Barry Ferguson shares what makes him 'absolutely sick' ahead of Celtic vs Rangers
The Gers got the better of their Glasgow rivals last time out, with a 3-0 win at Ibrox in the League Cup, through a Dan Neil double and a Kevin Kelsy effort.
The two sides will face off again in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday, this time at Parkhead.
Derek McInnes' side will hope to secure a repeat of their last result, and take the advantage in the title race at an early stage of the campaign.
Ferguson played 424 times for the Bears, and then took over as interim manager when Philippe Clement was sacked in February 2025.
The ex-Gers captain has a warning for his former side ahead of the latest Old Firm contest.
What has Barry Ferguson said about the Old Firm clash?
Ferguson believes that the Light Blues can't enter the contest on 20 September with a level of complacency after their emphatic win.
He also shared his biggest frustrations about the Old Firm and thinks that his former side should not approach it with too much respect.
In his column with the Daily Record on Friday, he said: “If anything Rangers have shown Celtic far too much respect over the years. I’ve grown absolutely sick of that having seen it so many times over the years.
“So, yes, respect them and be fully aware of what they can do to you if your head is not in the right place. But go there absolutely determined not to let them punish you. Leave the respect at the side of the pitch or you’ll be in trouble.
“Go and pressurise these people. They’ve had it all their own way for far too long.”
Judging by the evidence from their last meeting, Ferguson's fears should be alleviated pretty quickly after the opening whistle is blown.
How did Rangers get it so right last time out against Celtic?
The Gers were the much better side against Celtic, and if they can start with a similar intensity, it should be too much for their opposition.
McInnes' side had 56 per cent possession to the Hoops' 44 per cent in the contest.
They managed 13 shots to just four for the visitors, with eight on target to just one for Martin O'Neill's side.
The Hoops had no answer to the approach that the Gers brought into the clash, and if they can do the same on opposition territory, they can silence the crowd quickly.
That is exactly what they need to have a good start and put their rivals on the back foot once again, and truly show that they are the better side in the capital.
If they can secure another dominant victory, it would put them in pole position for the title, and inflict another damaging defeat on O'Neill in the process.