Rangers ace Abdallah Sima has ‘rude awakening coming’ against Celtic – McAvennie
Rangers star Abdallah Sima will face a “rude awakening” against Celtic if he tries to play in his typical style.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Celtic and West Ham striker Frank McAvennie was adamant that the Brighton loanee would need a “different mindset” if he faces the Hoops on Sunday afternoon (7 April).
Sima, 22, recently returned from a hamstring injury he sustained with Senegal at the African Cup of Nations in January and earned a 10-minute cameo in the Gers’ 3-1 win against Hibernian on Saturday (30 March).
His recovery marks a huge boost for Philippe Clement’s title-chasing side, with the attacker bagging 15 goals and two assists in the 33 appearances before his injury.
Celtic atmosphere will suck the life out of Rangers ace Sima
However, McAvennie, who predicted Sima would not start the crucial Old Firm showdown, claimed that the volatile atmosphere at Ibrox will take its toll on the prolific forward.
“It’s a different mindset to play in an Old Firm game,” he told Football Insider.
“If he thinks he can run around and do what he normally does, then he’s got a rude awakening coming.
“The atmosphere sucks out the energy.
“It’s good for Sima to be back and Celtic have Reo Hatate coming back – it’s great for the game.
“Whether Sima starts or not, I’m not sure.
“I think Rangers will play Cyriel Dessers up front on his own.”
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