Rangers warned by Alan Brazil of heavy loss v Celtic in Old Firm showdown

Alan Brazil has warned Rangers boss Philippe Clement not to "sit back" in the Old Firm derby against Celtic or run the risk of suffering a heavy defeat.

The Gers come into the game sitting second in the table, three points behind their rivals with just three league matches remaining.

Rangers have yet to win against their rivals this season under Clement, and Brazil believes they cannot allow the psychology of that record to play into their approach.

Speaking live on talkSPORT [10 May, 09:23], Brazil said: "If I was Rangers manager I'd be saying 'look, get at them from the first whistle'. If they sit back, Celtic will batter them, I'm sure they will."

Can Rangers beat Celtic at Parkhead?

Brazil is right to suggest that Rangers cannot afford to approach this Old Firm derby in an overly cautious manner.

With just three Scottish Premiership fixtures remaining and Celtic three points clear of the Gers in the table, failure to secure victory at Parkhead could all but end Clement's side's hopes of winning the league title.

A defeat would leave them six points adrift and needing Celtic to lose both their last two games, while even a draw would require Brendan Rodgers' side to slip up significantly.

Clement has largely overseen an excellent season at Ibrox but arguably the biggest blot on his time in charge is the Gers' record in the Old Firm derby under his tutelage.

Two defeats and a draw in three games is a run of results that cannot continue if Rangers wish to add to the Scottish League Cup they won earlier this season, with Celtic standing in the way of their attempts to win both the league and the Scottish Cup.

In other Rangers news, the Light Blues are lying in wait to sign a free agent who has just refused to sign a new deal at his club.

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