Jefte out as Ferguson names side for Old Firm – Rangers confirmed XI v Celtic
Barry Ferguson takes on his first Old Firm derby as Rangers manager as he names his starting XI in the visit across Glasgow to Celtic.
Rangers approach the latest derby off the back of another memorable European night at Ibrox in which Ferguson eliminated Jose Mourinho and Fenerbahce on Thursday (13 March) from the Europa League last 16.
It was an arduous 120 minutes for the Gers, who were spent by the end of the night against the Turkish giants, but Ferguson has had to find a way of reinvigorating the squad for a titanic clash at Celtic Park.
Ferguson makes one change v Celtic
Rangers will be refreshed despite the quick turnaround for the Old Firm, and Ferguson has maintained faith in that by making just one change.
Jefte has made way for Ridvan Yilmaz in the solitary alteration from the second leg of the tie with Fenerbahce, as the remaining 10 players keep their place.
Jack Butland was the hero of the hour for Rangers on Thursday and retains his place between the sticks, with James Tavernier captaining the side, joined in defence by Yilmaz, as well as Leon Balogun, Dujon Sterling and John Souttar.
Nico Raskin and Connor Barron once again line up in midfield following a tireless display in midweek, while Mohamed Diomande supports Vaclav Cerny and Cyriel Dessers up top.
A strong bench includes plenty of attacking talent such as Ianis Hagi, Danilo and Hamza Igamane, with Nedim Bajrami and Tom Lawrence also adding creativity.
Rangers shock can be springboard for rest of the season
Rangers must set aside the excitement over Europe until next month and focus fully on the task at hand, and Ferguson and his staff are the best placed group to cast that belief upon the squad.
The manager and his backroom team are the epitome of Rangers DNA, and that siege mentality in front of a buoyant Celtic Park crowd will be exactly what is required.
| Scottish league titles | Titles won |
| Rangers | 55 |
| Celtic | 54 |
Celtic and manager Brendan Rodgers will want nothing more than to hammer another nail into their arch-rivals to stride one step closer to lifting their 55th league title, drawing level with Gers.
One integral help for Rangers is the reintroduction of travelling fans to the Old Firm, with 2,500 fans expected to be in the away end to back their side to the hilt.