Rangers now set for ‘absolutely massive’ boost v Celtic amid Philippe Clement change at Ibrox
The Ibrox crowd is going to be an “absolutely massive” factor for Rangers for the visit of Celtic, according to Derek Ferguson.
The pundit is convinced that the home support can now be a key advantage for the Light Blues after Philippe Clement has changed the mentality within the squad.
Previous to the manager arriving the former Gers midfielder felt that some players were liable to shrink in the face of the pressure brought on by an Old Firm derby in front of their own fans, but that is no longer the case.
Ferguson is certain the Rangers supporters have a vital part to play on Sunday (7 April), with the change in temperament among the Light Blues since Clement came in meaning it can now be a help not a hindrance.
He exclusively told Ibrox News: “The 12th man, the fans, it’s going to be absolutely massive that. It’s going to make the Rangers players get on the front foot as quick as possible.
“There’s always a wee question mark with some of the players when you’re playing in front of your home fans, and it is all the home fans, does that add pressure?
“And I think the key element is the manager. The way that he works with the players away from the ground as well, he works on their mentality. So I think they’re in a good place to be able to handle it, they’ll be looking forward to it.
“If you go back a year or so, or even the start of the season, I think there was two or three who would maybe go into a bit of a shell.
“Now I don’t think that’s the case. All good players, I’m talking about the bench as well, they’re all looking forward to this one, and I think that’s down to the manager.
“The fans have got a massive part to play and the players, they’re looking forward to it because there’s a positivity about the place.”
Rangers 12th man to be the difference against Brendan Rodgers and Celtic?
The Ibrox crowd has the potential to be a difference-maker, and in the run to the Europa League final two seasons ago it was at its influential best.
But that arguably hasn’t been the case domestically under the likes of Michael Beale and Giovanni van Bronckhorst, especially where far too many Old Firm opportunities have gone begging.
Clement has already demonstrated his influence in lifting a season which was already falling apart early in the campaign to win one trophy and reel in Celtic, with players who were previously forgotten or looking destined to depart now key men.
If the Belgian has instilled sufficient belief in his squad then the home fans could be a major factor from the first whistle, and there will be more confidence in this side turning things around now even if they go behind than would likely have been the case under either of his two most recent predecessors.
In other Rangers news, English clubs are believed to be keen on signing an unwanted Light Blues player.
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