Michael Beale's Rangers could play to the full potential against Celtic - but it still wouldn't be enough to beat Ange Postecoglou's relentless side according to one former pro.
The Light Blues and Hoops meet in a monster match for both clubs at Hampden on Sunday, with plenty to lose and gain. A win for Celtic puts them closer to a Treble, with the League Cup already bagged and their Premiership title one game away, while Rangers need a win to aid their quest of retaining this precious prize.
For former Parkhead striker Frank McAvennie, he sees no world in which his old rivals can win against Ange Postecoglou's high-intensity style. And tells STV he just hopes the Hampden pitch is in better nick than it was for the League Cup semi-finals and final. He said: “If Celtic turn up and play to the best of their ability, and Rangers play to their best, then Celtic will win.
“I think they have better players, a lot depends on the pitch because I think the pitch was terrible for the last cup. We’ll see, hopefully they can get it sorted and it’s a good game and a good advert for Scottish football.”
Ibrox great Peter McCloy also worries about one aspect of Beale's Rangers plans - that the side hasn't quite clicked yet. He has not managed to beat Celtic in three games since becoming boss and lost 2-0 to Aberdeen on Sunday.
He added: “It’s going to be a hard, hard season (if Rangers don’t win), he’s got to get a squad of players there who are winners. There’s obviously a few positions, although they are doing well, it just doesn’t look as if it has gelled properly yet and I think once he gets that right, it will be good.”
