Sky Sports pundit drops Rangers transfer worry hours before kick-off v Celtic
Rangers have made too many “project” signings who could struggle to handle the pressure of facing Celtic at Parkhead, according to Neil McCann.
Speaking on Sky Sports (1 September, 10:32), the pundit and former Gers midfielder said that signing players for the future often doesn’t work out at Ibrox due to the pressure of winning every single game.
As Philippe Clement’s side prepare to face arch-rivals Celtic in the first Old Firm derby of the new season, McCann questioned whether they are ready for a fixture of such paramount importance.
“I’m unconvinced, if I’m honest – so many of the guys coming in look like projects, and at Rangers you just don’t get the time to develop these players because results are paramount, particularly when you come to a place like Celtic Park.
“It remains to be seen if these guys can actually handle the pressure of playing for Rangers, to handle the real demand on them; that every game, should be won.
“Philippe Clement needs to get things going onto the pitch immediately – today’s a big acid test.”
Rangers signings must stand tall in first Old Firm clash
Clement has named four of his new signings in the starting XI to face Celtic at Parkhead, and a further two are on the bench ready for a first taste of Old Firm action.
It’s not untrue that several of the Gers’ additions this summer, such as substitute Hamza Igamane, have been signed with the future in mind, but they’ve also brought in experienced heads at the same time.
One of these is Robin Propper, who having captained FC Twente in both the Eredivisie and on the continent, is arguably the best placed of any new Light Blue to be lining up in defence for the Old Firm.
Connor Barron too has taken to life under Clement like a duck to water, and the Belgian backing the 22-year-old in this game of all games with a start, shows that he’s one for the present as well as the future.
With Jefte and Wolfsburg loanee Vaclav Cerny also likely to cause Celtic problems from out wide, Clement’s new-look Gers must be ready to take the game to their bitter rivals – and show that the hosts are facing an entirely different beast to the one which surrendered the Premiership title last season.
In other Rangers news, returning midfielder Nico Raskin has responded after another Ibrox exit was sealed on Deadline Day.
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