Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon insists Michael Beale's Rangers career could suffer a major bodyblow if they crash out of the Scottish Cup.
However, Lennon reckons "inspiration" could emerge from the Londoner's "desperation" to win a trophy during his first season in the Ibrox hot seat. The semi-final showdown offers Beale's last chance at silverware this season having already lost out on the Viaplay Cup final to Celtic, while Ange Postecoglou's men boast a massive 13 point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
The Northern Irishman reckons Rangers could be carrying a hangover into the clash at Hampden after slipping up in their last league outing before the semi-final to Aberdeen, and he reckons Beale's tenure may not survive another major knock. Speaking about Celtic v Rangers odds, Lennon said: "'The Aberdeen defeat will be very damaging going into Sunday's game. The fallout from any defeat in Glasgow lasts for a few days and there's a lot of analysis, a lot of criticism, a lot of singling out, a lot of blame.
"Michael Beale will have until Saturday to get the team right and block out all the noise. This is the biggest game of the season and there is no coming back from this, they have to win it. Sometimes you'll find inspiration in desperation.
"From a Celtic point of view, you know, they won't be taking anything for granted either. The mentality of this team going into these games has been fantastic.
"They never look flustered and they never panic. Even when the opposition score, they come back for more. It would be a big shot in the arm for Rangers if they won this game.
"But again, the flip side of that is, it would be a devastatingly psychological blow for the remainder of the season. If Celtic win they're more or less guaranteed a treble and that will be thoroughly deserved."
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