Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson would’ve relished the opportunity to go toe-to-toe with Callum McGregor at Celtic Park.
The legendary Ibrox treble-winner was a force to be reckoned with on Old Firm derby day in Glasgow and made his reputation in these special matches.
Both an energetic, physical midfield presence and a match winner with unarguable quality, Barry Ferguson was one of the best Scottish midfielders of his generation.
In fact, Baz was (probably) the best Scottish player of his generation, period.
But whilst the Rangers legend will be watching on from home and not in the middle of the action this afternoon, Ferguson has told the Ibrox side what they need to do to shackle the influential Celtic skipper.
Barry Ferguson calls for Rangers trio v Celtic
There’s an old cliche about the midfield battle being where the Old Firm derby is won and lost.
Over the years there have been some tense battles in the middle of the park at either Ibrox or Celtic Park, and that will likely be no different this afternoon.
Barry Ferguson knows that Rangers will need to stifle Callum McGregor if they’re to take anything from Parkhead and it starts with putting legs into the middle of the pitch.
Suggesting that he’d like to see a youthful and energetic midfield three of Dujon Sterling, Connor Barron and Mohamed Diomande, Ferguson reckons that’s the trio that can haunt the Celtic captain.
“Rangers have tried various different ways of suffocating him over the last few years,” Ferguson told the Daily Record.
“Tom Lawrence and Todd Cantwell were both asked to sit on McGregor last year in an attempt to stop him from acting as the heartbeat to Rodgers’ team but neither could get close.
“That’s why I think it’s vital Clement goes with energy and legs in the centre of the park. I’m hoping he selects Mohamed Diomande in front of Dujon Sterling and Connor Barron.
“That trio to me looks like it has the right blend of aggression and control.”
Midfield battle crucial to Old Firm derby day
Rangers are heading into Celtic Park knowing that they’ll be up against it in Glasgow’s east end this afternoon.
Celtic controversially withdrew from an agreement surrounding away allocations, with many feeling the Parkhead side have used the construction shambles at Ibrox to their advantage.
Whilst Celtic have cited concerns over safety controls being implemented at Ibrox, the Gers aren’t set to ‘welcome’ their eternal rivals until January.
It’s added to the tension surrounding the game and undoubtedly hands Celtic an advantage with 60k Parkhead supporters baying for Rangers blood.
Philippe Clement’s new-look side will have to stand up to the challenge this afternoon and keep their heads and their composure if they’re to stand any chance.
With the game often ‘won and lost’ in the middle of the park, Barry Ferguson knows that Rangers will need to match Celtic for energy and quality in this area.
But is a midfield three of Sterling, Barron and Diomande the answer?
Here’s our predicted Rangers XI as they prepare to do Old Firm battle at Celtic Park.
Receive a digest of our best Rangers content each week direct to your mailbox
