Emmanuel Fernandez will be a problem vs Celtic as 'lazy' moment defines Rangers defender

Emmanuel Fernandez may be a detriment to Rangers against Celtic on Sunday.

Ibrox will host the Old Firm derby on 13 September and questions must be raised about the Nigeria international's quality.

Derek McInnes has an opportunity to go far in the Premier Sports Cup if he can get past Martin O'Neill's team in the quarter-final.

What could stop the Ibrox side from progressing past Celtic are their defensive frailties, with Fernandez the major culprit this season.

The 24-year-old has started the season poorly, drawing plenty of criticism.

Olwethu Makhanya and James Penrice have been brilliant signings for the Govan side so far, but concerns around the Nigerian defender mean fans in G51 can't really be confident about their prospects.

Derek Ferguson slams Emmanuel Fernandez at Rangers

Fernandez was lucky against St Mirren as Don Robertson and VAR Steven McLean failed to penalise him for what looked like an obvious foul on Ismeal Kabia in the box.

The centre-back would've conceded a spot kick had the incident been scrutinised enough in the Gers' 1-0 victory.

While Derek Ferguson hasn't seen the incident properly, he was told that it should've been a stonewall penalty.

The former Bear went on to ask whether Fernandez's action was "lazy" and suggested that summed him up as a player.

Speaking on Open Goal on 10 September, Ferguson said, "Is it lazy? Then that sums him up, doesn't it? Just lazy. Losing concentration at times.

"See the boy Makhanya, proper defender. He's everything that Fernandez isn't. You can actually see him; his mind is wandering. I think he's too slow."

Why Derek McInnes has major dilemma for Celtic game

McInnes seems to have found a winning formula at Rangers, building a four-game win streak.

The Gers aren't playing pretty football or blowing teams away with the scoreline, but have found stability and determination to win.

One thing that will concern the Scottish manager and fans in G51 is the team's inability to keep clean sheets, with four in 11 matches.

While the Light Blues have been more solid defensively in the last few matches, Fernandez has had several unsavoury moments.

Despite the Nigeria international's evident issues, it will be a massive call from McInnes to break up his partnership with Makhanya at the back for the Celtic game.