13 Mar 2014

Rangers climb to Scottish Championship

12:33 pm on 13 March 2014

A hat-trick from Lee McCulloch has helped Glasgow Rangers take another step in their climb back to Scottish football's top flight.

The Old Firm giants secured the League One title with eight matches remaining following a 3-0 win over Airdrieonians.

Captain McCulloch scored twice from the penalty spot and once from open play as the hosts wrapped up the scoring at Ibrox before half-time.

Rangers, Scottish champions a record 54 times, were forced to relaunch from the fourth tier in 2012 after collapsing under a pile of debt, a fall from grace which sent shockwaves through the Scottish game.

The Glasgow club, who secured immediate promotion from the fourth tier last season, claimed back-to-back titles after winning 26 and drawing two of their 28 games as they built an unbeatable 26-point lead over second-placed Dunfermline.

Rangers will next season play in the Championship, the second division of Scottish football.