Rangers: Davie Hay questions mindset at Ibrox amid Celtic title race verdict
Former Celtic player Davie Hay has questioned whether Rangers will be in a strong position mentally to win at Parkhead in what could be a title-deciding game in the Scottish Premiership.
It was claimed that unless either team slips up before then, the big game in terms of the title race will be the next Old Firm clash at Celtic Park, where Rangers may only need a draw.
However, Hay insisted that going into any Old Firm clash looking for a draw won’t be good enough, while the hosts will know they have to win which could give them the edge.
Speaking to the Daily Record [10 April], Hay shared: “I keep coming back to it, the big one will be at Celtic Park. If there are no slip-ups elsewhere then Rangers will go into that game thinking a draw might be good enough.
“And sometimes that’s not the best mindset to be in for a Celtic-Rangers match. Yes, Rangers will want to win it but Celtic have to win it. And sometimes it’s better to be in that situation.
“The good thing is that this rivalry is back to what people expect it to be. That makes it exciting for everyone involved. But what I would say is that it’s a lot more enjoyable when you’re on the winning side at the finish line.”
Rangers mentality questioned ahead of title-decider v Celtic
Since the 3-3 draw between the two sides at Ibrox, attention has immediately switched to the next clash at Parkhead, with Brendan Rodgers insisting they will go into that game as favourites with the home crowd behind them.
The suggestion Rangers may not be in the best position mentally going into that game could be accurate. They have failed to win any of the Old Firm clashes so far this season which will likely take it tole – although it could make them more desperate to win.
With just one point separating the teams so far, and Philippe Clement’s side with the potential to move two ahead if they win against Dundee at Dens Park, it remains a difficult one to call and both sides will need to step up.
The key for now, though, is to avoid any slip-ups. If they can keep winning the games they should be winning, they will have the title in their own hands and can travel to Celtic Park knowing a win could all but seal the title.
In other Rangers news, a Connor Goldson problem has emerged at Ibrox.
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