Derek McInnes is keen to see Rangers fans become a genuine "12th man" as the club prepares for the upcoming Old Firm encounter at Ibrox on Sunday. The manager believes that the atmosphere created by a full house could be a decisive factor in what promises to be a tightly contested League Cup quarter‑final against Celtic. The anxiety that has occasionally surfaced among the Light Blues' supporters was evident during Wednesday night’s Scottish Premiership fixture at Govan, where Rangers found themselves struggling to break down a disciplined St Mirren defence. Despite creating several chances in the first half, the visitors were unable to convert, and the match appeared to be slipping away from them.
The tension in the stands was palpable, with many fans expressing concern over the team's inability to finish their opportunities. The situation was dramatically altered in the dying moments of the game when substitute striker Bojan Miovski, who had been introduced to inject fresh energy, found the back of the net in stoppage time. His goal secured a 1‑0 victory, marking the fourth consecutive win for McInnes’s side and providing a much‑needed lift to both the squad and its supporters.
The win also underscored the importance of depth and tactical adjustments, themes that McInnes will likely emphasize ahead of the cup tie. In a striking development, the authorities have decided that only Rangers supporters will be permitted inside the 50,000‑seat Ibrox for the quarter‑final, following a contentious ticket allocation dispute between the two Glasgow giants.
This decision means that the home crowd will have an exclusive, uninterrupted presence, amplifying the potential impact of fan energy on the pitch. McInnes, who is set to experience his first Old Firm match as a manager, sees this as an opportunity to galvanise the Gers faithful and turn the stadium into a fortress. Speaking to the media, McInnes said: "We have to bring the crowd with us.
You cannot 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 ensure that the fifty thousand people behind us are fully behind us, cheering us on, giving us confidence, and making life as difficult as possible for Celtic." He continued, "Our job is to capitalize on the chances we create.
We missed several good opportunities against St Mirren and also against Motherwell, where we won 1‑0 but did not fully exploit our dominance. If we can get an early lead, give the fans something to celebrate, and maintain that momentum, the strength of this club will be evident." McInnes emphasized the psychological edge that a roaring home crowd can provide.
"If we can fill the stadium and harness that energy, our performance on the field will improve, making it harder for Celtic to impose their game. The frustration that has built up over recent seasons needs to be addressed, and we want to show that we can deliver a different, more positive narrative." He also paid tribute to Celtic’s recent pedigree, acknowledging that they have been the dominant force in Scottish football, collecting more trophies than any other club in the modern era.
"We respect what Celtic have achieved," McInnes said, "but we also want to re‑establish ourselves as a serious contender for domestic silverware. Sunday offers us a chance to take a step in that direction." Beyond the immediate tactical and motivational aspects, there is also transfer news that could affect the squad’s composition. Greek side Aris Thessaloniki have entered discussions to acquire Rangers defender John Souttar. The 29‑year‑old centre‑back, who signed a new contract with Rangers earlier in the year extending his stay until 2027 with an optional additional year, has reportedly fallen out of favour under McInnes.
Souttar was omitted from the pre‑season training camp in Spain and has not featured in the manager’s plans since taking over. Sky Sports News reported that Souttar is now considered surplus to requirements at Ibrox, and that interest from one or two clubs, possibly including Aris, is emerging.
The Greek transfer window closes on Tuesday, adding a sense of urgency to any potential deal. McInnes confirmed the situation, stating, "I spoke to John this morning; he trained with us. There is some interest from a couple of clubs, though one may be further down the line than the other.
It’s still early days, but something could materialise in the next few days." The manager’s comments suggest that while the club remains open to negotiating a move for Souttar, any decision will be taken carefully, ensuring that the team’s defensive stability is not compromised ahead of crucial fixtures like the Old Firm cup clash. In summary, McInnes is calling for a united front: a passionate, vocal fan base that fills Ibrox to capacity, a squad that learns from recent missed chances and converts them into goals, and a clear strategic direction regarding player personnel. The upcoming match against Celtic is not just another cup tie; it is an opportunity for Rangers to re‑assert themselves, to showcase the depth of their support, and to set the tone for the remainder of the season.
If the fifty thousand supporters can be mobilised effectively, and if the players can translate that energy into decisive play, Rangers could very well turn the tide in their favour and move one step closer to reclaiming domestic glory. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £250k!
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