Ange Postecoglou unfazed by Rangers’ decision to skip Guard of Honour

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has asserted that he does not need a guard of honour from Rangers to affirm their respect for his all-conquering side.

Saturday’s pulsating Old Firm derby at Ibrox will be the first encounter between the bitter Glasgow foes since Celtic sealed back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles.

However, Rangers assistant manager Michael Beale confirmed that the Light Blues would not be performing the pre-match tribute, believing “it wouldn’t be the right thing to do.”

The phlegmatic Ange Postecoglou told Sky Sports News that he considers such gestures as merely “symbolic” and is convinced that there is an underlying respect between the rival clubs.

"“It’s no big deal for me, those things tend to be symbolic more than anything real,” the Australian gaffer said. “Respect is shown in different ways and I don’t need a guard of honour to know that. There’s respect between the two sides and certainly between the two sets of players.”“It might be grudging but they know how hard it is to be successful. Rangers won it two years ago and we have won it the last two years so that respect is there and we don’t need a guard of honour for that,” he added."

While the Premiership title has been decided, Celtic have the opportunity to complete an unbeaten season against their bitter foes.

Postecoglou feels that giving the Hoops faithful another memorable moment at the home of their rivals would be the icing on the cake.

"“It’s still a big game against our rivals, I’m sure our supporters will want us to put on a strong performance and it’s a chance to continue our form and finish the season strongly,” said the Hoops boss."

Midfielder Aaron Mooy is a doubt for the crucial clash but striker Kyogo Furuhashi is set to return after limping off against Hearts last week.

Ange Postecoglou will field a side capable of clinching an eighth straight win over Rangers as he looks to pipe down the raucous Ibrox crowd.

While the fiery fixture will be bereft of away fans, the Celtic gaffer is hoping that his team can quieten the home support by securing a historic victory.