Kris Boyd insists Rangers boss Michael Beale must be cautious over the returning Nicolas Raskin if he isn't fully fit for Celtic.
The young Belgian has impressed some of the light blue persuasion since arriving in January alongside midfielder Todd Cantwell. Raskin passed fit after a week of training according to Beale as he claimed he had 'no concerns' over the 21-year-old but Ibrox hero Boyd isn't so sure. Rangers must look to cut the gap on their rivals to avoid Ange Postecoglou's men going twelve points clear.
But the pundit believes no outcome of the game will change the course of the title, but that his old side must avoid the scenario of being 'blown away' by a Celtic team that haven't lost domestically at Celtic Park in this campaign. Boyd is urging Beale not to make the same mistake he did in the Viaplay Cup final, starting the likes of Malik Tillman and John Lundstram who he believes were not fully fit.
READ MORE: Rangers are 'terrible' critics earn Michael Beale response as he rejects Celtic derby 'scars'
He told Sky Sports: "After the cup final there was a cry for Todd Cantwell and Nico Raskin to come in and if they’re fit I expect them to play. Cantwell has been playing as was Raskin before he got injured but if he’s not 100 per cent then he can't play in this game. You look at the final with Tillman and Lundstram, they didn't look fit and it showed. I wouldn’t start him. But if he’s trained all week then you get the feeling it’s a fixture to get him involved in.
"The outcome of this game won’t change the title race - Celtic are going to win the league, for me. But if Rangers can put in a performance then it can give the more belief going into that semi-final in a couple of weeks.
"Rangers have to start the game brightly, get in Celtic’s faces and try and stop them playing because Celtic have been excellent at home this season and have blown Rangers away early doors.
"It’s all well and good saying Rangers recovered and done okay in the second half but the game has been finished. Michael Beale is right when he says they have to start the game properly and don’t allow Celtic to get the crowd behind them.
"Rangers have threats and a lot of people have dismissed them totally because of how good Celtic have been but Rangers have been on a fantastic run as well."
READ NEXT:
- Leigh Griffiths nets Mandurah City brace as ex-Celtic striker breaks duck in five-goal thriller
- Patrick Roberts on the Celtic bond with Kieran Tierney as he gushes over Parkhead 'privilege'
- Callum McGregor in Celtic 'trust the process' rallying cry as he lays out key factor in Rangers plan
- Andy Walker drops VAR bombshell as he reveals 'easiest way out' conversation on major decision
- Celtic vs Rangers on TV: Channel, live stream and kick-off details for crunch Old Firm derby clash
