Referee Nick Walsh has been backed to control the first derby clash between Rangers and Celtic this season - with Alfredo Morelos' absence tipped to be a key factor.
Walsh was handed his first ever derby in 2021 when Steven Gerrard's Light Blues romped to a 4-1 Scottish Premiership victory over the Hoops at Ibrox. He sent off Callum McGregor in that encounter. Now the SFA have put their faith in the 31-year-old for the opening meeting of the season between the bitter rivals for what is sure to be a huge pressure match for the man in the middle.
However, former whistlers Des Roache and Steve Conroy reckons the absence of Morelos will be a huge benefit. The Colombian's suspension following his red card against Hibs will run out following the Premier Sports Cup clash with Queen of the South, however Gio van Bronckhorst is unlikely to thrown the frontman in after dropping him from the squad due to questions marks over his fitness and attitude.
