Antonio Colak v Celtic verdict emerges as Rangers sweat over Alfredo Morelos injury – pundit
We’re delighted to welcome Tam McManus as our exclusive Rangers columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Tam McManus has called on Michael Beale to use his bench options wisely when Rangers welcome Celtic to Ibrox on Monday for the first Old Firm clash of 2023.
Rangers will go into the game knowing that anything but a win will most likely mean their bid to win the Scottish Premiership title is already over.
Celtic hold a nine-point advantage over the Gers, who may have Antonio Colak back and available for the all-Glasgow showdown in Govan.
Colak, 29, has been on fire this season but hasn’t played since before the World Cup due to a calf injury.
He should be able to return for the Old Firm game but there are also doubts about Alfredo Morelos’ fitness after he was forced off in the win over Motherwell on 28 December [Football Scotland].
If both are available, McManus wants to see Beale use his squad to great effect, something which he believes the Hoops have been doing well under Ange Postecoglou.
“It’s a big game that’s on the horizon,” McManus told Ibrox News.
“You’ve got to win that game to keep the title race alive and for Michael Beale, he just wants as many options as possible – particularly in the forward areas.
“Beale will want more pressure on Morelos to pick his performances up.
“Colak has been one of the bright sparks for Rangers this season.
“He’s scored a lot of goals so I think that if he’s back in the squad, it’ll just add to Beale’s options.
“Celtic are using the five-substitute rule extremely well and Rangers will want to do the same by bringing quality on off the bench.”
In other Rangers news, a £5million twist has emerged in Southampton’s bid to sign Ryan Kent.