Chaotic fixture list no problem for Ibrox boss after Bhoys get a break from SPFL

STEVEN GERRARD last night insisted Rangers will deal with their hectic fixture schedule and refused to be drawn into a row with Celtic and the SPFL.

The Premiership leaders travel to play Ross County in Dingwall for a 12pm kick-off this afternoon after emerging from an energysapping 3-2 win against Standard Liege in the Europa League at Ibrox on Thursday night.

Gerrard will then take his team to Poland this Thursday to face Lech Poznan in their final Group D fixture before facing another quick turnaround for a lunchtime start in their league clash at Dundee United next Sunday.

However, in their second successive noon kick-off in the Premiership, Rangers may face depleted opposition at Tannadice after nine United players and their entire first-team coaching group were forced to self-isolate amid a coronavirus outbreak affecting three non-playing members of staff.

The Rangers manager has previously criticised the authorities for scheduling games involving both Old Firm clubs in the early Sunday slot, which is chosen for live television coverage.

Celtic were successful in moving their Premiership game against Hibernian on Saturday, January 9 back two days to the following Monday evening, with Neil Lennon’s men looking to head to a warm-weather training camp.

The decision left outgoing Easter Road chief executive Leeann Dempster ‘fizzing’.

Asked if it was fair of the SPFL to grant their title rival that fixture switch, Gerrard responded: ‘It’s none of my business, to be honest. We just have to deal with whatever fixtures and times come our way and get on with it.

‘I don’t think you gain anything from it by having an opinion in this situation. You only create unnecessary headlines.

‘I said my piece at the beginning of the new season in terms of what my feelings were. I don’t think I have to go down that road again.

‘We’ve got noon kick-offs, we’ve had them before and dealt with them reasonably well — and we’ll try to do the same with the upcoming fixtures.’