Charlie Nicholas believes Rangers need a “shot in the arm” with regards to new arrivals this month if they are to maintain a title challenge with Celtic.

Steven Gerrard’s side slipped to a shock defeat to Hearts last weekend to give Celtic an edge in the title race.

And in his column for the Daily Star, Nicholas suggests Rangers must strengthen with “one or two” players this month to keep up with Celtic.

They look to be labouring a bit since they have come back from the break. Rangers could do with a signing or two to try and liven things up and really inspire and to show they are serious about challenging.

Celtic have more strength in depth and can afford to put Odsonne Edouard on the bench. Ismaila Soro has come in too and they bought Patryk Klimala for £3m but you have seen the reaction to that from Leigh Griffiths who has been back among the goals.

Rangers need a bit more competition to threaten the positions of Ryan Kent, Davis and Joe Aribo and give the team the kind of shot in the arm it looks like they need.

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Nicholas has never been shy when voicing his opinions about Celtic and Rangers, and while we don’t want to see rivals strengthening their squad, he does make a point.

Gerrard’s men may have won the Glasgow Derby prior to the break, but they have stuttered since the return to action, with unconvincing wins against Stranraer in the cup and St. Mirren in the league.

Add the surprise defeat to Hearts in the mix, and it does appear as though they’re lacking in quality without Alfredo Morelos in the side.

Celtic meanwhile have responded to the defeat at Parkhead in perfect fashion by bringing Klimala and Soro in to add some much needed strength in depth.

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Furthermore, Neil Lennon looks to be helping Griffiths find his form once again, with the striker scoring twice since the return from the winter break.

Combine the new signings and Griffiths’ return to form with the rest of the Celtic squad, and the Hoops appear to be in a very strong position ahead of the second half of the season, in my opinion.