Former Celtic hero Alan Thompson insists that the derby day veterans in the visiting dressing room at Ibrox could make the difference against Rangers this weekend.
Brendan Rodgers will take his side across the city as the Scottish Premiership title race heats up with the Hoops looking to move four points clear at the summit – having played a game more than the Light Blues. Celtic go into the game having won 11 of the last 12 Scottish titles and boasting plenty of experience of the title race when temperatures rise in the final weeks of the season.
Thompson reckons that could be a decisive factor for Rodgers’ men as they look to keep the challenge from Philippe Clement‘s men at bay. He said: “It’s essential that you have people in the dressing room who can speak to the younger players and the more inexperienced players, and just give them an insight into what it is going to be about.
“Players who have walked the walk. That is people like (Callum) McGregor, Joe Hart, (Cameron) Carter-Vickers, (Matt) O’Riley and Kyogo. These players have done it and hopefully they will rub off on the younger members of the squad.”
Since the arrival of the Belgian boss to replace Michael Beale earlier in the season, Rangers have been on the rise and have already claimed the League Cup this term. However, Thompson reckons that will be a non-factor on derby day.
Speaking to PLZ, Thompson said: “I know a few weeks ago people were saying the momentum was with Rangers, but it is all in the past. You can’t influence what has gone on in the past, they can only focus on what is ahead of them now and that goes for both sets of teams.
“They have games coming up and it’s just something they are going to have to cope with mentally. I would like to think Celtic (will win) but there is nothing between them at the minute, and the I think the league table tells you that. Not much points difference, goal difference is very similar – it is just down to who performs on the day and who copes with the occasion on the day.”
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