Celtic hero ‘very impressed’ by Rangers and names three things that won Old Firm

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Rangers have had plenty of praise on top of the three points earned from derby victory over Celtic last weekend.

Barry Ferguson in particular has been lauded and Andy Halliday felt the game was won ‘in the dugout’ as Fergie got the better of Brendan Rodgers after doing the same to Jose Mourinho.

In terms of players, Halliday and Kris Boyd agreed that Nicolas Raskin was ‘head and shoulders’ the best performer in the derby win.

Even Rodgers singled out two Gers men – Raskin and Jack Butland – for their parts in getting one over on his side.

Off the back of overcoming Fenerbahce in the Europa League, it has been an impressive couple of weeks under the interim boss but they will need to keep a level of consistency to avoid a repeat of the Motherwell league defeat.

• READ MORE: Rangers kid expected to be given chance next season, loan club’s boss sings praises

Celtic hero Mjallby ‘very impressed’ by Rangers

Celtic hero Johan Mjallby is another who has been left very impressed by what he saw from Rangers.

Admitting he was surprised by how poor his old club were, the Swedish former centre-back thought Gers were very good in the Old Firm.

He picked up on their ability to set traps for their press, win the ball high up the pitch and the physicality in midfield.

And Mjallby admits there is no arguments the Light Blues deserved to win the game, even saying they should have had it buried earlier.

Speaking on Premier Sports’ Scottish Football Social Club, he said: “It was a game of two halves, I have to say I was very impressed by Rangers’ first half. Twice now they’ve gotten the better of their biggest challengers on the other side of Glasgow.

“I think they once again set up the traps in a good fashion, they won the ball in the right areas, I think their pressing was very good, and physically in midfield they looked much stronger.

“Am I surprised? Yeah, I have to be because I thought in the first half, Celtic’s passing was poor. It wasn’t quick enough, you can argue Callum McGregor is injured but still, I expected Celtic to be much better on the ball and play with more energy.

“All credit to Rangers, they were superior in the first half and should have buried the game really. You can’t argue that Rangers didn’t deserve to win.”

Mixed Rangers reports from Celtic camp

Mjallby hasn’t been the only one from he Celtic camp to hold their hands up and admit Rangers were very good on the day.

Neil Lennon said Gers were ‘outstanding’ and that Ferguson got the tactics and press spot on.

But there was mixed messaging from that side of the city as Chris Sutton refused to give Fergie praise, instead insisting he wants him to get the job long term.

While Alan Thompson took aim at Rangers’ celebrations, the irony of his statement clearly lost on him as he got very bitter.