Derek McInnes has stressed the importance of rallying the Rangers supporters for the upcoming Old Firm encounter at Ibrox on Sunday. The manager believes that the atmosphere created by a full house can be a decisive factor in a match that often hinges on fine margins. The unease that has occasionally surfaced among the Light Blues faithful was evident on Wednesday night when Rangers found themselves hard‑pressed in the second half of their Scottish Premiership fixture against St Mirren. Despite creating a number of opportunities in the first half, the team failed to convert and slipped into a period of frustration that threatened to spill over onto the pitch.
Relief finally arrived in the dying moments of the game when substitute Bojan Miovski struck in stoppage time, securing a 1‑0 victory and marking the fourth consecutive win for McInnes’s side. The narrow win underlined the thin line between triumph and disappointment that Rangers have been treading this season. For the League Cup quarter‑final against Celtic, authorities have mandated that only Rangers fans be admitted to the 50,000‑seat Ibrox stadium, a decision that emerged from a contentious ticket‑allocation dispute between the two Glasgow clubs.
The restriction adds an extra layer of pressure on the home side to deliver a performance that justifies the exclusive support. As a former Rangers midfielder stepping into his first Old Firm match as manager, McInnes is keen to see the Gers faithful respond positively. He explained, "We have to bring the crowd with us.
You cannot 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 behind us, to back the players, not to sit on their shoulders. Making it as uncomfortable as possible for Celtic is essential." He continued, "Our job is to capitalize on the chances we create. We missed several good opportunities against St Mirren and also against Motherwell, a game we also won 1‑0.
If we can get ahead early and give the supporters something to cheer, the strength and character of the club will shine through." McInnes highlighted the psychological impact of a full stadium, stating, "When the 50,000 are fully engaged and we deliver a strong performance, it becomes extremely difficult for the opposition to recover. The club has endured a period of frustration, and it is now up to us to demonstrate a different approach, one that yields results." He also paid tribute to Celtic’s recent pedigree, noting, "We recognise Celtic are a quality side, the dominant force in the league and the club with the most trophies in recent years. Our aim is simply to ensure we remain relevant in the domestic race for silverware. Sunday offers us a chance to move a step closer to that goal." In other club news, Greek side Aris Thessaloniki have entered discussions to acquire Rangers defender John Souttar.
The 29‑year‑old centre‑back signed a contract extension with Rangers earlier this year that runs until 2027, with the Scottish club holding an option to extend the deal by an additional twelve months. However, Sky Sports News reported that Souttar has become surplus to requirements at Ibrox.
Souttar was omitted from Rangers’ pre‑season training camp in Spain and has not featured under McInnes’s stewardship. The Greek transfer window is set to close on Tuesday, adding urgency to any potential move.
McInnes commented on the situation, "I spoke to John this morning; he trained with us. There is interest from one or two clubs – one perhaps a little further down the line than the other – but it could develop. It’s not at a decisive stage yet, but something may materialise in the next two or three days." Looking ahead, McInnes’s primary focus remains on preparing the squad for the high‑stakes cup tie.
He emphasized the need for tactical discipline, mental resilience, and a collective belief that the team can compete with Celtic’s quality. "We have to be ready for the ebbs and flows of the game," he said.
"When Celtic have spells, we need to respond quickly, and when we have our moments, we must make them count." The manager also addressed the broader context of the season, acknowledging that Rangers have struggled to consistently challenge for the league title despite a strong start. "We have the talent and the infrastructure to be at the top," he asserted.
"What we need now is consistency, and that starts with the fans behind us on Sunday." In summary, McInnes is urging the Rangers faithful to fill Ibrox to capacity, to create an intimidating atmosphere, and to support the players throughout the ninety minutes. He believes that a united front, both on and off the pitch, can tip the balance in a fiercely contested Old Firm derby and bring the club one step closer to reclaiming its domestic stature.