Inverness boss Richie Foran claims it is too early to write off Rangers - and insists Mark Warburton's team could yet steal Celtic's title.

Gers manager Warburton has faced criticism already this term after watching his side struggle to assert themselves on their return to the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Just eight games into the season, Gers already trail Brendan Rodgers' rampant Hoops - who have a game in hand - by seven points.

Rookie Caley Thistle chief Foran also knows what it is like to come under pressure after losing his first three league matches in charge.

But his side have responded with a five-match unbeaten run, earning Foran the manager of the month award for September.

And the Irishman reckons his Gers counterpart, who he will face up to on Friday night when Inverness welcome the Light Blues to the Highlands, could perform a remarkable comeback of his own.

He told Press Association Sport: "Rangers could win the league this year, it's as simple as that. They could win it.

"I watched them against Aberdeen and in the first half I thought they were excellent, although they didn't create a lot of opportunities on goal.

"But their play was of a top, top standard and Rangers could still go and win the league. It's too early to say they won't.

"A lot of their players won't have played in the Premiership before so they are still adapting. Don't write Rangers off just yet."

But Foran does admit the Rangers side who will run out at the Caledonian Stadium on Friday night will not possess the same fear factor as Gers sides of the past.

"Obviously it's a big test for us," said the 36-year-old. "It's Glasgow Rangers. It's great to have them back coming up to the Highlands and we welcome them back.

"They have been missed from the Premiership and I think having them back adds extra credibility to the league.

"They have been getting a wee bit of criticism over the last few months but I think people need to be realistic.

"The top flight has changed since the last time they were in it. The belief in the players coming up against Rangers and Celtic has risen massively. They believe they can take points off them now.

"I don't think six or seven years ago that belief was there.

"I remember back to my Motherwell days and we went into these games hoping to contain them. But now I think the emphasis is on how the teams facing them are going to play and about their own strengths rather than the Old Firm's, particularly at home."