Rangers boss Steven Gerrard calls on his players to ‘man-up’ ahead of Celtic trip

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Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has issued a passionate battle cry as he prepares to take his side to face Celtic at Parkhead on Sunday.

The ex-Liverpool midfielder was speaking in his pre-match press conference, covered by the club’s official website.

The Gers trail their fierce rivals by ten points in the Scottish Premiership and winning the league is extremely unlikely.

That won’t bother the Light Blues this weekend, however, and bragging rights are still firmly up for grabs.

Rangers defeated the Hoops 1-0 back in December and more of the same would be ideal in the latest meeting.

Gerrard has told the club’s official website that his players must thrive on the occasion.

He said: “If you go in with the wrong mentality you won’t win these games. You have to man-up and take responsibility individually and collectively.

“I have never seen fans win football matches, it will be loud but it won’t be a lion’s den. A lion’s den is when four lions jump over a case and you fear for your life. You have to thrive in this atmosphere. If any of my players don’t fancy it they are at the wrong club.”

TBR Verdict

It is clear from his rallying call ahead of Sunday that Gerrard hasn’t lost any of his appetite for derby-day games.

The former Liverpool man relished the contests with Everton and Manchester United as a player and it is clear he is looking forward to facing Celtic at the weekend.

The Gers boss will hope that his players share such passion this weekend when they step out on the Celtic Park turf.

Winning the league looks unlikely now but making it a second successive victory over Celtic would be sweet for Gerrard and his charges.