Rangers manager Ally McCoist has admitted that there is a big gulf between his side and the SPL clubs following Wednesday's defeat to Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Communities League Cup.
The Gers went down 3-0 at Ibrox as Inverness reached the semi-finals of the competition for the first time in their history.
"I'm extremely aware of how far we've got to travel," said McCoist.
"There is a thin line because it's difficult in the respect that I will never make excuses.
"I will not make excuses for the second-half performance and I won't make excuses for the slackness in defending at the three goals, but we have got a long way to go and tonight showed that."
Rangers are in Scottish Cup third-round action on Saturday when they host Alloa Athletic.
