Derek McInnes has urged the Rangers faithful to rally behind the team as they prepare for the upcoming Old Firm cup encounter at Ibrox on Sunday. The manager, who is about to experience his first derby as the head coach of the Light Blues, stressed that the atmosphere created by a full house could be a decisive factor in what is always a fiercely contested match. The anxiety that has sometimes plagued Rangers supporters was evident in recent weeks, particularly during a Scottish Premiership fixture against St Mirren at Ibrox.
The home side struggled to find a rhythm in the second half, squandering several opportunities before the break. The tension eased only when substitute Bojan Miovski struck in stoppage time, securing a narrow 1-0 victory and marking the fourth consecutive win under McInnes. For the League Cup quarter‑final against Celtic, the authorities have mandated that only Rangers supporters be admitted to the 50,000‑seat stadium, following a dispute over ticket allocations between the two Glasgow clubs.
This decision amplifies the importance of the home crowd, and McInnes is keen to ensure that the supporters become an active, positive force rather than a source of pressure. "We have to bring the crowd with us," McInnes 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 harness the energy of those 50,000 fans, to back the players, to give them confidence, not to add extra weight on their shoulders." He continued, "If we can convert good play into clear chances – something we missed against St Mirren and also against Motherwell, where we won 1‑0 – and if we can get ahead early, the crowd will have something to celebrate. That momentum can showcase the true strength of this club." McInnes believes that a vocal, supportive stadium can make the game significantly harder for Celtic. "When the fans are behind you, it lifts the whole team’s performance.
It becomes difficult for the opposition to cope with that level of intensity," he explained. He also acknowledged the frustration that has lingered among supporters over recent seasons, noting that the club must now demonstrate a different, more ambitious approach. Recognising Celtic’s pedigree, McInnes said, "We know they are a quality side, the dominant force in the league and the club that has collected more silverware than anyone else in recent years. Our aim is to re‑establish ourselves as a domestic contender, to be in the conversation for trophies again.
Sunday offers us a chance to take a step in that direction." Beyond the immediate focus on the Old Firm clash, McInnes addressed the situation surrounding defender John Souttar. The 29‑year‑old centre‑back, who signed a contract extension until 2027 earlier in the year with an additional twelve‑month option for the club, has reportedly fallen out of favour under the new management. Sky Sports News revealed that the Greek side Aris Thessaloniki is interested in acquiring Souttar, and the Greek transfer window is set to close on Tuesday. "I spoke to John this morning; he trained with us," McInnes confirmed.
"There is some interest from a couple of clubs – one might be a bit 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 movement in the next few days." The manager’s comments highlight a broader theme of transition at Ibrox, where squad adjustments and tactical shifts are expected as McInnes implements his vision. The upcoming derby, therefore, is not only a test of on‑field tactics but also a litmus test for the relationship between the team and its supporters. In summary, McInnes is calling for a unified front: a passionate, supportive crowd that fuels the players, a strategic approach that capitalises on chances, and a clear message that Rangers are intent on reclaiming domestic relevance.
With the League Cup quarter‑final against Celtic looming, the stakes are high, and the manager believes that the combined strength of the squad and the stadium’s atmosphere will be crucial in shaping the outcome. The club’s supporters, now the sole occupants of Ibrox for the match, have a unique opportunity to influence the game’s narrative. As McInnes put it, "If the 50,000 can be utilised and we can deliver a strong performance, it will be very difficult for Celtic to stop us." This call to arms comes at a pivotal moment for Rangers, as they aim to break a period of underachievement and re‑establish themselves among Scotland’s elite. The forthcoming Old Firm clash will serve as a barometer for the progress made under McInnes and could set the tone for the remainder of the season.