Keith Jackson predicts Rangers showdown v Celtic in ViaPlay Cup final
Keith Jackson is predicting an absolute classic when Rangers take on Celtic in the upcoming ViaPlay Cup on Sunday 26 February at Hampden Park.
Writing in the print edition of the newspaper [February 20, pg 36], Jackson insisted that it could well go to penalties with both sides on fire in the Scottish Premiership.
Michael Beale and Ange Postecoglou were both lavished in praise by Jackson, who admitted both sides are absolutely flying, with the last Hampden Old Firm going to extra time.
“Yeah, let’s start with an easy one,” he wrote.
“It’s almost impossible to call. Both sides are flying in confidence with momentum at their backs, quality all over and tactically astute gaffers.
“It could be a bit of a classic – and might very well go to penalties.”
Legacy.
Beale has only been at Ibrox for a couple of months, but he is yet to lose, winning all but that last Old Firm which finished in last-gasp disappointment in that 2-2 draw.
He knows more than anyone though that success is measured in silverware, and picking up his first trophy within 15 games would be huge success.
With the chance to get another one over on Celtic at Hampden Park is huge motivation too, with these domestic cups desperately needed given the gap in the Scottish Premiership.
There is no real chance of that gap being closed down is unrealistic, as Beale himself admitted, but winning this weekend could make a real dent in Celtic.
Doing the double after arriving midway through the season would be brilliant for Beale, and the squad too, with eyes on next season too to lift the league once again.
All eyes are on Hampden Park.
In other Rangers news, the club are in line for a multi-million windfall from the Premier League after a £10m Auchenhowie milestone was reached.