It wasn't an easy start for Derek McInnes at Rangers and after crashing out of the Europa League qualifiers, it looked like the writing could be on the wall sooner rather than later.

Since then, however, the former Hearts manager has proved his worth - winning five straight games in all competitions and conceding just once along the way.

Saving his best moment until his biggest game yet, McInnes' Rangers side brushed Celtic aside to win 3-0 in the first Old Firm derby of the season.

After advancing to the final four of the Scottish League Cup with a 3-0 victory, the Gers' focus will now turn towards repeating their success in the Scottish Premiership in just six days.

Victroy over Celtic in the league would bridge the gap to just two points between the two rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

Defeat, meanwhile, would stretch the Bhoys' advantage to eight points, which would be a major concrern for McInnes so early into the campaign. As much Sunday's win would have felt nice, next week is arguably even more important for those at Ibrox.

There's not just drama on the pitch for McInnes to deal with, though. Even with the Scottish window long closed, he's still got business to handle in terms of outgoings, with John Souttar at the heart of that drama.

Exclusive: Rangers ready to grant John Souttar request in late U-turn

With just 24 hours to go until the transfer window slams shut in Greece, it looked as though Souttar was set to miss out on a move to Greek side Aris Thessaloniki. He requested that Rangers pay out the final year of his contract, and while the club have always been happy to let the defender leave if a compromise can be met, that request was denied and the deal was on the verge of collapsing.

However, Football FanCast sources understand that an agreement is now close to void the rest of Souttar's contract and let him join Aris in a late U-turn.

The move could now be sealed within the next 24 hours, before the window in Greece closes at 10pm on Tuesday. It would come as a relief for all parties if Souttar sealed a move away and it seems as though a race against the clock has advanced things.

The defender looks set to end his time at Rangers after over 100 appearances and one Scottish League Cup. When asked about Souttar, McInnes told reporters last week: "I spoke to John this morning and he trained. There's interest from one or two clubs.

"One club is maybe a bit further down the line than the other. It's something that could develop, but I don't think it's at that stage yet. Maybe something happens over the next two or three days."

Now, just days later, that 'something' has indeed taken place and the 29-year-old looks destined to get his exit wish just ahead of the Greek deadline.