Today’s Glasgow derby will be very different in the sense that Rangers supporters will be inside Celtic Park.
At this season’s Premier Sports Cup final there was a 50/50 split of fans at the neutral Hampden venue and it served as a reminder of what a spectacle this fixture is when both sets of fans are able to generate an atmosphere.
But this will be the first away fixture with away fans for some time.
Barry Ferguson has named his Rangers side to face Celtic today and is sticking with the back three that got through two legs against Fenerbahce – John Souttar flanked by James Tavernier and Leon Balogun.
Brendan Rodgers had talked up Fergie’s impact since taking over but also insisted he hasn’t seen a great change in the team from the one that was blunder to poor result after poor result under Philippe Clement.
It will be tough after the exertions of Europa League exertions on Thursday but it wouldn’t be the first time Rangers have shrugged that off.
And they will have a brilliant backing from the fans who are already making the most of being inside the ground.
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2,500 Rangers fans make themselves heard at Celtic Park
It’s not quite a return to the old days of 7-8000 Gers supporters inside Parkhead generating a brilliant atmosphere in the away end.
But 2,500 will do for now and the lucky ones who could get their hands on a ticket are having fun already.
A full two hours before kick-off a video has shown the diehard fans having packed out their section already and letting everyone know they’re there and plan to make a racket.
It won’t be lost on players and management as they get ready for the game in the away dressing room and when they come out for their warm-up.
Ferguson and James Tavernier react to Rangers fans
Indeed, the interim manager and captain have both already acknowledged them.
Ferguson told Rangers TV for his pre-match interview: “That will give the players a huge boost coming out to see the 2,500 fans. It will be a huge boost to see them get behind the team.
“They’re so important the fans and it’s went on too long in terms of the fans not being allowed in.
“They’re going to roar them all game, they’ll get right behind them and it’s up to us as a team to make sure we put a performance on that they’re proud of.”
James Tavernier said: “Delighted we’ve got our fans back, as you can hear.
“It could make a massive difference. We want to keep Celtic fans quiet, try and frustrate them.”
