Former Celtic captain Scott Brown believes Rangers have a major opportunity to “set down a marker” when they face Celtic twice in seven days, with Derek McInnes' side finally beginning to show the form expected of them.
Rangers welcome Celtic to Ibrox on Sunday for a Premier Sports Cup quarter-final before travelling to Celtic Park the following weekend for the second Old Firm meeting with Martin O'Neill's side, this time in the Scottish Premiership.
Brown believes the two fixtures could shape the early part of the season, with the team that wins both games sending out a significant statement to their biggest rivals.
The former Hoops’ skipper also believes Rangers' recent improvement under McInnes was inevitable given the squad and resources at his disposal.
'They've started to compete'
Rangers endured a difficult beginning to the campaign but have now moved into second place after four consecutive victories, including Wednesday's dramatic 1-0 win over St Mirren.
Brown believes McInnes' side are beginning to find their feet.
“It was always going to be a matter of time with Rangers and Derek as well, because a new manager, a lot of new players coming in, they've got to gel together,” he said.
“That's part and parcel. The last couple of games, they've started to win games. They've started to compete.
“They're sitting second in the league now, where they probably should be, if I'm honest, with their squad and their budget.
“They need to see this as an opportunity to try and win the game.”
'If somebody can win both games, it sets down a marker'
The two Old Firm matches in the space of a week could provide an early indication of where both clubs stand.
Brown believes winning the opening cup tie could provide a psychological advantage before the league meeting.
“I think that's probably the best way to put it. If somebody can go and win both games, it sets down a marker. Early doors, especially against your biggest rivals,” he explained.
“No matter what happens, both teams are still going to be in a league battle. Somebody will go through to the next round and be at Hampden soon.
“I do see Celtic being the stronger team over the two games.”
That makes Sunday's fixture even more important for Rangers as they look to close the gap and demonstrate that their recent run is the beginning of something more substantial than a blip.
Rangers must handle the Ibrox pressure
One of the biggest factors will be the atmosphere. Celtic supporters will be absent from Ibrox, leaving more than 50,000 Rangers fans inside the stadium for the quarter final.
Brown believes that can work both ways.
“Obviously, going into it as a Celtic player, you want to silence that crowd early doors. You want to make sure that you keep the ball, you dictate,” he said.
“If Celtic get an early goal, it becomes a nervous Ibrox. Just as I say, you go there in the first 20 minutes. It's key for Celtic. If they can quieten the crowd, if they can relax in the game and dictate play, it does become a nervous place because that's what you want.
“But if Rangers score early and it becomes a different game as well.”
'Who wants to win the battle'
Brown believes the midfield battle could ultimately determine which side takes control.
Rangers have options including Dan Neil and Nicolas Raskin, while Celtic have their own midfield combinations to consider.
But for Brown, tactics only go so far in an Old Firm.
“No matter what, it's going to be a nervy game, early doors. It all becomes on who wants the game more, who wants to work harder,” he explained.
“There's a lot of talk about how you build, how you play and stuff like that. In these games, early doors, it's who wants to win the battle early doors.
“I think the big one is the first game. The big one's always the first game because everyone's going in a little bit wary of how people are on the ball.
“I think the first game's always that little bit nervy and the second game will take care of itself.”
McInnes has already called on his players to show personality, confidence and discipline, while Brown believes the side must make the most of an opportunity to put down an early marker.
Two games, seven days and potentially a significant psychological swing in the Old Firm rivalry.
Rangers now have the chance to make their recent revival mean something much bigger.
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