Derek McInnes is keen for Rangers to "bring the crowd with us" as they prepare for the Old Firm cup encounter at Ibrox on Sunday. The atmosphere surrounding the Light Blues has been tinged with nervous energy in recent weeks, a sentiment that resurfaced on Wednesday night when the home side faltered in the second half of their Scottish Premiership match against St Mirren.
Despite creating several opportunities in the first half, Rangers were unable to convert, and the pressure mounted as the game progressed. The tension was finally released when substitute Bojan Miovski found the net in stoppage time, securing a vital 1-0 victory and marking the fourth consecutive win for McInnes and his squad.
The upcoming League Cup quarter‑final against Celtic carries an added twist: authorities have mandated that only Rangers supporters will be permitted inside the 50,000‑seat Ibrox stadium. This decision follows a protracted dispute over ticket allocations between the two Glasgow giants, leaving the atmosphere poised to be overwhelmingly in favour of the home side.
As a former Rangers midfielder stepping into his first Old Firm clash as manager, McInnes is eager to harness that support and turn it into a tangible advantage on the pitch. Speaking to the press, McInnes emphasized the importance of fan involvement. "I think we've got to bring the crowd with us," he said.
"You're not going to play Celtic and dominate the game for 90 minutes. We'll have spells, they'll have spells, it's just the way it is.
I think it's important that we tap into having that 50,000 behind us and be behind the players, support them, have their backs, not be on their backs and really make it as tough for Celtic as possible." He went on to outline a clear tactical philosophy: if Rangers can seize moments of quality play and turn chances into goals—something they failed to do in the recent match against Motherwell, which also ended 1-0—then they will give the supporters something to rally around. "If we can get ourselves in front, give the crowd something to get behind, then I think the strength of our club can be shown," McInnes added. "I think if the 50,000 can be utilised and we can have the strength of performance in the team that will help the team, it will be difficult to stop." He acknowledged the frustration that has built up among fans over a prolonged period, noting that the responsibility now lies with the players and coaching staff to deliver a different narrative. "There's been a lot of frustration over a period of time at the club and it's up to us to try and show that we're going to deliver something a bit different," he said.
"We recognise Celtic are a good team who have been the main title winners and the team that's picked up more trophies than any other club in recent years. We just want to make sure that we give ourselves a chance to be relevant domestically again in terms of winning trophies, and Sunday gives us a chance to take a step towards that." Beyond the immediate focus on the cup tie, Rangers are also navigating a developing transfer story involving defender John Souttar. The 29‑year‑old centre‑back, who signed a new contract extending his stay until 2027 with an optional additional year, has reportedly been placed on the sidelines by the new management team. Sky Sports News revealed that Souttar was omitted from the club's pre‑season training camp in Spain and has not featured under McInnes since his appointment.
Greek side Aris Thessaloniki have entered talks to acquire his services, with the Greek transfer window set to close on Tuesday. McInnes addressed the situation, confirming a conversation with Souttar earlier in the day. "I spoke to John this morning, he trained. There's a bit of interest in him from one or two clubs.
One club maybe a bit further down the line than the other but I think it's something that could develop. I don't think it's at that stage yet but maybe something will happen over the next two or three days," he explained. This candid admission suggests that while the defender remains under contract, his future at Ibrox may be uncertain, and a move abroad could be on the horizon. The broader context of the upcoming Old Firm clash cannot be overstated.
The rivalry between Rangers and Celtic is steeped in history, culture, and fierce competition, making any encounter between the two clubs a marquee event on the Scottish football calendar. For Rangers, the cup quarter‑final offers a rare opportunity to re‑assert themselves as a domestic powerhouse and to break the recent pattern of near‑misses and under‑performance. A victory would not only advance them to the semi‑finals but also send a clear signal to supporters and rivals alike that the club is moving in the right direction under McInnes's stewardship. Fans, now assured of exclusive access to Ibrox for the match, are expected to create an electrifying atmosphere that could prove decisive.
The manager's call to "bring the crowd with us" is more than a slogan; it is a strategic appeal to harness the collective energy of a full stadium as a fourth‑line player. Historically, such support has swung tight games in Rangers' favour, and McInnes hopes to replicate that effect.
In summary, Derek McInnes is urging his players to feed off the passion of a 50,000‑strong home crowd, to stay resilient during the inevitable ebbs and flows of a high‑stakes Old Firm cup tie, and to capitalize on scoring opportunities that could tilt the balance in Rangers' favour. Simultaneously, the club is managing off‑field matters, including the potential departure of John Souttar, which could reshape the defensive line‑up. As Sunday approaches, all eyes will be on Ibrox to see whether the Rangers can translate fan fervour into a decisive victory and reignite their quest for silverware.