Rangers have been given a huge boost ahead of next Sunday's first old firm derby of the season with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers confirming one of his starters will be out of action for the foreseeable future.
Rodgers spoke to the media today ahead of his side’s match against Livingston at Parkhead tomorrow and confirmed Canadian right back Alistair Johnston will be out for “about 12 weeks” with a hamstring injury.
Celtic have the chance to go 7 points clear tomorrow, with the Gers not in action until Sunday, when Russell Martin and his side travel to Paisley to face St Mirren.
Whether the Hoops do win or not does not change the fact that the Gers trip to the SMiSA Stadium is a must win after a poor start to their William Hill Premiership campaign which seen the Ibrox men draw with both Motherwell away and Dundee at Ibrox.
With fan unrest and toxicity at a maximum anything short of 3 points on Sunday will see the discontentment go nuclear ahead of a huge pair of matches away to Brugge in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff round, in which the Gers trail 3-1 from the first leg at Ibrox, and next Sunday’s match at Ibrox against Rodgers side.
However, with Johnston confirmed as out, Rodgers has signalled that no replacement will be signed and that Celtic will look internally for a replacement.
This suggests that either youngster Colby Donovan or backup Anthony Ralston will step into their starting lineup.
Russell Martin: Rangers must be judged in May, not on Brugge horror show
Paisley pressure: Why St Mirren away is already do-or-die for Russell Martin
Martin’s moment of truth: Rangers must rewrite European history in Belgium
This is a welcome boost for Rangers, one of the bright sparks of their slow start to the season has been new signing Djeidi Gassama. The left sided winger, signed from Sheffield Wednesday earlier this summer has been electric, grabbing goals, assists and tormented full backs in his early Rangers appearances.
Johnston is Celtic’s best option at right back, with Ralston unconvincing and the fact he is nearly 27 and has never nailed down a starting spot emphasises this, and should he come up against the in-form Gassama, Rangers will have a huge advantage down that flank.
With Johnston sidelined, Rangers head into the Old Firm with a golden opportunity. But 3 points at St Mirren are crucial to building momentum ahead of the Champions League playoff and the return clash at Ibrox.
After a sluggish start to the season, next Sunday is more than just another fixture, it’s a chance to make a statement, take revenge, and set the tone for the battles to come as well as a big chance for Martin to win round a divided Ibrox support.