Celtic v Rangers:ALLY McCOIST has insisted Rangers will harbour no sense of foreboding as they return to Celtic Park for tonight's Scottish Cup fifth-round replay, despite being subject to a 3-0 humbling at the same venue 10 days earlier.
Celtic were comfortable winners as the Glasgow rivals met in the league, a result that prompted a furious dressingroom reaction from McCoist, Rangers’ assistant manager. Since then, Rangers have progressed to the last 16 of the Europa League and narrowed the gap on Celtic at the summit of the Scottish Premier League.
“I can’t remember being as low as I was after the last game at Celtic Park,” said McCoist. “Celtic played well, you have to accept that, but we were very disappointing. It knocks the stuffing out of you but it’s like anything else, it’s about how quickly you recover. From our point of view we let ourselves down, management included, and we have to do better. It has been a good week for us since then so we will go into this game full of optimism and belief.”
McCoist hinted Rangers had been spurred on by the media reaction to their three-goal defeat on February 20th. He also dismissed the suggestion it will negatively impact on the mindset of his players this time around.
“I just felt that some of the things said and written after the last Old Firm game were a bit over the top,” McCoist said.
“I don’t think you should be playing for this club if you get intimidated. These are the games you must want to play in. They are fantastic games and the atmosphere is wonderful. There is no room at this football club for being intimidated. Not for anyone.”
Close attention will be focused on whether or not Rangers can atone for their latest defeat to Celtic. The added incentive, of course, relates to one of the teams denying their greatest rivals the possibility of claiming a domestic treble.
“Ibrox was a terrific cup tie,” said McCoist of the 2-2 draw which triggered this replay. “Four goals, sending-offs, a lot of excitement, fantastic saves, a great game.
“This gives us an ideal opportunity to go back there (to Celtic Park) and put right a performance we weren’t happy with. We spoke on the Monday after the game about it. We have the opportunity to put it right and that’s a great thing.
“Do the players have a point to prove? They are the champions – they have been champions for the past two years, they have won League Cups and Scottish Cups and got to a European final. They have nothing to prove to anybody other than themselves in that they need to put that poor performance behind them.”
Rangers midfielder Vladimir Weiss has been all but ruled out of tonight’s tie. The on-loan Manchester City player suffered an ankle injury against St Johnstone on Sunday and is a major doubt, although an X-ray showed no fracture.
Steven Naismith (hamstring) and Jamie Ness (groin) remain out along with long-term absentees Kirk Broadfoot (foot) and Lee McCulloch (knee).
Fraser Forster and Joe Ledley are suspended for Celtic. Polish number two Lukasz Zaluska will take over from Forster in goal.
Midfielder Beram Kayal returns from suspension and right back Mark Wilson is in contention despite picking up an ankle knock in the shock 2-0 defeat by Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday.
Venue: Celtic Park Kick-off: Tonight, 7.45pm On TV: Sky Sports 1
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