Alan Brazil makes ‘big’ Old Firm claim after Rangers upturn in form
Alan Brazil has claimed he is now looking forward to the Old Firm clash on 30 December after Rangers’ upturn in form since the arrival of Philippe Clement.
Brazil was joined by former Arsenal star Ray Parlour, who was full of praise for Rangers’ European exploits after their victory over Sparta Prague at Ibrox on 9 November.
Parlour suggested that the game was a must-win for the Ibrox side, and the players stepped up to the plate with an excellent performance to solidify their chances of progressing from the group stage.
The pair were speaking live on talkSPORT [10 November, 9:21], and discussed the Europa League clash, with Parlour full of praise: “What a win for Rangers, it was excellent.”
Brazil then chipped in: “Cantwell scored a nice goal on his left foot, cut inside. I’m looking forward to the derby, Celtic v Rangers coming up in December, or is it early January? That’ll be a big, big game.”
Parlour moved the subject back to their European chances, claiming: “Well, they’re sitting in the [Europa] League aren’t they, Rangers, so they’ve got every opportunity now to qualify which will be fantastic for Rangers fans.
“That was a big result for Sparta Prague, they were both on four points at the time of that game, it was a must-win game for Rangers I think, being at home.”
Stepping up to the plate
The Celtic clash has become more hotly-contested than it may once have seemed, particularly as Rangers started to slip away under Michael Beale, but since Clement’s arrival the gap has been cut down to just five points, and things could still change before the game kicks off.
With over a month to go there is still plenty of football to take place between now and the second Old Firm clash of the season, but if the gap remains at five points, it will be a must-win game for Rangers and their possible title hopes.
Title talk would have been far from anybody’s mind given the start to the season under Beale’s stewardship, with the players struggling to perform and no clear vision as to the direction the team was heading.
Since Clement arrived Rangers have been unbeaten, and while a poor result may yet come, he has brought a sense of belief and unity back to Ibrox, both amongst the fans and the players, and there will be quiet hopes they can mount a serious challenge to Celtic.
In other Rangers news, Clement has slammed a “stupid” incident in the Sparta clash.