Gerrard’s warning to resurgent Hoops ahead of Ibrox clash

Steven G err a rd has warned Neil Lennon’s resurgent Celtic they face an altogether stiffer test when they take on his rampant Rangers today.

Parkhead boss Lennon has managed to stave off furious protests from Hoops fans demanding he quit after engineering a mini recovery.

The reigning champions are clinging on to their dreams of 10 titles in a row by their finger nails having dropped 16 points behind Gerrard’s Light Blues, albeit with three games in hand.

But they have managed to stabilise things in recent weeks and go into the second Old Firm battle of the season at Ibrox on a run of seven games without defeat.

However, their last three wins have come against Hamilton and Ross County – who both sit in the relegation spots – plus a Dundee United side that has mustered just one win their last six games.

And Gerrard says it is down to Celtic to prove they can cope with his unbeaten Premiership leaders this afternoon.

He said: “I haven’ t really focused on Celtic’s form.

“Our schedule has been very demanding, so I haven’ t had time to breathe in terms of focusing on any other opposition apart from the ones we’ve faced.

“Since our setback in the Bet fred Cup the players have delivered 12 points out of 12, scored nine goals and conceded one, so our reaction and response has been fantastic, so we go into this game confident and in a good place.

“Celtic have obviously won their last couple of games, against Hamilton, Ross County and Dundee United – but they ’ re playing Rangers and it’s a different challenge for them and a different challenge for us and it’s one we’re looking forward to.”

Meanwhile, Call um Mcgregor believes Celtic are getting back to their best as they prepare to begin 2021 with a trip to Ibrox.

The 2- 0 defeat to the Light Blues at Parkhead in October began a poor run of form which saw the Hoops win only two games in 12 with some fans pro testing for change outside the stadium.

But, according to stand-ins kipper Mcgregor, Celtic are on their way to top form.

The Scotland midfielder said: “We are getting there. We are probably not just as free-flowing as we have been recently but we have created chances, so it is just a case of putting the chances away.

“So, we are starting to get there, we look good, the shape is decent and we are starting to look more solid as well.

“We are on a decent run and we are looking forward to the game.

“We came through a difficult period and managed to get back on track.”

Steven Gerrard’s Rangers side host Celtic today.