Rangers boss Danny Rohl fired a message to Celtic’s Luke McCowan and revealed what surprised him about the Hoops ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm.
Rohl responds to McCowan’s Old Firm message
The German reminded McCowan that Rangers are ahead of Celtic in the title race after the Hoops midfielder confidently claimed: “We know if we’re at it no team in that league touches us”.
McCowan asserted his belief after the Parkhead side’s 1-0 win over Stuttgart in Germany on Thursday night saw the reigning William Hill Premiership champions lose their Europa League play-off 4-2 on aggregate.
Ahead of the Old Firm game at Ibrox on Sunday and with 10 fixtures remaining, the Light Blues are four points behind leaders Hearts and two ahead of the Hoops, who have a game in hand over the leading pair.
Asked for his response to McCowan’s bullish comments, Rohl said: “I think at the moment we are in the second position, they are behind us.
“They have at the moment seven or eight defeats.
“I think in general it makes no sense to speak too much about the other side, we have to focus on ourselves.
“We want to win this game. I see my team is ready to take points and then we’ll see on Sunday. Hopefully both teams try everything and I’m confident that we have a big chance of winning this game.”
Rohl, who revealed Dujon Sterling and Ryan Naderi were back in training and would be assessed, noted Celtic boss Martin O’Neill brought in goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo for under-fire Kasper Schmeichel as one of eight changes against Stuttgart from the 2-1 defeat by Hibernian.
The Finland keeper turned in a fine performance as the Hoops doggedly defended a first-minute lead given to them by McCowan.
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Rohl reveals what “surprised” him about Celtic
Asked if he expected Celtic to take the same approach when they travel to Govan, Rohl said: “I think so. I think when you see the line-up from yesterday, the starting line-up, then I expect some changes, it’s normal, they try to use the full squad.
“I was a little bit surprised after 1-0 that they’re not trying to win this game, 2-0, 3-0, to have a chance. They keep the result until the end.
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Celtic’s win over Stuttgart has given Martin O’Neill food for thought heading into the weekend.
“But yeah, it will be interesting as well, the goalkeeper position, what he will do now, let’s see.
“But we are prepared, we’re focused on ourselves, we also have some interesting decisions to make.
“I know if everyone is available, it’s also not easy for me in some positions, because there are more than two or three players who are ready for this game.
“It’s a good situation. I like this, my players showed that they are ready, I think this is crucial and let’s see what it means on Sunday.”
