10 IN A ROWv TWO IN A ROAR
Gerrard will go bawls out at Parkhead again... this Old Firm clash will be the acid test for his men says McCann
NEIL McCANN wants to see Rangers swagger across the city for the Old Firm derby and lay down a title marker.
The former Ibrox hero reckons Steven Gerrard will be desperate to experience the euphoria of his last visit to Celtic’s home turf when he led Rangers to a first win there in nine years.
Rangers head into the October 17 showdown sitting on top of the Premiership after a 2-0 win over Ross County yesterday.
While Neil Lennon’s side have a game in hand, McCann believes it’s a chance for Gers to strike a real blow in one of the biggest title battles in Scottish football history.
He said: “They’ve got a bit of a break before the big one and it is a big one.
“This is where you’ll really see how far Rangers have come in terms of their mental state.
“They are top of the league, which is encouraging, so do they go to Celtic with that real swagger to say ‘Right, this is our moment to put down a marker and say it’s going to be our season?’.
“I always feel Rangers would be better leading the pack.
“I know Celtic have a game in hand but Rangers are going into that game ahead and we all know Steven Gerrard’s reaction when they won at Celtic Park and he’ll want that feeling again.”
Rangers didn’t hit top gear in their victory over the Highlanders which came courtesy of James Tavernier’s first- half penalty and a late goal from substitute Brandon Barker.
Gerrard’s men were flat at times, just days after their Europa League play-off win against Galatasaray, and the visitors had chances to level before Barker’s clincher.
McCann was on duty for the Rangers TV alongside former team-mate Lorenzo Amoruso and said: “It wasn’t pretty and it was quite uncomfortable watching it.
“Rangers weren’t at it and the tempo of the game was really low.
“I know it’s difficult at times coming off a European game but you have to raise it because the importance of winning the game is just the same.
“This week will be important for recovery and it’s vital the guys who are away on international duty come back injury-free.”
Gers skipper Tavernier netted his eighth goal in as many games but the fullback said: “We got three points but we are all a bit disappointed with the performance.
“We wanted a good reaction from Thursday night and we’re happy to get the clean sheet but we allowed a free header towards the end of the match and that could have seen us concede. “We can certainly improve and we’ll look back on this game and reflect during the international b re a k . I ’m happy we got the win but d i sappointed with the performance but I ’m delighted for Brandon Barker coming on and making a big impact for us. I’ve always said with the squad we’ve got that people must come in when they’re asked to and get involved and Brandon came in and got a goal so I’m delighted for him.
“That’s what we need – people to make an impact from the bench.
“We want people to come to Ibrox and fear us when they come here.
“We’re looking forward to the rest now.
“We’ve got plenty of boys on international duty and I wish them well and hope they perform and come back injury-free.
“We’ve got a big game after the international break so we’ll all be focusing on that despite having the week off. We will be preparing.”
Gers No. 2 Gary McAllister admitted Rangers were far from their best.
He said: “You have got to enjoy winning games but also realise we didn’t play as well as we want to play.
“Our game is based a lot on keeping possession of the ball but Ross County are pressing and pushing and at 1-0 they’re thinking ‘if they make a mistake’.
“You’ve got to show bravery to stick to your principles and try and keep playing and get that rhythm and cause problems for their backline.
“The second half was a bit better but you’ve got to be at it throughout the game.
“The tactical things we have worked can only happen for you if you are imposing yourself on the game.”