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Former Celtic striker predicts surprise Old Firm result, raves about one 'excellent' Rangers buy
Former Celtic striker Andy Walker has said this weekend’s Old Firm clash is too close to call, but that he can see Rangers winning for the first time in the Premiership since 2012.
In one of the most eagerly-anticipated Old Firm clashes in years, Walker has given Rangers fans even more hope with a really positive write-up in his Sky Sports column.
“For years I’ve struggled to make a case for Rangers when they go up against Celtic. This weekend, I can make a strong case for them.
“The improvement in their play has been very marked under Graeme Murty and they’ve certainly got a chance, especially with home advantage.”
Walker goes on to say that Murty needs to beat Celtic, either at Ibrox on Sunday, or in the Scottish Cup semi-final or remaining Premiership game if he wants to keep the job on a permanent basis.
But he says that the business Murty did in January has given him a real shot and singled out Jamie Murphy for special praise.
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“I always remember Jamie Murphy as an excellent young player at Motherwell. He went down south to Sheffield United, then to Brighton.
“He’s done really well for Rangers. He’s got a lot of composure and he’s the type of player that can score goals. He’s also very creative and very much a team player.”
Walker rounded off his column by saying he “wouldn’t be surprised to see Rangers, with the momentum they’ve got, get a victory.”
Football Insider verdict:
There’s a real sense that this Old Firm derby is the first ‘proper’ one in years. Both sets of fans are champing at the bit and it promises to be an exceptional atmosphere. Pundits with a bias are normally partisan in these sorts of columns and it’s a genuine surprise to see Andy Walker come out in favour of rangers. He says it’s too close to call but if he was pushed it really sounds like he thinks Rangers are going to do the business on Sunday at Ibrox.
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