Rangers: Michael Stewart shares ‘Huge’ Celtic verdict on BBC Sportscene
The next Old Firm derby on Sunday (7 March) is a “huge” one after Celtic claimed an all-important win against Livingston to put pressure on Rangers in the Scottish Premiership title race.
That is according to Michael Stewart, who was full of praise for the Gers’ rivals after their 3-0 win at the Tony Macaroni Arena, but admitted he has one concern about the Hoops.
A win for Philippe Clement’s side would take Rangers back to the top of the league table, with just a handful of matches of the campaign remaining.
Speaking via BBC’s Sportscene on Sunday (31 March), Stewart said: “It’s a huge game. The positives for Celtic will be that two of their main players coming back in and doing well.
“[Cameron] Carter-Vickers is just such a calming influence at the back and [Reo] Hatate comes in, having been out for such a long period of time, yet he has come back and been a really good performer in the middle of the park.
“So for them, it’s a real positive that their big players are coming back. One concern would be that this afternoon [versus Livingston], they got into some good areas in the wide parts but the final ball wasn’t there.
“They’re going to have to be more clinical in those areas against Rangers. If they get into those same areas, they’ll have to be more clinical.”
Can Rangers claim a vital victory over Celtic in the Old Firm derby?
Under the guidance of Clement, anything seems possible at Ibrox, and the fans will be hoping that means their club lifting its first Scottish Premiership title in the last decade.
Claiming a victory against their rivals at Ibrox would be a huge step towards that goal amid, what is already, a successful first season under Clement.
All hope of silverware looked lost during Michael Beale’s reign but Clement has brought a brand-new sense of confidence to the club, having implemented a superb style of play.
While the Scottish side will be disappointed not to have advanced to the next round of the Europa League, losing narrowly to Benfica in the round of 16, the League Cup trophy has been a good start.
Not only would lifting the Scottish Premiership trophy be a huge success for the Gers, but it would also infuriate their Old Firm rivals, adding so much sweetness to the campaign.
In other Rangers news, Michael Stewart exploded at Light Blues controversy that made him want to “give up”.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.