Alan Hutton drops ‘huge’ Rangers claim ahead of Celtic showdown
Rangers are facing their “biggest test” of the season when they face Celtic on Sunday (3 September).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Gers defender Alan Hutton said the side cannot let Wednesday’s Champions League disappointment distract them from the “huge” task at hand.
Despite heading into the second leg of their Champions League play-off against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday (30 August) on level terms, the Gers were beaten 5-1 in Holland for a 7-3 aggregate loss.
The Light Blues will still have guaranteed European football until Christmas, dropping into the Europa League group stages where they will face Real Betis, Sparta Praha and Aris Limassol.
Michael Beale’s next test comes against Celtic on Sunday with just a point separating the sides at this early stage of the season.
When asked if the Champions League defeat will impact the performance at the weekend, Hutton told Football Insider: “It is the old cliche you can only focus on what is in front of you.
“I know it is a boring answer but it is very true. They may be on a bit of a downer but they have still got European football and as soon as that game was over their main focus would be on Celtic.
“This is a huge test and all teams will be wanting to see where they are at against each other because it is the biggest test when it comes to league football.“
In other news, defender set to stay at Rangers after English club offers rejected.