Derek McInnes must harness an exclusive Ibrox atmosphere on Sunday as Rangers host Celtic in a Premier Sports Cup quarter-final shaped by missing wide players and strict officiating.
Martin O’Neill will be without South Korean attacker Yang Hyun-jun due to Asian Games duty, forcing an immediate reshuffle on the flanks. However, the visitors are boosted by the return of left-back Kieran Tierney following a thigh problem sustained in August.
Speaking to The Celtic Way, as quoted by Heavy, O’Neill outlined his fitness: “Yes, of course. It’s nice to see him. Trying to get him on the field before the end of the game. Even if he’d not got on, he’d have been alright for Sunday,”
With no away supporters permitted inside the stadium, Rangers hold a crucial home advantage. McInnes must ensure his side leverages early tactical intensity, overcoming any freshness deficit exposed by Celtic’s calculated rotation blueprint in midweek.
The manager will look to his latest transfer options to exploit the visitors’ altered defensive structure down the touchlines.
Nick Walsh Takes Derby Charge
The Scottish Football Association confirmed Nick Walsh will referee the knockout fixture, supported by VAR official Andrew Dallas. Walsh issued 17 yellow cards across two Glasgow derbies last season, alongside a red card for departed midfielder Thelo Aasgaard in a Hampden semi-final.
Rangers are required to maintain aggressive pressing while ensuring disciplined tackling to avoid early bookings under the 35-year-old official.
Following Sunday’s quarter-final, Rangers travel to Parkhead to face Celtic again in the Scottish Premiership on 20 September.
