Neil Lennon admires four Rangers players, predicts scoreline in Viaplay Cup final v Celtic
Neil Lennon has said that he admires four current Rangers players ahead of this weekend’s Viaplay Cup final against Celtic at Hampden Park.
The former Celtic boss has hailed Allan McGregor as a “top” goalkeeper and hailed skipper James Tavernier as “exemplary”. He also admires Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos, saying both are “handful” players for the club.
Michael Beale has made an unbeaten start as a manager at Ibrox, winning 13 of the last 14 games, but Lennon predicts it will be a 2-1 or 3-1 win for the Bhoys, with both teams to score.
“There’s no question that I like some of the current Rangers players. Ryan Kent is a handful and Alfredo Morelos is the same,” said Lennon to Football Betting, as relayed by Glasgow Evening Times.
“Allan McGregor is a top goalkeeper and has been for a long time and Tavernier’s goal contributions record is exemplary so there are players that I do admire – whether I’d pick them in a combined XI is another thing!.
“Psychologically if Celtic win it will totally deflate Rangers. But if Rangers win it will give them a bit lift until the end of the season.
“I think Celtic will win 2-1 or 3-1 – I think both teams will score.”
Massive
This is a massive game for Rangers, and it’s going to be a cracker. They are the two best teams in the country, and it’s a cup final. Nothing gets bigger than this.
In cup games, it is hard to predict the outcome. Both the teams are in fantastic form at the moment, and anyone can win it on their day.
Celtic are leading the Scottish Premiership table by nine points, and they are favourites to lift the title.
It brings an added motivation and pressure for Rangers to win this trophy. Beale has made a massive impact at the club already, and a cup win will inject tremendous belief into the side.
Rangers are sweating over the fitness of some of their key players, especially Malik Tillman and John Lundstram, but Beale has enough options to replace them.
Obviously losing Tillman for this game would be a big blow, but Beale will hope that the likes of Kent and Todd Cantwell can step up and do the job for the club.
In other Rangers news, Kenny Miller has questioned if the club need to make a marquee signing this summer.