Barry Ferguson and Peter Grant clash as potential ‘huge blow’ shared for Celtic v Rangers
Barry Ferguson and Peter Grant clashed live on air over who will start in the Celtic midfield against Rangers on Sunday (7 April).
Speaking on Go Radio on Wednesday (3 April, via the Daily Record), Grant predicted just one of Callum McGregor or Reo Hatete to be named in the starting lineup as it would be a “huge blow” if Brendan Rodgers had to take them both off during the game at Ibrox.
But Ferguson disagreed with his fellow pundit as he believes the duo will both come in from the start to partner Matt O’Riley in midfield, adding that it might come down to who gets a grip and foothold in the game as to who will claim the bragging rights.
“I don’t think he will do that, knowing that he will have to take one of them off after 50-60 minutes,” said Grant when discussing starting both McGregor and Hatete. “They have missed a lot of games. Calf and Achilles injuries are two of the hardest injuries to get over because fatigue becomes a problem.
“Psychologically, it would be a huge blow if they both started but then you had to take them off. That’s why I think one of them will play with (Tomoki) Iwata and Matt O’Riley.
“If they both start, Rangers will be thinking they can use their energy and overrun them because of their lack of game time, and I think Brendan (Rodgers) will be very much aware of that.”
“I know (Callum) McGregor has been out for four weeks but he is training now,” replied Ferguson. “(Reo) Hatate played a bounce game during the international break and then played 65 minutes on a horrible surface on Sunday.
“I think he will play the two of them with O’Riley. It might come down to who gets a grip and a foothold in the game. The best and the quickest will win it.”
Brendan Rodgers has decisions to make for Celtic against Rangers
There are quite a few decisions that Rodgers will have to make on some of his key players heading into the Old Firm clash.
While the Celtic boss will be cautious about taking too many risks, he knows this is a game his side simply can’t afford to lose and may, therefore, opt for a pretty much full-strength side.
If McGregor is deemed fit to start, then there is absolutely no way that the Hoops captain will not lead his side out at Ibrox in what is such a big game.
They could also be set to receive another boost after it was revealed that winger Luis Palma could also be in line to return for the showdown between the two Glasgow sides.
But Philippe Clement won’t be worrying too much about who could play for the Parkhead club as his focus will be purely on ensuring his players are ready for the battle ahead.
In other Rangers news, a pundit has reacted to an accusation aimed at the SFA following an Old Firm development.
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