We won’t be distracted by Europe, says Ibrox boss

GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST insists Rangers won’t take their eye off the ball against Celtic as they attempt to keep their slim Premiership dreams alive at Parkhead.

Rangers head into the last Old Firm clash of the campaign six points adrift at the top of the table and are seemingly in the final days of their reign as champions.

Van Bronckhorst is expected to make changes to his side for the derby as he prioritises the Europa League campaign and the semi-final with RB Leipzig next week.

Rangers trail by a single goal heading into the second leg at Ibrox and are just 90 minutes away from a shot at the silverware in Seville this term.

The hunt for European glory must now take precedence for the Light Blues but Van Bronckhorst is determined to build on the recent win at Hampden as he seeks another Celtic scalp on Sunday.

Van Bronckhorst said: “Well of course it was a big result for us to reach the cup final. All we can do is prepare well and show we are 100 per cent on Sunday.

“Of course we have the belief. This year it’s in the balance, two wins and two losses. But we are six points behind.

“They have the advantage and we have to make sure we do everything we can on Sunday to get the difference back to three. Otherwise it will be very difficult for us to become champions.

“I think what I have seen in those months that I have been here is the focus and the preparation towards games from this group has been amazing.

“To be involved in Europe so far in the season and to every week prepare for only two, three days for a game, I think the players have done really well.

“It is a hectic schedule, it is hard work for everyone, not only the players but also the staff and everyone in the club. But everyone is doing their 100 per cent and doing their best effort to prepare for the game.

“The players have done that so amazingly for the last months and we will keep doing that until we have played the Scottish Cup final.”