adminBarry Ferguson has expressed his frustration with one particular aspect of Rangers’ long-standing rivalry with Celtic.
The Gers came out on top against their Glasgow rivals in their most recent meeting, securing a convincing 3-0 victory at Ibrox in the League Cup. Dan Neil struck twice, while Kevin Kelsy also found the net.
The two teams are set to meet again in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday, with this occasion taking place at Parkhead.
Derek McInnes’ team will be aiming for another positive result and will look to gain an early advantage in the title race.
Ferguson made 424 appearances for Rangers before becoming interim manager following Philippe Clement’s dismissal in February 2025.
The former Gers skipper has issued a warning to his old club ahead of the latest Old Firm showdown.
What has Barry Ferguson said about the Old Firm clash?
Ferguson believes Rangers cannot afford to approach the 20 September fixture with any sense of complacency following their impressive previous victory.
He also outlined his main frustrations with the Old Firm rivalry, arguing that his former club should not show Celtic excessive respect.
Writing in his Daily Record column on Friday, he said: “If anything Rangers have shown Celtic far too much respect over the years. I’ve grown absolutely sick of that having seen it so many times over the years.
“So, yes, respect them and be fully aware of what they can do to you if your head is not in the right place. But go there absolutely determined not to let them punish you. Leave the respect at the side of the pitch or you’ll be in trouble.
“Go and pressurise these people. They’ve had it all their own way for far too long.”
Based on what happened in their previous encounter, Ferguson’s concerns could be eased soon after the match gets underway.
How did Rangers get it so right last time against Celtic?
The Gers were comfortably the stronger team against Celtic, and reproducing that same level of intensity could once again prove difficult for their opponents to handle.
McInnes’ team enjoyed 56 per cent possession compared with Celtic’s 44 per cent.
They also recorded 13 attempts on goal, with the visitors managing just four, while Rangers registered eight shots on target compared with only one from Martin O’Neill’s side.
The Hoops struggled to cope with the way Rangers approached the match, and a similar performance away from home could allow the Gers to unsettle their rivals early.
That will be crucial if Rangers are to make a strong start, push Celtic onto the back foot and demonstrate their quality once again.
Another commanding victory would strengthen Rangers’ position in the title race and deliver another significant setback to O’Neill in the process.
admin
