Former Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson reckons Celtic hold the “fear" factor going into Monday’s New Year clash at Ibrox.
The Light Blues side trail Ange Postecoglou’s Hoops by nine points in the Scottish Premiership title race, with the latest Glasgow derby dubbed as a must win if Michael Beale’s men have any hope of making up ground. Thomson is well aware how quickly a victory could change momentum in Rangers' favour but he acknowledges that Celtic possess a team which the rest of the league fear and even when not at their very best, Postecoglou has found a winning formula to secure all three points.
Thomson told Sky Sports News: "I have seen some glimpses of the Mick Beale and Steven Gerrard team where they moved the ball around well, but they've conceded quite a few goals. You're only successful at Rangers if you win. They've got those four wins which is great but if there's a disappointment around the corner the group, they will need to have good resolve and stick together.
"They've still got three Old Firm games to go and it's amazing how football can change quite quickly. They win in this derby game then momentum changes.
“The harsh reality for Rangers is Celtic are a really good team and they are battering teams and scoring a lot of goals. Teams fear Celtic now. Some teams park the bus and try and hope they don't get turned over, some have a go and get cut open.
“I'm really intrigued to see how Rangers are going to play against this Celtic team as I have no doubt Mick will have studied what they do, what their strengths are, what their weaknesses are and Ange will be the same.
"Celtic will know if they come and win, to go 12 points clear would be astronomical but there's always that carrot if Rangers can get a positive result it can build momentum.
"If they are going to have any chance then I think this game is critical."
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