Martin O’Neill reckons Ange Postecoglou will be going all out for the Ibrox win that would virtually secure the Scottish Premiership title in his first season in charge at Celtic.
Former Hoops boss O’Neill knows a draw would suit the Parkhead side given their three-point advantage, superior goal difference and with the final derby to come in the east end of Glasgow.
But the 70-year-old – who won six major honours, including a Treble in five years as Celtic boss – doesn’t believe Postecoglou will play it safe.
The Irishman insists the pressure is all on Rangers to claim a repeat of the victory in the first Old Firm derby of the season as they look for revenge following their Parkhead drubbing last time out.
O’Neill, speaking to Clyde 1, said: “If Celtic come out of the match unscathed then you would have to say they’re really in pole position.
“Of course if Celtic go and win the game and I’m sure that’s probably in Postecoglou’s mind – thinking ‘I’m not going to change for anything, I’m going to go to Ibrox and attack’ – then you would have to think their position is very strong indeed.
“The pressure at this minute is very much on Rangers to get the result, it’s a home fixture for them and a big, big match for them.
“They’re three points behind and they’re unlikely - not impossible - to claw back that goal difference in the number of matches left.
“You could think at this stage that looks like a four point differential so really Rangers must win that game.
“I know they’ve got Celtic again at Celtic Park but really they’ve got to win this game.”
Despite trailing their rivals in the league, the Light Blues have made a big impact in the Europa League and are looking to reach the final in Seville where O’Neill took his Celtic side in 2003.
Gers have already beaten previous tournament favourites Borussia Dortmund and face Braga in the last eight.
O’Neill said: “The result against Dortmund will have given them super confidence to know they can compete in European football.
“That was a big shout, a terrific result, when you consider what Dortmund are capable of in the Bundesliga and believe they can contest against the other seven teams left in the competition.
“You’ve got Braga over two legs which isn’t something you would look forward to but you would not fear and who knows?”
Listen to the full interview with Martin O’Neill on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard from 6pm on Wednesday the 30 th of March.
You can listen to Clyde 1 Superscoreboard on FM, DAB, online, via the Clyde 1 App and on your Smart Speaker.
