The return to the Scottish top fight has been a difficult one for Rangers.

With the massive support they have, there's always going to be great expectations heading into a league campaign. Those expectations were even higher this year after Mark Warburton's transformation of the club helped them romp to the Scottish Championship title last season.

The team haven't quite lived up to those fan expectations so far this term. Miles behind Celtic in the league table and on the end of some demoralising derby defeats, many have been left scratching their heads about which direction the club will go now.

It's not all doom and gloom though; the season is only a disappointment because of said expectations from the supporters. The Ibrox faithful should look forward to not just the rest of the campaign, but the seasons ahead.

Here are our THREE reasons why this season isn't a bust for Rangers...

Consolidation

Rangers are currently the best of the rest in the Scottish Premiership, two points ahead of Aberdeen. Yes they've played a game more but the Dons' inconsistent form means that game in hand is not a given.

This season was always going to be a very difficult one. If Warburton can guide Rangers to second place we reckon that's a pretty fair achievement.

It may not be the final destination in terms of where supporters want to be but still an important consolidation step from the Scottish Championship.

The difference between Premiership and Championship football is greater than people think and playing against a higher standard of team week in, week out was always going to take time to get used to.

It's a case of one season at a time right now when it comes to league ambition.

European football

If Mark Warburton can indeed guide the Ibrox club to second or third then they'll go into the Europa League's first qualifying round in the summer.

European football is what every Rangers supporter dreams of and putting their hat in the ring in the summer's qualifiers will be a massive step towards achieving the club's long-term continental goals.

With Hearts and Aberdeen both snapping at their heels, there is of course a battle to get there but they've put themselves in a great position at the midpoint of the season.

The step into Europe is another big one but at least Gers fans will be able to see clear progress.

Still a chance for silverware

Rangers' biggest regret last season will undoubtedly be not picking up the Scottish Cup at the expense of Hibs in May's final. Warburton's side had worked incredibly hard to get there, even besting great rivals Celtic in the semi-final, only to fall at the final hurdle.

What it proved though is that they have the ability to get themselves to the showpiece final at Hampden Park and pick up major silverware.

On their day they are a formidable side for any team in Scotland. If they can go on another extended cup run, starting against Motherwell on 21st January, then this season could actually be one of great success and not one to feel bad about.