With Rangers facing a crucial Old Firm derby against Celtic, former Rangers player Kris Boyd has written off their title hopes and urged the team to let their football do the talking.
While Rangers winning at Parkhead may seem like their only shot at redemption, legend Kris Boyd believes their title hopes have already sunk. The Celtic juggernaut has rolled on, amassing a nine-point lead and an immaculate home record.
They haven’t lost a solitary Premiership match on their patch all season. Defeat for Rangers could prove catastrophic, heaping pressure on Michael Beale and threatening to derail their Scottish Cup dreams.
Yet victory might just buoy their battered confidence, a defiant show of defiance against seemingly insurmountable odds. At this point, the league is lost, though salvaging silverware remains possible.
Boyd urges his former club to let their football do the talking, rather than inflammatory comments questioning their progress.
Connor Goldson’s claim they’ve ‘stood still’ since title 55 raises awkward questions, especially grating upon fans and teammates’ nerves before a high-stakes derby.
Though responsibilities in the media must be met, deception and finesse are required rather than directness.
The magnitude of the challenge is reflected in Rangers’ terrible record at Parkhead, where they have only won six times in 41 attempts. Boyd, a seasoned victor there, is aware of how difficult it is to beat the Bhoys. The absence of visiting fans, along with Celtic’s dominance, heavily benefits the home team.
The stakes and spectacle of an Old Firm match are unrivaled, and players know it. The most remarkable achievements are created in the fire of struggle against overwhelming odds.
Ange Postecoglou is so spoiled for options that he doesn’t even have to put much thought into picking his team. His team’s success under his leadership is the stuff of any coach’s aspirations.
Rangers should welcome the chance to dethrone their opponents in their lair; any other attitude would be unworthy of such a big challenge.
A gutsy, morale-boosting victory would give their remaining games extra meaning now that they no longer held the crown. On the other hand, there is no benefit to a humiliating beating.
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There can be no retreat in the face of this Old Firm; only boldness. The season’s significance would be lost without this. Put on a show for the naysayers and maybe even surprise yourself, Rangers. There is still triumph to be won through trial, and it all begins now. Where your foes live and work.