Beloved Rangers hero Brian Laudrup fears his former team's transfer business in January is having a sizeable impact on their stuttering title bid.
The Premiership champions have toiled since the winter break - having dropped points in five matches since the restart and trail Celtic by three points with 10 games remaining.
And Laudrup is convinced the lack of impact from their mid-season arrivals is playing a significant role amid their current domestic malaise.
Marquee Juventus loanee Aaron Ramsey has been beset by injury niggles and Manchester United winger Amad Diallo has struggled since a quick-fire debut against Ross County.
Both James Sands and Mateusz Zukowski have found Rangers opportunities limited in recent weeks.
And now the Danish wing king believes manager Gio van Bronckhorst has decisions to make over what comes next.
Speaking in his Daily Mail column, he said: "Giovanni van Bronckhorst's team have simply failed to gather necessary domestic results since the winter break. You could argue about a need to change personnel. But, for me, there is now an obvious concern on that front when you think back to the January window.
"At the midpoint of the season, you are looking for players who can offer fresh blood and impetus. But it just hasn't happened for Rangers. At least not yet.
"Look at Sunday as a perfect example. After Motherwell pulled it back to 2-2 with 14 minutes remaining, you think it's time to put on someone capable of making a difference in an attacking sense. A player who can create things and deliver a breakthrough.
"But Amad Diallo didn't get off the bench. As Rangers looked in vain for a winner, the Manchester United loanee wasn't asked to contribute. In fact, Kemar Roofe was the only substitute introduced with seven minutes remaining. That surely says something.
"Then you have the fact Aaron Ramsey again didn't make the squad as he tries, I assume, to get to the right condition after his well-publicised injury issues at Juventus. No one doubts Ramsey's huge quality but time is running out for this loan move to be effective. The Wales star has not been able to make the difference many hoped he would.
"James Sands was the other player added in January. We've seen bits and pieces from the American international, but not enough to say he is demanding a place in the starting line-up.
"In truth, it looks like Van Bronckhorst only truly trusts a certain portion of his squad to go and start games right now.
"Without that new blood from January being effective, and with Rangers still being in Europe, this relative lack of options can start to take a toll. It's not an excuse for under-performance or not getting the job done, but it can be a factor if the manager doesn't feel able to freshen things up.
"We all know it takes time to gel at a new club. But, for differing reasons, it seems Diallo, Ramsey and Sands haven't convinced Van Bronckhorst that they are yet able to go and take on major responsibility in this title race. For me, that's a huge problem.
"After Sunday's match, the Ibrox manager firmly defended the mentality of his players. Footballers, as I know very well, will always bristle at that being suggested as a potential reason for not winning matches.
"The problem, though, is that we're not talking about random results. There is an obvious pattern since the New Year. Eleven points have been dropped in eight games. Rangers have been unable to keep pressure on this newly-assembled Celtic team.
"There would have been upset players in the Ibrox dressing room on Sunday. I've no doubt they will talk to each other and try and deal with things in-house. But the only way to avoid people speaking or writing about mentality is to get the results. You must find a way."
Laudrup admits title rivals Celtic aren't at full throttle, however, he believes his former team have more questions to answer.
And he insists winning the next clash against Ange Postecoglou's side at Ibrox is a non-negotiable en route to the title.
He added: "The challenge for Rangers feels starker. It's uncomfortable territory for Van Bronckhorst's men right now. They haven't won an away league game since beating Hearts on December 12.
"That must change in Perth.
"Because they know if they drop points again, even with the next Old Firm game at home, it might end up being a deal-breaker come May.
"This is life at the sharp end of a high-pressure title race. We'll soon find out which side is better equipped to handle it."
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