Scott Allan drops ‘deadly’ Old Firm claim as Rangers get set for SPFL showdown at Ibrox
Scott Allan has warned Rangers of Celtic’s “deadly” counterattacking ability as Michael Beale’s side get set for their crunch SPFL clash at Ibrox.
The Hoops currently sit nine points ahead of the Gers after their 4-0 victory over Hibernian and will be looking to extend their lead to 12 points on Monday (2 January).
Allan believes Celtic are favourites to win but does feel Beale will have something up his sleeve to counteract Ange Postecoglou’s side.
“[Morelos] is going to need to put in a big performance if Rangers are going to achieve anything, especially the way Celtic are playing at the moment,” said the former Celtic midfielder (Sky Sports News, 10:32, 29 December).
“I think Michale Beale is a tactician and he will have something up his sleeve to the three points against Celtic.
“I think Celtic will be the favourites but what we’ve heard about Beale and his coaching and tactics, I’m sure he knows he will need to come up with something to get points.
“They have to get the three points by any means necessary, they’re at home, they’ve got the home advantage and like I said Celtic on the counterattack at the moment are deadly.”
Must win
This is simply a must-win for Beale and Rangers, with the nine-point gap already looking like a tough ask for the Gers to cut down. The performances under the new boss haven’t improved dramatically, but the most important thing for the 42-year-old was to get points on the board ahead of this vital fixture at Ibrox.
A win will take the Gers to within six points of their rivals and heap the pressure back onto Postecoglou’s men as we head into a vital part of the season. Last season demonstrated how things can turn around quickly after the Gers threw away a healthy lead at the top of the table.
Rangers should take some positives from the individual performances which we have seen in recent weeks, with Malik Tillman and Borna Barisic both shining during the Light Blues’ 3-0 win over Motherwell.
It’s now up to the likes of Tillman to produce a similar display against higher-calibre opposition on 2 January and secure what would be a famous and important victory.
In other Rangers news, a £5million twist has emerged in Southampton’s bid to sign Ryan Kent.