Rangers interim manager Barry Ferguson insists his side are primed and ready for the Old Firm derby despite their gruelling midweek exploits in Europe.
The Ibrox side progressed to the Europa League quarter-finals after an energy-sapping penalty shootout victory over Fenerbahce on Thursday night. In contrast, Celtic have had a full week to prepare for today’s Scottish Premiership clash at Parkhead.
However, Ferguson made just one change to his starting XI, dismissing any concerns over fatigue.
“It didn’t come into consideration at all,” he said. “They are good professionals, they are well looked after. Obviously, on Friday they came in and just did a recovery, and then we had a small session yesterday, and they are all good to go. So I’m really looking forward to the game.”
The one alteration sees Ridvan Yilmaz come in for Jefte, who is absent from the squad for personal reasons.
“It’s a personal issue and it will remain private and confidential at this moment, but that’s the reason why Jefte is not involved,” Ferguson explained.
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“And Ridvan, to be honest, when he’s come in, he’s played out of position for us, whether that’s at right full-back or right wing-back, and he’s been excellent, so he will move into his more natural position today.”
Rangers head into the derby looking to end a miserable away run of results in this fixture, having failed to beat Celtic in their last eight meetings. But Ferguson is confident his side are well-prepared to turn the tide.
“It’s been too long,” he admitted. “I think it’s eight games since we’ve won here. We know it’s a difficult task, it’s a difficult place to come, but we are ready. We have prepared in the right manner, we’ve got a way of approaching the game.
“We have to be really aggressive, on the front foot, and that’s the way we are going to approach it.”
