Rangers can’t afford a repeat this afternoon

RANGERS must keep their discipline on the pitch to have any chance of victory against Celtic this afternoon.

Last month, Mark Warburton’s men lost the first Old Firm game of the season 5-1 and ended the game with 10 men after Phillipe Senderos (above) was red-carded in the second half for two bookable offences.

Celtic were already 3-1 ahead at that stage.

Rangers, simply, can’t afford a repeat.

Now, over four or five games in a season against Celtic, by the law of averages, they might win one and draw one.

But it’s not realistic to think they can go and win the league.

That said, this cup semi-final presents them with a good chance, and they showed what is possible last season when they beat Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final on penalty kicks.

But to give themselves a good chance, they have to keep 11 men on the pitch. It’s not of any use to them being down to 10.

They went on to lose heavily, were well beaten and Celtic deserved the victory.

For the Rangers players, it’s also about being strong as an individual and not allowing that kind of thing to happen this time and not being on the end of another similar result.

Rangers have a genuine chance of progressing to the final, for sure.

That said, I believe the Scottish Premiership title can be handed to Celtic right now for six-in-a-row.

But cup games are different and anything can happen over the course of 90 minutes, and beyond.

If Rangers do win, Mark Warburton (below) should be given credit, and also for what he has achieved during his 17 months in charge.

Rangers must be pleased with the progress.

Now, at the start of the season, it was common knowledge – even if some Light Blues fans thought differently – that Rangers weren’t expected to win the league.

Let’s be realistic. They couldn’t go from where they were a year or two ago to then overtake Celtic.

Let’s not forget, they are also up against very strong and secure sides in Aberdeen and Hearts. But cup competitions are

different.