Kris Boyd calls for change at Rangers ahead of Celtic showdown at Ibrox
Kris Boyd has called for a change in mentality at Rangers ahead of the next Old Firm showdown with Celtic in early January.
The Gers put up a good fight in Sunday’s (15 December) Scottish League Cup final clash with Celtic but ultimately came out second best, although VAR controversy once again overshadowed the match.
Rangers have a poor recent record against their fierce rivals, who were far from their best at Hampden Park, and it is something ex-forward Boyd accepts needs to change.
Speaking live on Sky Sports News [18 December, 10:25am] he said: “For Brendan Rodgers and Celtic, they got over the line again and that’s a big thing.
“There’s a winning mentality there, no matter how well Rangers play. But it’ll be a full house at Ibrox on 2 January and Rangers will hope for a different outcome.
“I still feel they’ll have to perform better. They’re playing okay but not winning games against Celtic – that has to change.”
When is the next Rangers v Celtic Old Firm match?
As mentioned by Boyd, Rangers supporters do not have long to wait for a chance to exact some revenge on Celtic.
The sides meet at Ibrox on 2 January, this time in the Scottish Premiership, and nothing less than a win will do for the Gers.
The title race is already over, but this at least offers a chance to show that an improvement has been made over the past month.
The European win over Nice and draw against Tottenham, as well as some consistent results domestically, makes for a more promising future than looked likely this time a month ago.
However, if the Bears draw this next clash with Celtic – or even worse, lose it – then questions must be seriously asked of Philippe Clement.
The Belgian has bought himself a little time at Ibrox, but the new chiefs in place above him will not tolerate more “okay” performances for too long.
There are a few games to come before the visit of Celtic, but it is fair to say that anticipation is already building for that clash.
In other Rangers news, the club have set their sights on signing a central midfielder from an English side.
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