Ibrox View: Inexperience behind Rangers' SPFL slip, but positives can still be found

Rangers’ title hopes look to be in tatters, as winning the Scottish Premiership from this position would likely require a miracle.

The Gers have fallen seven points behind league leaders Hearts after letting a 1-0 lead slip at Tynecastle.

Danny Rohl’s side had looked to be on their way to famous victory in the first half, but when the teams came out for the second 45, there was a noticeable shift.

The Bears looked shell-shocked and unable to deal with the pressure that Derek McInnes’ side were piling onto them.

Ultimately, Rangers crumbled in the 2-1 defeat to Hearts, and that could be down to both the age of the squad and the manager.

Young Rangers squad failed to deal with title pressure

Having a young squad allows football clubs to build a dynasty and potentially have a successful squad for years to come.

However, it does not come without its early teething issues, and that may be what Rangers are currently experiencing.

According to Transfermarkt, Rangers have the youngest squad in the Scottish Premier League with an average age of 24.6.

In comparison, title contenders Celtic and Hearts have more experience in their ranks with their Glasgow rivals at 26.8 and the Edinburgh club at 27.1.

Ultimately, that may be a difference maker. Pressure can often be hard to deal with, and an older set of players would be more equipped to battle the problems that it presents.

Additionally, manager Rohl is also on the younger side. The German, at 37 years old, is 17 years younger than Derek McInnes and 37 years younger than Martin O’Neill.

Why Rangers will be stronger after Hearts defeat

There will be plenty of lessons for the Rangers squad after falling out of the title race in dismal fashion. The pressure of the post-split fixtures was simply too much for the young roster of stars to deal with.

However, experience is the biggest teacher, and having this under their belt will provide them with lessons that will do them the world of good.

While Rohl’s position may come under review at Rangers, if the 49ers decide to stick with the 37-year-old manager, he will also come out on the other side for the better.

This slip-up is just another lesson for the youthful manager to learn, and if he can use this experience to better himself in the dugout, it will be Rangers that benefit.

Overall, losing the title certainly hurts right now, and fans may not want to look forward. But there are some positives to gain for the future.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.