Ex-Hearts midfielder Ryan Stevenson has claimed the feeling amongst the fans is the key “difference” between Rangers and Celtic as things stand this season.
The Scottish footballing journeyman turned BBC Scotland pundit was talking after Rangers’ Scottish Cup victory over Ayr United at the weekend.
Claiming that nervousness in the stands is a screw non-Old Firm sides turn on either Rangers and Celtic, Ryan Stevenson believes there is a key difference in feeling between both clubs at present.
Rangers are on an upswing under Philippe Clement and have a lot of momentum, with the club’s supporters right behind the team as things stand.
Conversely – and no matter how much Brendan Rodgers tries to bat it away – there is a sentiment of unhappiness and nervousness in the Celtic support.
Ryan Stevenson on Rangers v Celtic “difference”
Speaking on the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast, Ryan Stevenson claims the situation is a big “difference” between the sides at present.
Whilst the former Jambos midfielder didn’t make any bold predictions, Stevenson suggests it’s swinging things in Rangers’ favour.
The former Tynecastle star also reckons that it’s something which isn’t going to change.
“I don’t think they will (turn on the team),” said Ryan Stevenson. “We spoke about it during the game, just the difference that that has because it echoes onto the pitch.
“I’ve been here where maybe the Old Firm are going through a difficult stage and you know when you’re sitting in that away changing room, ‘listen, let’s get it half an hour’. If it’s really, really bad, 20 minutes and you can feel it turn.
“We spoke about earlier, how difficult these games can be. Rangers playing against Ayr United, where everybody turns up and they think it’s just going to be an easy stroll. They never once faltered.
“The atmosphere right at the start was absolutely electric and I can imagine what it’s going to be like on Wednesday night (v Ross County). The roof will come off this place.
“And that right now for me is the difference between Rangers and Celtic. Is one is not a happy place and the other one right now has got the fans onside.
“When there’s that connection between the fans the players, and the fans can see that the players are working; all the fans want is someone to give everything they can for that badge.
“I think that’s exactly what the manager is demanding of the players, not just on the pitch, on the training pitch as well and I think it just echoes in.”
Ibrox roar returns under Philippe Clement
Rangers manager Philippe Clement was also talking about the feeling in the Ibrox stands following the victory over Ayr United.
Branding the loyalty of the Ibrox support as “amazing”, the Belgian manager was clear that the astonishing 40k+ turnout v the Championship side wouldn’t happen elsewhere.
A huge part of that is the “synergy” between Rangers, the management team, and the playing squad and it’ll be interesting to see how far it carries us this season.
There’s a genuine belief in the team at present and, with the nerves jangling at Celtic, let’s see if it holds heading into the business end of the campaign.
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