Stand-out performances against St Johnstone and Ross County are one thing. But if you really want to make a name for yourself as a Rangers player, Parkhead is the place to do it.
Philippe Clement’s side travel to the home of the enemy last week, walking into the lion’s den and hoping to avoid the sort of mauling that has occurred far too often over recent years.
Rangers have only beaten Celtic once in the league since August 2021. But having come close to breaking that streak last term – defeated four times by a one-goal margin including during the Scottish Cup final – Clement is demanding his players go one step further on Sunday and exercise the ghosts of nearly a decade of disappointment.
“Because we were really close last season,” Clement said when asked why he feels Rangers can secure all three points next week, via the club’s YouTube channel.
“We were really close at Ibrox. We were really close in the Cup Final. The difference in the Cup Final was one action that they were efficient and we were not.
“We had the same chances. We had the same possession also.”
Philippe Clement preparing Rangers for Celtic clash
Adam Idah pounced in 90th minute following a rare Jack Butland fumble at Hampden Park.
That rather sums up the way things have gone for Rangers in those Old Firm derbies of late; even their Player of the Year slipping up against those auld enemies from down the road.
Clement will likely need the usually-excellent and occasionally ‘world-class’ Butland to be at his best this time around if Rangers are to avoid a five-point gap behind opened at the top of the Premiership table.
The experienced goalkeeper will be the first name on Clement’s team sheet. A team sheet that is also likely to contain several Old Firm derby debutants, left-back Jefte Vital and midfield general Connor Barron destined to play a big role.
“So, OK, I know it will be a new game for a few guys,” the former Monaco boss adds. “And I’m curious now how they’re going to react the first time to play an Old Firm. But I’m also really positive about that way, if you speak about the Jeftes and the Connor Barrons.
“Connor played there, but it’s a different kind of game with Aberdeen.
“Those (Barron and Jefte) are also two guys who, the last couple of weeks, they had a few exams for the first time. And they take it every time really good. So, I expect them to do it there also.
“And the other guys will have more experience in that kind of games.”
Jefte and Connor Barron likely to start at Parkhead
Jefte, increasingly impressive and bouncing back after that scandalous red card against Dynamo Kyiv, should get the nod at left-back with Ridvan Yilmaz injured.
Barron, meanwhile, has been the most impressive of Rangers’ nine summer signings so far. Against Ross County – Rangers cruising to a 6-0 win – the Scotland Under 21 international went about his business with the sort of thrust and aggression that is rapidly becoming Barron’s trademark in that iconic blue shirt.
Vaclav Cerny should start too on the right-hand side, while Clement will be hoping that Leon Balogun and Robin Propper can make timely returns from their injury issues.
“It’s a massive game (against Celtic, I know. And it’s a crucial game, maybe, at the end of the road. But I’m looking also further ahead than that. I’m not only focused on this one game,” Clement adds.
“We’re going to work hard this week with everybody to be ready for that game, to go hard to take the three points like we do against every opponent. I hope also to get a few signings in this week.
“So maybe they have one training or two trainings or no training before that game.
“And I’m focused also on the rest of the season, mot only this one game that comes. But we’re going to prepare us in the ultimate best way to be competitive in that game. And to go full for the three points. Not to sit and to park the bus in front of goal and to hope that something falls out of the sky.
“No, we’re going to go (and try and create) chances.”
