Kevin Thomson says Rangers must replicate Celtic Park thrashing at Ibrox
Kevin Thomson has urged Rangers to make a quick start against Celtic and use the energy of the ‘unbelievable’ Ibrox crowd to overcome their bitter rivals.
The Gers fell to a 3-0 defeat in the reverse fixture after a terrible first-half display with the Celtic Park crowd seemingly overwhelming them.
The former Light Blue emphasised the importance of starting on the “front foot” in order to close the three-point gap on the league leaders with a win on Sunday [April 3].
“The energy Celtic showed in the first half of the previous game was second to none and they blew Rangers away,” he told Daily Mail.
“Rangers have the capability of doing that to Celtic. The crowd is going to be massive. The energy that can be produced at Ibrox is unbelievable. The players will need that.
“They are going to need to give the fans something to get excited about and that will be the key, the way they start.
“If they can start really sharp, be on the front foot, early tackles, early chances and impose themselves, it could be a defining factor in the game.”
Toe-to-toe
The Ibrox crowd are going to be right up for this one. Each season the Old Firm encounters seem to top themselves but this year is set to be one of the best encounters in recent years.
A lot rides on this game and the anticipation for it is crazy. The Gers have all of the pressure resting on their shoulders with it being imperative for the title challenge that they win as well as playing in front of the home fans.
Not to mention the Scottish Cup semi-finals where the Glaswegians will go head-to-head yet again for another trophy – this is what Scottish football is all about.
Alfredo Morelos will be a huge miss for the team as they have struggled massively in his absence this season.
There should be absolutely no excuses from the Bears though, this is a game they must win at all costs.
In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson calls for Kemar Roofe to step up against Celtic.