Derek McInnes has made it clear that Rangers must rally the Ibrox faithful and turn the stadium into a genuine 50,000‑strong fortress for the upcoming Old Firm encounter in the League Cup quarter‑final. The former Rangers midfielder, now manager, stressed that the team’s success will hinge on the ability to draw the crowd into the performance, especially against a side as formidable as Celtic. The atmosphere at Ibrox has been a mixed bag of nervous anticipation and lingering anxiety among the Rangers faithful. This unease was evident during the recent Scottish Premiership match against St Mirren, where the home side faltered in the second half after failing to convert several clear‑cut chances in the first period.
The disappointment was palpable, but the mood shifted dramatically when substitute Bojan Miovski found the net in stoppage time, securing a vital 1‑0 victory and marking the fourth consecutive win under McInnes’s stewardship. In the lead‑up to the cup tie, authorities have imposed a unique ticketing arrangement: only Rangers supporters are permitted inside the 50,000‑capacity Ibrox for the quarter‑final, a decision stemming from a protracted allocation dispute between the two Glasgow giants. This restriction places additional pressure on the home fans to create a hostile environment for Celtic while also providing an opportunity for a unified, vocal backing of the players.
Speaking ahead of his first Old Firm match as manager, McInnes emphasized the importance of a positive, collective mindset. “We have to bring the crowd with us,” he said.
“You can’t expect 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 supporters are behind us, not against us, and to use that energy to make it as difficult as possible for Celtic to settle into the game.” He continued, “If we can turn good play and clear opportunities into goals – something we missed against St Mirren and Motherwell – we’ll give the fans something to celebrate, and the strength of the club will become evident.” McInnes believes that a roaring crowd can lift the players’ confidence, allowing the team to seize moments of dominance and maintain pressure throughout the match.
He added that the psychological edge provided by a full stadium could be decisive in a contest where both sides are accustomed to high stakes. The manager also addressed the broader context of Rangers’ recent frustrations. Over the past season, the club has endured a period of disappointment, failing to secure major silverware and often falling short in key fixtures. McInnes asserted that the upcoming clash offers a chance to demonstrate a new direction, stating, “There has been a lot of frustration for a while now.
It’s up to us to show that we can deliver something different and get back to being a trophy‑winning side.” Acknowledging Celtic’s pedigree, he said, “We know Celtic are a quality team, the dominant force in Scottish football in recent years, and they have collected more trophies than any other club in the country lately. Our aim is simply to give ourselves a realistic chance to be relevant again domestically and to start moving toward that goal on Sunday.” Off the pitch, Rangers are also dealing with transfer speculation surrounding defender John Souttar.
The 29‑year‑old, who signed a new contract extending his stay until 2027 with an optional additional year, has reportedly been placed on the transfer list. Sky Sports News revealed that the Scottish international was omitted from the pre‑season trip to Spain and has not featured under McInnes, suggesting he is surplus to requirements at Ibrox. Greek side Aris Thessaloniki have entered negotiations to acquire Souttar, with the Greek transfer window set to close on Tuesday. McInnes commented on the situation, saying, “I spoke to John this morning; he trained.
There is some interest from one or two clubs – one perhaps a little further down the line than the other – but it’s something that could develop. It’s not at a decisive stage yet, but we may see a move materialise in the next few days.” The manager’s remarks underline a dual focus: preparing the team tactically for a high‑pressure derby while also managing squad dynamics and potential departures. By emphasizing fan involvement, McInnes hopes to create a symbiotic relationship where the supporters’ passion fuels the players’ performance, and a strong showing on the pitch, in turn, rewards the crowd with a memorable victory.
In summary, the upcoming Old Firm cup clash represents more than just a single match for Rangers. It is an opportunity to re‑ignite the connection between the club and its supporters, to showcase a renewed competitive spirit, and to lay the groundwork for a season that could see the club return to the forefront of Scottish football.
The fans, the manager, and the players all have a role to play, and with the stadium’s capacity fully utilised, the stage is set for a dramatic and potentially decisive encounter.