Rangers manager Michael Beale sent Scottish Premiership title warning ahead of Old Firm clash v Celtic
Rangers must defeat Celtic in their Old Firm clash on Saturday (8 April) if they are to have any hope of winning the league title, according to former Gers assistant manager Archie Knox.
Michael Beale’s side travel to Celtic Park nine points behind their fierce rivals in the Scottish Premiership table.
With just eight matches remaining this season, a loss against Celtic would all but end any title hopes for Rangers.
“I’m sure Michael will have realised already these games are going to determine everything from this point forward,” said Knox, as quoted by the Daily Record. “Back in our day you had Aberdeen and Dundee United for a wee while and Hearts and Hibs would be there or thereabouts. But, for the foreseeable future, it’s going to be Rangers and Celtic.
“If you want to win the title in these circumstances, then these are the games you have to win, 100 per cent. If you get them in the cup then you have to beat them in that as well.
“Michael will be aware of that. But actually doing it is a different kettle of fish. First, he has to convince his players that they are good enough.”
Huge clash
Rangers have a very good record under Beale, but his current reign at the club is still overshadowed by the fact that Celtic are still a superior side.
It shows the levels that the Bhoys have hit in recent times, with Old Firm clashes often deciding which of the two clubs will lift the trophy at the end of the season.
Unfortunately for Rangers, they have a very poor record at Celtic Park, with Beale desperate to turn the tables this weekend.
Many Rangers managers have struggled to find a way past Celtic in their home ground over the years, a task which will be made even more difficult for Beale this time around given the absence of away supporters.
The travelling fans would have given the visitors a much-needed boost during the encounter, but now the players must step up for their manager and give their all in order to keep their fading title hopes alive.
In other Rangers news, the club have already scouted FC Cincinnati striker Brandon Vazquez amid an admission from the player he wants to move to Europe.