Derek McInnes has urged the Rangers faithful to rally behind the team as they prepare for the upcoming Old Firm encounter at Ibrox on Sunday. The manager, who is set to experience his first derby as the head coach of the Light Blues, emphasized the importance of turning the 50,000‑strong crowd into a genuine fourth‑man on the pitch. The need for vocal support was highlighted after Rangers’ recent league fixture against St Mirren, where the side appeared uneasy in the second half, squandering several opportunities before the interval. Although the match eventually swung in Rangers’ favour thanks to a stoppage‑time strike from substitute Bojan Miovski, the performance left a lingering sense that the team had not fully capitalised on its chances.
McInnes pointed out that the same lack of cutting edge was evident in the narrow 1‑0 win over Motherwell, underscoring a pattern that he hopes to break with a more electrifying display at Ibrox. Because of a dispute over ticket allocations between the two Glasgow clubs, the authorities have mandated that only Rangers supporters will be permitted inside the stadium for the League Cup quarter‑final against Celtic. This decision adds a further layer of responsibility on the home fans: they are the sole source of atmosphere, and their energy could prove decisive in a match that is expected to be tightly contested.
"We have to bring the crowd with us," McInnes said. "You’re not going to dominate Celtic for the full ninety minutes. There will be periods when they have the upper hand and periods when we do. The key is to make sure the 50,000 fans are behind us, supporting us, not pressuring us from behind." He went on to explain that a united front of supporters can make the opposition’s job considerably harder.
"If we can create moments of good play, take advantage of the chances we create, and give the fans something to get behind, the strength of the club will be evident," he added. The manager believes that harnessing the full capacity of Ibrox will amplify the team's performance, making it more difficult for Celtic to impose their own rhythm. McInnes also addressed the broader context of Rangers’ recent seasons, noting a period of frustration among the fanbase.
"There has been a lot of disappointment over time, and it’s up to us to demonstrate that we can deliver something different," he said. He acknowledged Celtic’s pedigree, describing them as the dominant force in Scottish football in recent years, having amassed more trophies than any other club domestically. Yet, McInnes remains confident that his side can re‑establish themselves as a serious contender.
"We just want to give ourselves a realistic chance to be relevant again in terms of winning silverware. Sunday offers us a step in that direction." Beyond the immediate tactical considerations, the manager touched on a developing transfer story involving defender John Souttar. The 29‑year‑old Scotsman, who recently extended his contract with Rangers until 2027 with an optional extra year, has reportedly fallen out of favour under McInnes. Souttar was omitted from the squad’s pre‑season trip to Spain and has not featured in the early matches of the new campaign.
Greek side Aris Thessaloniki have entered negotiations to secure his services, and Sky Sports News suggested that the club might consider moving him on during the summer window. When asked about the situation, McInnes confirmed a conversation with Souttar on the morning of the interview.
"He trained with us, and there is interest from one or two clubs. One might be a bit further down the line than the other, but it’s something that could develop," he explained. He cautioned that nothing is finalized yet, but indicated that a decision could emerge within the next few days.
In summary, McInnes is calling for a unified, vocal fan base to create an intimidating atmosphere that could tip the balance in a tightly fought Old Firm cup tie. He stresses that while the team may not dominate every minute, a strong collective spirit from the stands can provide the extra edge needed to compete with Celtic’s quality. At the same time, the manager is navigating squad dynamics, including the potential departure of a senior defender, as he seeks to shape a team capable of challenging for domestic honours once again.
The upcoming match at Ibrox therefore represents both a test of tactical resolve and a litmus test for the club’s relationship with its supporters, as Rangers aim to re‑ignite their trophy aspirations and restore confidence among their loyal fanbase.