Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Fri 27 February 2026 12:29, UK

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Celtic fans insist that Luke McCowan has rattled Danny Rohl after the Rangers manager hit out at the player’s comments following the Stuttgart match.

The Hoops crashed out of the Europa League on Thursday despite winning 1-0 on the night in Germany.

While an early Europa League exit will hurt, Martin O’Neill’s side can take confidence that they were able to overcome Stuttgart in the second leg.

However, Luke McCowan may have got a bit too confident, as he stated after the match that “no team in that league touches them” when they are on form.

As a result, Rohl was quick to question these comments in his pre-match press conference, much to the amusement of the Celtic fanbase.

🔊 LISTEN: “We in second, they are behind us. They have seven or eight defeats.”

“I was a little bit surprised that they were not trying to win the game 3-0.”

🔵 Rangers boss Danny Röhl responds to Luke McCowan’s claims that Celtic are the best team in the league on their day. pic.twitter.com/9bzxWrVU1Q

— Clyde 1 Superscoreboard (@ClydeSSB) February 27, 2026

• Read more: Rangers fans mock Luke McCowan’s bizarre Celtic claim ahead of Old Firm showdown

Celtic fans insist Danny Rohl is rattled by Luke McCowan’s comments

Sunday’s Old Firm derby is arguably the most important in years, with the Scottish Premiership title on the line.

If one side losses, they are at serious risk of falling out of the race altogether, especially if Hearts pick up three points against Aberdeen on Saturday.

As a result, both sides will be looking at any possible way to get an advantage at Ibrox to ensure they pick up three points.

Now, Celtic may have received this, with fans convinced that McCowan has struck a nerve with Rohl.

In his pre-match press conference, the Rangers manager said: “We are in second, they are behind us. They have seven or eight defeats.

“In general, it makes no sense to speak about the other side; we need to focus on ourselves.

“I was a little bit surprised that they [Celtic] were not trying to win the game 3-0 [against Stuttgart].”

This reaction has caused widespread amusement among the Celtic fanbase on X, insisting that he “took the bait”.

Hahahaha Luke McCowan has got Danny Rohl on strings.

— CFC 55 (@real55champions) February 27, 2026

7/8 defeats and if we had played our game in hand and won we’d be above Danny bus park ! We’ve half our outfield team injured! I know who needs to win the tie. It’s not Celtic

— We Won It First ⭐️ (@liamt67) February 27, 2026

All about the Celtic as usual.

— Scraps From Our Table (@MarkRevaz) February 27, 2026

Hahahaa he’s Absolutely Rattled by a B team player 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

— CelticFirst (@CELTlC67) February 27, 2026

Hahahahaha their manager biting to Luke McCowan sensational.

— Robert Stephen (@RobertStephen27) February 27, 2026

Took the bait, now pin those comments on the dressing room wall

— ApacheCelt (@ApacheCelt) February 27, 2026

Oh he’s taken the bait 😂

— Danny Crossan (@Gre3nProphet) February 27, 2026

• Read more: How to watch Rangers vs Celtic: TV channel, live stream and kick-off time

What else did Rohl say ahead of the Old Firm derby?

For Rohl, this game is no doubt the most important he has managed since becoming Rangers manager.

A victory could easily make the Gers favourites for the title, especially if Hearts drop points. However, a defeat could all but end these ambitions.

Earlier this campaign, Rohl coached Rangers to a 3-1 win at Celtic Park, in a game that proved to be Wilfried Nancy’s last in the dugout.

As a result, he will be looking to repeat this feat on Sunday as he prepares to oversee his first Old Firm derby as Rangers manager at Ibrox.

Now, he has conceded that this could be the biggest game of his managerial career to date, given the stakes.

He told BBC Sport on 27 February: “It’s a crucial one because when you come closer and closer to the end of the season, then you know every game is important.”

To read more about Rangers’ title race, look to our expert team at Ibrox News.