Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack fires shots at ‘disrespectful’ Celtic ace Giorgos Giakoumakis
Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack has hit back at Celtic forward Giorgos Giakoumakis following his disrespectful comments ahead of Sunday’s [April 3] Old Firm derby.
The Gers welcome their Glaswegian rivals to Ibrox where they will look to close the gap at the top of the table with the Hoops currently sitting three points above them.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Giakoumakis told Football Scotland: “The squad is very good – I think it’s the best in the league. I think we are better in every single department.
“We showed we are a better team, that’s obvious, we showed we work harder in the field and I think we will win the championship.”
To which an irked Jack replied: “Yeah I don’t agree with that.
“I don’t get that comment at all. I think it’s disrespectful to come out with that. But it is what it is, we will go quietly about our business.
“We’ll do our talking in here [the training ground] and work hard in here in-house and come Sunday we will be right up for the challenge.”
Fuel to the fire
This is set to be one of the juiciest Old Firm clashes in recent years. It isn’t a game that needs building up prior to kick-off, everyone understands just how much rides on it but this certainly helps.
Not only are the teams now going toe-to-toe for the league and cup respectively but the players have some scores to settle out on the pitch which makes it more interesting.
In all honesty, Giakoumakis’ comments aren’t that bad. They are a little honest for what a footballer would normally reveal to the media but fair play to Jack for putting him back in his place.
Celtic can say what they like, the only thing that matters is the result at Ibrox after 90 minutes.
The Light Blues simply have to win this one if they have any chance of usurping the league leaders.
The battle between the pair won’t be over after the weekend though, they go head-to-head in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup and there is bound to be bad blood from this weekend’s clash carried to that game, making it an even tastier affair.
In other Rangers news, Kevin Thomson sends the Gers a stark trophy warning, claiming they should have “no excuses”.