Rangers must compete at highest level, says Michael Mols

Former Rangers striker Michael Mols says it is crucial his former club are able to compete at the highest level, should they gain promotion to the Scottish Premiership.

Rangers extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Championship to 14 points with a 2-0 win over Raith on Tuesday, and Mols is hopeful the club can be competitive if they can seal their return to the top flight.

"I think the most important thing is to compete next year in the Premiership, but it takes time," said Mols.

"Everybody knows that and Mark is building a new team, and from what I've heard, he wants maybe five or six new players, so that also takes time to settle."

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Mols, who spent five years at Rangers between 1999 and 2004, also believes his side team can achieve success this season.

Rangers face Premiership side Dundee on Saturday live on Sky Sports 2 in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals, and Mols sees no reason why they cannot win the tournament.

"It's in Rangers' DNA to win trophies, and the expectations are always there. Now they are on a good run, and hopefully they can do it this year with the Scottish Cup."

Mols also played in a number of Champions League games for Rangers, including scoring a double in a 4-1 win over PSV in October 1999.

But, under proposals to change the format of the qualification stages, it could potentially become more difficult for Scottish clubs to make it to the main tournament.

The proposed changes would see the champions route removed, which currently allows a path to the group stage for domestic title winners that have not already qualified.

"I see it as a big problem if it's more difficult for the Scottish clubs to get into the Champions League," added Mols.

"The gap between the top of Europe and the rest will only become bigger, especially now with the Premier League getting so much money."