Paul Hartley has spoken to the Scotsman, ahead of the upcoming Old Firm fixture.
The two sides face off on Sunday, with Rangers looking to rein in their biggest rivals.
While the Gers haven’t won at Parkhead since 2010, there is hope ahead of this one.
That’s because at Ibrox in December, Gerrard’s side proved they can be more than a match for their biggest rivals.
Former Celtic and Scotland midfielder Hartley, agrees that a second consecutive win could be there for the taking.
“Rangers know they need to win, Celtic know they can afford to draw”, Hartley told
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“Rangers can’t set up defensively and play for a draw – they have to win it. They are pretty much in the same scenario as we were back in 2008. They can’t shut up shop, they have to go there for the win.”
He then went on to explain that the key to that Old Firm win during his playing days, was putting down an early marker.
“That’s what sets you up in those games – it’s not a brilliant piece of skill or whatever. That first challenge can really set the tone for who goes on to win it.
“So if Rangers are going to have any chance, they might have to do that early on Sunday.
“Andy Halliday went in with a great tackle in the first minute or so. All he did was knock the ball out for a throw-in but it set the tone and gave everyone in the Rangers team and support a lift.”
Verdict
Clearly, there are other things at play here. You can put in 100 big tackles in the first 20 minutes, but if the tactical setup isn’t right, you could already be 2-0 down.
Playing smart is the key to securing the three points.
However, there’s no doubt Halliday’s meaty challenge played a part in the December victory at Ibrox.
The Gers can’t allow Celtic to get settled and therefore, ruffling a few feathers early on, has to be part of the plan.
