Rangers: Lee McCulloch delivers ‘Massive’ Hibernian verdict ahead of Old Firm derby
Rangers’ Scottish Premiership matches against Hibernian and Dundee FC are as important as the Celtic clash at Ibrox on Sunday 7 April.
That is according to Lee McCulloch, who believes that Old Firm derbies “take care of themselves”, suggesting that while the derby fixture could be decisive in the title race, Rangers cannot take their eye off the prize either side of that game.
Rangers are aiming to lift just their second Scottish Premiership title in the last decade, and McCulloch warned that they have to be focused on other results outside of the Celtic clash.
Speaking via PLZ Soccer on Saturday (30 March), McCulloch said: “I think it will come down to the Old Firm game. In the game at Ibrox, Rangers have to win that to give themselves the best chance of winning the league.
“For a little bit of momentum, confidence, getting a string in their step, that’s an important game. But, as they always say, the game before the Old Firm and the game after are the most important.
“Usually, the Old Firm games take care of themselves. So, the Hibs game is massive.”
Rangers must focus on Hibernian before Old Firm rivalry
One person who will agree completely with McCulloch is Philippe Clement. The Belgian has breathed new life into the squad at Ibrox since his appointment in October, already leading the team to silverware in the Scottish League Cup.
Of course, he will understand the importance of the Old Firm derby, having been in charge for the narrow defeat at Celtic Park in December. However, it is vital that Rangers take it one game at a time.
With the rivals currently separated by just one point, after the Gers’ game against Dundee was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, three points against Hibs will be key ahead of the Celtic clash.
Clement’s side experienced an unusual slip-up to Motherwell on Saturday 2 March, rectifying that result with a 2-0 win over Hibernian in the Scottish Cup.
Rangers will be keen to return to winning ways after exiting the Europa League via a narrow defeat to Benfica at Ibrox on Thursday 14 March, with a victory against Hibs the perfect way to prepare for Celtic.
In other Rangers news, a senior Light Blues man is on the brink of sealing an exit amid new claims from his agent.
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