Former Hoops player Charlie Mulgrew has warned current Celtic stars that Neil Lennon will read them the riot act if they don’t perform at Ibrox this weekend, as reported by The Daily Record.
On paper, the upcoming derby against Rangers doesn’t mean much to Celtic.
We’ve already secured an eighth league title in a row with games to spare and we’re now eagerly anticipating a massive Scottish Cup Final against Hearts at the end of the month.
However, the reality is that this match-up is never a meaningless encounter.
Recalling matches at Ibrox in the past, specifically a 3-2 defeat which the manager was in the stands for, Mulgrew reckons Lennon will be massively up for this one, knowing it might be the last chance he manages the Hoops in Govan.
As quoted by The Daily Record, the Blackburn Rovers man said:
Being banished didn’t bother him in the slightest – Lenny was more annoyed at how Celtic played and the fact that we blew a golden opportunity to win the league at Ibrox.
He probably had me by the throat at one stage!
Lenny will have Celtic fired up and he’ll love it. He’ll want to get one upon Rangers as it might be the last chance he gets to manage a Celtic team at Ibrox.
These are the games that matter most to players and fans. It doesn’t matter if the league is wrapped up, derby matches are just special to play in.
The Rangers team and their fans will want to win this game especially and give themselves a lift going into next season.
Having lost the last meeting between the two sides at Ibrox, Celtic will be desperate to set the record straight and stamp their authority on Steven Gerrard’s side heading into the summer.
The Gers’ form has been decent of late, winning every match since we beat them 2-1 in March. Bursting that bubble again can only be a benefit to us and pile further pressure on Gerrard.
Lennon also knows a big victory will do wonders for his chances of making his current managerial spell at the club a permanent one.
What are your predictions for Sunday’s match? Have your say in the comments below…