Former Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson believes there is a fear factor for teams facing Celtic as Rangers prepare for a crunch Old Firm clash on Monday next.
The Gers remain nine points behind Ange Postecoglou's side heading into Monday's clash and with Celtic looking dominant thus far, they will be fancied to come out of the derby clash with all three points.
Thomson acknowledged that a Rangers win would do wonders in terms of momentum - but warned that Celtic are a side who look a cut above the rest in the Scottish Premiership.
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He told Sky Sports News: "I have seen some glimpses of the Mick Beale and Steven Gerrard team where they moved the ball around well, but they've conceded quite a few goals.
"You're only successful at Rangers if you win.
"They've got those four wins which is great but if there's a disappointment around the corner the group, they will need to have good resolve and stick together.
"They've still got three Old Firm games to go and it's amazing how football can change quite quickly. They win in this derby game then momentum changes.
"The harsh reality for Rangers is Celtic are a really good team and they are battering teams and scoring a lot of goals. Teams fear Celtic now. Some teams park the bus and try and hope they don't get turned over, some have a go and get cut open."
And Thomson pointed to the potential swing this fixture could produce; a Celtic win puts them 12 points ahead but victory for Rangers would bring them right back into the fight.
He continued: “I'm really intrigued to see how Rangers are going to play against this Celtic team as I have no doubt Mick will have studied what they do, what their strengths are, what their weaknesses are and Ange will be the same.
"Celtic will know if they come and win, to go 12 points clear would be astronomical but there's always that carrot if Rangers can get a positive result it can build momentum.
"If they are going to have any chance then I think this game is critical."
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