McCoist readies Rangers for derby

Ally McCoist
12 April 2012

Rangers manager Ally McCoist fully expects Celtic to go for the jugular in tonight's Old Firm derby at Parkhead.

But he has warned the Hoops to expect a positive approach from his own players in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash. Rangers head into the highly-anticipated encounter on the back of a shock 2-1 defeat to St Mirren at the weekend, while Celtic are aiming for their ninth consecutive SPL win.

McCoist said: "Celtic will go out to win the game. They have one or two options in their personnel and position-wise they have one or two strings to their bow. I would be very surprised if they didn't come out the traps and have a right go at us from the start. But we can do that as well."

He added: "The fact the whole nation has been looking forward to this for weeks and weeks would indicate that it's a great game, a great occasion. Whether it's at Ibrox or Celtic Park, they really are wonderful occasions.

"The football that will be served up will hopefully be good viewing and exciting for everybody.

"It's important that we send out a good message to everybody and that's what both managers will be doing with the teams that we pick."

Rangers have seen the 15-point lead they boasted at the summit of the SPL in early November slashed to a single point.

McCoist said: "They have put a good run together. Equally, we had a fantastic run at the start of the season. Our form has shaded a little bit and Celtic's has probably been the opposite.

"Their form maybe wasn't as consistent as it is now and they are on a good run at the moment. We are just pleased we are at the top of the league."

Rangers will be without Dorin Goian through suspension after he picked up two cautions against Saints, although Lee McCulloch will be available for selection as he awaits the outcome of an appeal against his own red card.

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