remains under lock and key in the Ibrox Trophy Room.

It’s therefore easy to get carried away but to ensure complacency doesn’t seep in, it’s important not to forget the key fundamental ingredients that made last season’s triumph so uniquely special.

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Somewhat interestingly, Gerrard’s words ahead of facing Aberdeen at Pittodrie at a similar stage last season still ring true: “I know, as well as anyone, form is only temporary, you’ve got to keep pushing, you’ve got to keep trying to max-out, you’ve got to keep trying to raise the bar and face every challenge that comes our way.

“It’s very important we stay in the now, we don’t live in the past or too far in the future and the now is a tough challenge against Aberdeen.”

He may be gone but Gerrard’s mantra of not looking too far ahead or living in the past is one that should still form the basis of any success Rangers go on to achieve this season.

On paper, Aberdeen at Pittodrie poses a tough test, as does the trip north to Dingwall to face Ross County. Then there's the short trip to the East End of Glasgow to take on Celtic in the rearranged New Year fixture.

But this Rangers side under van Bronckhorst looks a different animal to the one that seemed to be limping from one game to the next under Gerrard earlier in the season.

The games mentioned should hold no fear but it’s folly to underestimate the dangers they could potentially pose if minds are allowed to wander too far forward. There is a lot of football to be played with 54 points up for grabs.

That being said, Rangers are very much in the driving seat and in van Bronckhorst they have a very capable driver at the wheel.

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The Dutchman was deservedly named Manager of the Month for December and you sense he may need to make room on his mantlepiece for a few more.

What should give supporters belief that 56 will be delivered is the fact van Bronckhorst seems to follow the mantra that served Gerrard and co so well last season.

Speaking after receiving the award, van Bronckhorst said: “It’s always nice to win awards. The start of my career at Rangers has been very positive and I’m very proud to win this award, but I think what’s behind the award is much more important. It means we [the whole staff] have done a great job.

“My staff who came with me and the staff who were already here have helped me a lot and worked hard to achieve the wins. Also the players, I thank them for all the work they’ve done in the last weeks and months – that’s why I got this award! It means you’re doing a good job and gives me more motivation to keep going.

“We have confidence, we had a good run before the break and were working hard now to keep the momentum going and make sure we’re there every game – getting the wins we need.”

As Tuesday approaches, hundreds of Rangers supporters will make their way to the North East in buoyant mood after the Scottish Government finally saw sense to allow fans back into the grounds. In Gio they trust and on the evidence shown prior to the winter break, they have every right to get excited about another title party down Edmiston Drive.

Taking one game at a time is the pathway to said title party starting at Pittodrie in two days time.