Kris Boyd has issued a rallying cry for Rangers to refocus their ambitions after their Scottish Premiership title hopes took a major hit. The former striker believes securing second place is now the club's top priority—not just for pride, but for a golden ticket back to the Champions League.

With only nine points left to play for after the league split, Rangers find themselves seven points adrift of the leaders following back-to-back defeats: a home loss to Motherwell and a tough away result against the top side. Just before the split, they were only a point behind Hearts, but those setbacks have left the Glasgow club staring at a steep uphill climb.

However, all is not lost. A runners-up finish in the Scottish Premiership would secure a spot in the second qualifying round of the Champions League—a vital opportunity for Rangers to return to Europe's elite competition. And with Glasgow rivals Celtic sitting in second place, catching them is a realistic target that could reignite the season.

"I think there'll be more questions asked if Rangers don't get that second place," Boyd told Sky Sports. "When you look at Financial Fair Play and Rangers were on the threshold of that last season, you're then trying to rebuild another team. There are already players announced that they're going to be leaving. They've spent a lot of money already, but to allow Rangers to spend what they'll need to get back up there challenging next year, you're going to need every advantage you can get—and that will be that Champions League qualifier."

Boyd didn't mince words about the stakes heading into the crucial clash at Celtic Park. "So Rangers need to approach Celtic Park on Sunday as a game they must win. It's bad enough finishing second up here, but to finish third would be a huge, huge blow for Rangers."

For fans and the club alike, the message is clear: channel the frustration into a fierce pursuit of second place—and the Champions League dreams that come with it. Every point, every match, and every bit of fight will count as Rangers look to turn their season around and set the stage for a stronger comeback next year.