Clint Hill has predicted who he thinks will emerge as victors from Sunday’s Old Firm derby between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox.
The former Rangers defender knows exactly what it takes to play and score in an Old Firm encounter having done so during the 2016/17 season.
Gers had just returned to the Scottish Premiership and Hill had signed in the summer for free after leaving English outfit Queens Park Rangers.
38 years old at the time, Hill was on hand to smash home an equaliser from two yards out as Rangers earned a 1-1 draw with Celtic in March 2017.
It was to mean nothing however, as the Hoops would once again go on to win the top-flight trophy Rangers have won 55 times. Graeme Murty’s Gers finished third behind second-placed Aberdeen.
But for Hill, it meant everything on a personal level. He told The Scotsman: “Being able to go there and put on a good performance was important.
“The actual goal was mental though. Full house in the corner and the noise, flares going off, dejection in their fans faces – which was nice. It is unbeatable.”
But seven years on since his best moment in a Rangers shirt, who does Hill think is the favourite to claim glory in the Old Firm derby this Sunday at Ibrox?
Hill picks his Rangers vs Celtic winner
This Sunday’s fixture in Govan has so much riding on it. One point separates Celtic at the top and Rangers in second, with the latter to play their game in hand against Dundee next week.
Will Rangers go two points clear come Sunday afternoon? Hill thinks so.
He said: “It is always about the team that can adapt to the pressure, control the emotions and stay disciplined.
“It can be end to end at times, so it is about those teams that hold their nerves and can take their chances at critical moments.
“I fancy Rangers to win at home, I really do. They’re on a good run, looking strong and have the crowd behind them. Its got all the ingredients to be a proper Old Firm.
“Tav (James Tavernier) will be important with his set pieces and I really like Mohamed Diomande.
“He has great energy and the midfield battle will be massive. It always is. Set plays will be massive but I think Diomande in the middle with his engine is huge.”
Philippe Clement is Rangers manager material
Hill thinks with Clement at the helm in Govan, Rangers are not to be messed with. He believes exciting times are ahead with the Belgian.
Hill, now assistant manager of Stockport County, exclaimed: “Clement has a presence and an aura that a Rangers manager needs.
“It’s a lot of weight on your shoulders but he has had success at previous clubs. He knows what it takes to win.
“The way the players speak about him is a clear sign he’s a man that they respect. He treats the players well from what I’ve heard. He’s all round a really strong appointment.
“They clearly have a good manager in their club and he’s already won a trophy – he now has two more to try and get. It is exciting times.”
