Lee McCulloch reckons resurgent Rangers can heap fresh pressure on former Old Firm tormentor Ange Postecoglou and his “fragile” Tottenham team this week.

Spurs’ Aussie boss is preparing to return to Glasgow 18 months after departing Celtic on the back of a remarkable Treble triumph. In total, Postecoglou lifted five out of the six trophies he competed for during a two-year Parkhead stay which also saw him dominate derby battles with Gers.

But while he was all-conquering in Scotland, things haven’t been going so smoothly for the 59-year-old down south. Sunday’s 4-2 collapse against Chelsea saw the North London outfit blow a two-goal lead and came hot on the heels of an angry confrontation involving Postecoglou and fans after a midweek defeat at Bournemouth. Fuming fans have already begun calling for the ex-Hoops boss to go amid frustrations over his refusal to tone down his ultra-attacking philosophies. Spurs chief Daniel Levy is so far sticking by Postecoglou but former Rangers hero McCulloch believes Philippe Clement’s Gers could force the club chairman to think again.

READ MORE: Rangers can profit from Ange's 10 years of ignorance as Aussie ally deals out the ultimate 'I told you so'

READ MORE: Aberdeen frustrated at Rangers tribunal hold up as AGM reveals wait goes on for Connor Barron compensation

The Light Blues have finally found their form this season after hitting 14 goals in their last four games. And it couldn’t come at a better time as Rangers head into a massive week which sees them host Spurs in the Europa League on Thursday before facing Postecoglou’s old side in Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup final.

McCulloch said: “It’s probably the best time for Rangers this season form wise and confidence wise as they go into the biggest week of the season. And I think for Spurs, it’s probably the opposite.

“I watched a bit of their game on Sunday and they're 2-0 up. For the first 20 minutes they were absolutely brilliant. They were playing against Chelsea, right enough! But there's a bit of a fragile side to them and that's where, as a Rangers player, you've got to take confidence from that and believe that you can use the fans out there to put a right show on and get a result.

“When you look at Rangers’ performance on Sunday, I think there is hope. Spurs have got good individual players.

“Obviously they're playing in one of the best leagues in the world. But when it comes down to a one-off game, you're at home, it's a full house, you use the atmosphere and you're in good form yourself, then I would say … bring it on!”

In 2021, Postecoglou was tasked with repairing a Celtic side broken by the loss of their 10-in-a-row dream. But he stunned Scottish football by immediately restoring the Hoops to the top of the domestic tree.

His record against Gers was impressive, losing only three of the 11 derbies he oversaw. McCulloch knows the Ibrox faithful will be desperate for revenge this week - but he urged Clement’s squad to ignore the clamour from the stands.

He said: “As a player you can’t get involved in that, but I completely see it. As a guy that’s managed in Scotland for this club’s biggest rivals, Ange will know the reception that he’s going to get.

“But the Rangers players can’t get involved in that. That's for other people, it's just about starting the game well and getting the fans and the terraces with you — and there's no reason why Rangers can’t."

Rangers will be the underdogs heading into both games this week. But McCulloch reckons his old side can at least march into the fixtures with new hope after finally finding their scoring touch.

Asked if the players would relish the challenges in front of them, he said: “Spot on, it’s a perfect week. Going back to that result and performance in Dingwall, Rangers are set up perfectly.

“They going into the game on Thursday with no fear. The manager's got the option of being able to rotate and bring different players on at different times. But regardless of who plays Thursday, I think there's a chance there.”

Former Rangers captain Lee McCulloch was speaking at Ibrox to promote The Rangers Youth Development Company’s Lotto campaign and Christmas products. RYDC have a range of prints, mugs, coasters and Christmas decorations to buy now at www.rydc.co.uk and fans can also sign up to Rangers Lotto.