THIS SIDECAN TRIUMPHTWO
CHARLIE MILLER was strutting his stuff as a teenager in the heart of midfield the last time Rangers won back-toback matches against Celtic at Parkhead.
That was 25 years ago when a League Cup quarter-final decided by an Ally McCoist winner was followed 11 days later by an heroic defensive performance that laid the foundations for a crucial 2-0 Premier League victory.
That set Walter Smith’s side on the way to an eighth successive title – a success built on the flair of Paul Gascoigne, Miller and Brian Laudrup on top of a steely determination to win at all costs.
Now Miller reckons the same solid backbone and a little individual brilliance in Steven Gerrard’s side could end their wait for successive wins in the east end.
Miller, 44, told Record Sport: “Those two wins in September 1995 were huge – but that’s just what we expected back then.
“We always went there thinking we could beat them – that was the mentality. Celtic had good players but we knew we were better than them.
“We had matchwinners like Laudrup, Gascoigne and steel from Richard Gough, Ian Ferguson and Stuart McCall. Behind that we had Andy Goram. Going there, you knew they didn’t like you but you just went out to do a job. We were expected to win and I was fortunate to be part of a successful team. It should not be any different now.
“This Rangers team has that strong spine too. Filip Helander looks good, Leon Balogun too and I like Connor Goldson. And of course, two very good goalkeepers. They have so many good options in the middle of the park then Alfredo Morelos up front. It’s the strongest Rangers have looked for the last 10 years.
“I wasn’t the greatest fan of Ryan Kent at first as I thought he could do more. He has great ability and this season he has stepped up another level.
“I just hope Rangers don’t think it’s going to be easy because of Celtic’s missing players. But Steven Gerrard will make sure the mindset is right.
“I fancied them to win last time there and I think they can do it again.”