Rangers manager Steven Gerrard ‘can’t wait’ for Old Firm derby against champions Celtic

Celtic trail the league leaders Rangers by 16 points but have three games in hand

Sports Staff
Thursday 31 December 2020 09:12 GMT
Comments
Rangers are relishing the chance to face champions Celtic
Rangers are relishing the chance to face champions Celtic (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard said he cannot wait for Saturday's Old Firm derby against Scottish Premiership champions Celtic at Ibrox as he looks to guide his side to a 19-point lead over their bitter rivals.

Wednesday's 2-0 victory at St Mirren put Rangers on 59 points from 21 games, with Celtic, who beat Dundee United 3-0, 16 points behind but having played three games less.

"A quick turnaround to the Old Firm is always good," Gerrard told the club's website. "The quicker it comes the better for me, I'm really looking forward to it. It's a fantastic game, we're in a good place and I can't wait for that whistle to go.

"We want to go and give everything we can, be the best version of ourselves collectively and individually. I'm confident we can get those three (points)."

Romanian Ianis Hagi has scored two goals in his last three appearances and set up Kemar Roofe's opener on Wednesday, while forward Alfredo Morelos ended his goal drought by scoring the second against St Mirren.

Gerrard said he had plenty of thinking to do before deciding his line-up.

"Ianis has come back into the team and he's contributing really well, I've got some big decisions to make for the weekend but that's where I want to be," Gerrard added.

"People are pushing for places and that's the way it is but I'll pick a team that can do the job and I can't really go on who scored in the last game or who's on form.

"... There will be no sentiment ... it'll be the team that I think can get us the three points."

Reuters

This weekend get a £10 free bet with Betfair, when you bet £10 on a Same Game Multi on the Premier League. Terms: Min £10 Same Game Multi bet on any EPL match this Fri - Sun. Free bet valid for 72 hours, awarded at bet settlement. Excludes cashed out bets. T&Cs apply.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in