It’s all in the head to head
Moore says Rangers now have right mindset to win trophy after trophy
Craig Moore had a gut feeling an Old Firm changing of the guard was on the cards.
But the Light Blues legend admits he could never have guessed his old club would have the title wrapped up by March and be on course for a domestic double.
After assessing the chances of a Scottish Cup fourth-round success for Steven Gerrard’s side this afternoon, the Australian insists the self-doubt that hung over Ibrox has now been banished.
Moore bel ieves it has been supplanted by a mindset where fear has been replaced by a focus on success and silverware.
He said: “When I first returned from Australia back in September I remember feeling that Celtic’s season was in real danger of a suffering a blowout.
“I honestly felt it would not be a close season in terms of the title race.
“Nobody could have predicted at the start of the season that the gap was going to be as big.
“I just felt it wouldn’t be a tight race – and so it’s proved.
“You need to give every credit to Steven Gerrard and the entire Rangers squad for the focus they’ve shown, the consistency and the excellence at times.
“They have made such a progression, and in such emphatic style this season, and that’s b e en on t he back of three seasons of really hard work.
“But it’s not until you have that mental ity switch, and that belief that you are capable of not only matching Celtic but that you can beat them, that you can make the strides they have.
“Rangers now have that and it all triggered from their first Old Firm win at Celtic Park for nine years back in December 2019.
“That was the start of a journey to where they are now.
“The doubt that had been there previously has been cleared and they have gone from strength to strength since then.”
Moore also insists the fact Rangers can still deliver results when failing to hit the heights is another measure of where the club is now compared to past seasons.
He said: “There’s clearly been a huge shift between the Old Firm in the way this season has played out.
“That shift has been about the growing belief at Rangers. Results and performances throughout the season have shown that.
“That shift in mentality and that confidence they now have is now ingrained within the squad.
“They believe in what they are doing and know they will go out and win football matches.
“There have been times when Rangers haven’t been at their best, the last Old Firm game was an example of that.
“But they still managed to put themselves into a position where they didn’t lose the match. You see Alfredo Morelos scoring for the first time in an Old Firm game and that is a huge lift, not just for him but for the entire team.
“The biggest thing has been the mentality and mindset that have been switched on this season.”
The former Ibrox defender is now back working in Scotland and has kept a close eye on the fortunes of both Old Firm clubs.
He’s convinced this afternoon’s clash could be another pivotal moment for both clubs as Celtic look to reclaim some territory and Rangers aim to achieve more domestic landmarks.
He said: “Every Old Firm game is massive, there is always something at stake.
“For Celtic, it’s a game where they will be looking to give their supporters some hope and something to look forward to for the back end of the season.
“They will want to have a positive feeling as they attempt to launch a rebuild for next season so this game is critical to that end.
“For Rangers the stakes are huge, because they now have the chance to claim the double.
“Even though this is still a fourth-round tie, there is a real opportunity for whoever wins to go on and lift the trophy in May. “The targets are to get their hands on more silverware, finish the season unbeaten domestically and break the 100-points barrier.
“So there is enough motivation in both camps for us to get a really interesting game.”
Moore believes this afternoon’s clash will be another ta le of the unexpected with the outcome too close to call.
He said: “Every Old Firm game is different, there are so many different aspects which can impact the result.
“Form doesn’t matter as it’s a game that always throws up surprises and I don’t see this game being any different.
“Anything is possible. The difference is that Rangers now have that mindset and belief of knowing how to get themselves over the line. That is so important and Rangers have shown that all season.”
made They have on progressi such a style and in such on the and that’s back of hard work