Former Rangers star Kevin Thomson has called for Rangers to "rough up" Celtic during their crucial Scottish Cup semi-final showdown.
Michael Beale's final chance at lifting silverware during his debut season as Ibrox boss could be ended at Hampden by Ange Postecogolou's men with Celtic on course for a domestic clean sweep. The Hoops go into the showdown at the national stadium as favourites having already seen off Rangers in the Viaplay Cup final, while currently holding a convincing 13-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Former Ibrox coach and midfielder Thomson reckons Beale's men will have to get in the face of the champions-elect if they are to cause problems for Postecoglou's men. And he reckons that the football philosophy deployed by the Australian could cause his side problems in Mount Florida if Beale can set the tone. Speaking to the BBC Scottish Football podcast, Thomson said: "Celtic's mentality is that they want to go and win the game.
"Ange Postecoglou is not going to change. He is going to play - he might not have the ballboys throwing the ball as quick right enough with it being Hampden - but he's going to have that front foot football. They are relentless.
"I do think that this Celtic team tires. Normally the game is buried and they can slow it down a bit and conserve a bit of energy. I just think Rangers, like the game against Celtic in extra time, need to go to the well.
"Cliche or not, they need to dig deep, they need to rough them up. They are not an overly big team Celtic. They are a very technical and fast, nimble team.
"You need to play to your strengths. I'm not so sure Rangers have the make up in their team to go to toe-to-toe and really bully Celtic, so Mick is going to have to have wee cute bits to try and exploit different things."
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