Rangers are set to be handed a boost ahead of the Old Firm on the 29th with doubts over Celtic duo Odsonne Edouard and Tom Rogic’s availability for the crunch tie.
Celtic striker Edouard limped out of their victory against Motherwell last night. Manager Brendan Rodgers has said our rivals will evaluate the injury once it settles down.
If he is to be ruled out, Celtic could be going into the crunch Old Firm without a recognised striker. Naturally, this hands Rangers a boost.
Tom Rogic has been called up to Australia’s Asian Cup squad which begins on 6th January. Celtic remain hopeful the playmaker will be available. But a Football Federation of Australia spokesperson told BBC Scotland this morning that it can’t happen.
The Spokesman said:
“This is two days over the Fifa regulation and has been communicated with all clubs,”
“It ensures some players get an extra game in for their clubs and enjoy Christmas with their families and friends at home.”
Rangers must be on top of their game no matter who we face
Whilst being without those two players clearly hands Rangers a boost, I doubt it will affect our preparations. No matter who Celtic send out to play us, we should be looking to win.
And beating them with their strongest team also just makes victory all the sweeter. Rangers can only play what’s in front of them but Celtic would be made considerably weaker by Edouard and Rogic’s absence.
Rangers also have injury worries of their own after last night’s match with Hibs.
The crunch Old Firm tie kicks off on the 29th December at 12:30pm.
