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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Graeme Young

Charlie Nicholas predicts Rangers title 'borrowers' are walking into a Celtic nightmare

Confident Charlie Nicholas is certain Celtic celebrate Scottish Premiership title glory against rivals Rangers on Sunday.

And he believes the mood inside Parkhead is one of focus as they get target taking back a trophy from a team who were only "borrowing" it.

Ange Postecoglou 's side, who would be nine points clear with three games remaining and a significantly superior goal difference with a win, are targeting a day to remember.

Nicholas is convinced it's coming and is backing the Australian to implement the necessary tweaks after the Scottish Cup semi final defeat at the hands of their great rivals.

The former Parkhead striker - who concedes Rangers will be feeling it due to their Europa League exploits - expects Celtic to be too hot to handle.

Speaking to the Express, he said: "The Premiership trophy will be coming home to Celtic Park after this weekend.

"The mood seems to be that we have let Rangers borrow our trophy for one year but now we're taking it back.

"Sunday's Old Firm match is a must-win for Rangers but I still think the title is over because Celtic's games in the run-in are all winnable.

"I know Ange Postecoglou's side were defeated by their bitter rivals at Hampden but I don't see them losing this one at home.

Ange was hurting more than the players after the Scottish Cup semi-final defeat, but the league meeting is not about revenge for that loss.

"I don't see Ange changing too much on Sunday in terms of his approach.

"He will send his team out to get at Rangers and to try and blow them away.

"That is what he does. The only thing that might alter is his team.

"Ange will be tinkering. Rangers upset his players' rhythm at Hampden.

"Tom Rogic or Reo Hatate might not start. I do think the manager will change his midfield and for that reason they will win it.

"The big home crowd will help them over the line and going into the last 20 minutes or so Celtic will prove too strong.

"It is remarkable what Rangers have done in recent weeks but I think the fatigue will start to kick in.

"They don't have a lot of attacking options and they will need to sit deep and play on the counter-attack."

(SNS Group)

The 60-year-old was left unimpressed with the Ibrox side's celebrations at Hampden and he has revealed it stems from his own playing days.

Nicholas wasn't involved in a title but came close in 1981. He insists the rules of derby day never changed.

He added: "I had a pop at Rangers for their semi-final celebrations but even after our Ibrox game we didn't celebrate.

"We showed respect and ran straight up the tunnel. That is how it should be for both sides."

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