Derek McInnes is keen for Rangers to "bring the crowd with us" as they head into the Old Firm cup tie at Ibrox on Sunday. The manager’s comments come after a mixed performance in recent league fixtures, where the Light Blues have shown signs of anxiety among their supporters, particularly during a difficult second half against St Mirren at Govan.
In that match the home side squandered several opportunities before the interval, only to find relief when substitute Bojan Miovski netted a stoppage‑time winner, securing a 1-0 victory and marking McInnes' fourth consecutive win with the club. For the upcoming League Cup quarter‑final, authorities have mandated that only Rangers fans be admitted to the 50,000‑seat Ibrox stadium, a decision that follows a contentious ticket‑allocation dispute between the two Glasgow giants.
As a former Rangers midfielder stepping into his first Old Firm encounter as manager, McInnes is eager for a positive atmosphere from the Gers faithful. He explained, "We have to bring the crowd with us.
You’re not going to dominate Celtic for the full ninety minutes. There will be periods where they have the upper hand and periods where we do. That’s just the nature of the game.
What matters is that we tap into that 50,000‑strong backing, give the players encouragement, and make life as difficult as possible for Celtic." McInnes stressed the importance of turning good play into tangible results, noting that the team had missed chances in the previous game and against Motherwell, another 1-0 win. "If we can capitalize on our chances, get ahead and give the supporters something to rally behind, the true strength of our club will shine through," he said. He added that a fully engaged crowd could elevate the team’s performance to a level that would be hard for Celtic to counter.
"There has been a lot of frustration at the club for some time now. It’s on us to demonstrate that we can deliver a different, more positive narrative," McInnes continued.
Acknowledging Celtic’s pedigree, McInnes said, "We know they are a quality side, the dominant league champions and the club that has collected the most trophies in recent years. Our aim is simply to ensure we remain relevant in domestic competitions and have a real shot at silverware. Sunday offers us a chance to move a step closer to that goal." Beyond the tactical and motivational aspects, there is also transfer news swirling around the club.
Greek side Aris Thessaloniki have entered discussions to acquire Rangers defender John Souttar. The 29‑year‑old centre‑back signed a new contract with Rangers earlier this year, extending his stay until 2027 with an optional additional year. However, Sky Sports News reported that Souttar has been deemed surplus to requirements at Ibrox during the summer window. He missed the pre‑season trip to Spain and has not featured under McInnes.
The Scottish international’s future appears uncertain, with the Greek transfer window set to close on Tuesday. McInnes commented on the situation, stating, "I spoke to John this morning; he trained. There is interest from one or two clubs—one perhaps a little further down the line than the other—but it could develop. It’s not at a decisive stage yet, but something may materialise in the next two or three days." The manager’s remarks underline the dual focus on on‑field performance and off‑field squad management as Rangers prepare for a high‑stakes encounter with their fiercest rivals.
The club hopes that a roaring home crowd, combined with disciplined play and strategic signings, will give them the edge needed to break Celtic’s recent dominance and reclaim a place at the summit of Scottish football. In addition to the match preview, fans are reminded of a promotional opportunity: the Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £250,000, with free entry available for participants. This initiative adds an extra layer of excitement for supporters as they gear up for what promises to be a thrilling Old Firm showdown.