Rangers see chance to close gap in clash with Celtic

Rangers and Celtic lock horns for the second time this season on Saturday at Ibrox for an Old Firm Christmas cracker.

The Ibrox club triumphed 4-2 when the clubs first met in August to go top of the Scottish Premier League. But since then Celtic have overtaken their rivals and go into Saturday's game four points ahead.

Rangers gaffer Walter Smith knows a win is vital to revive his side's bid to stop Celtic making it four league titles in a row.

But the manger is remaining tight-lipped about whether he will select top scorer Kris Boyd, who has not featured in a match against Celtic since May 2007, in the line-up for the match.

“He is the top goalscorer in Scotland by far and he has been playing very well for us,” said Smith.

“I haven't been playing him in a lot of the Old Firm games but whether he starts this weekend, you will need to wait and see.

“It's always difficult to leave Kris Boyd out of your team because he is a natural goalscorer.

“It was difficult all the way through last season but that's why we're here, because we have to make difficult decisions sometimes.

“He has always scored goals. This season, he has been working hard for the team as well but the consistency of his goalscoring has always been there.

“He has 18 for the season so far; it's a good return and hopefully that can continue all the way through.

“This season, he has tried to add a little bit more to his game than he has done previously. On previous occasions, I think he has been relying solely on his goalscoring.

“But he has worked hard for the team this season. He has also shown that isn't a loss to his goalscoring as well, which is the most important aspect.”

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan says the fact that Celtic are guaranteed to be top of the SPL on Saturday evening no matter the result would be no consolation to him if his side lost the match.

“It will mean nothing on Saturday night if we get beaten,” Strachan said.

“The pain of any defeat is not helped by looking at the table.

“I've been top of the league before and lost to Falkirk and never felt as bad.”

But the Hoops gaffer, who has only won at Ibrox once as Celtic manager, added the Old Firm matches didn't decide the destination of the title.

“It has been shown over the years that it has not been huge.

“It is other results, surprise defeats, that have been costly, although to be fair, every game counts.”

Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra faces a late fitness test while Celtic players Stephen McManus, Paul Hartley and Barry Robson have returned to training following injury and illness.

In Saturday's other matches Aberdeen host Hearts at Pittodrie. The Dons have won the last three games in a row while the Jambos are unbeaten in seven.

Falkirk take on third-placed Dundee United at Tannadice. United striker Francisco Sandaza is an injury doubt while Jackie McNamara returns from suspension for Falkirk.

Hibernian host Kilmarnock at Easter Road. Kilmarnock hope to have four players back from injury but Frazer Wright is out of the game while Hibs duo Derek Riordan and Dean Shiels should be available for the match.

It is a battle at the bottom as Motherwell take on Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Both clubs are level on points at the foot of the table with Motherwell looking to end a run of five straight defeats.

Striker Jim Hamilton should return for St Mirren as they take on Hamilton at Love Street.

Fixtures (1500 GMT unless stated)

Saturday

Rangers v Celtic (1230), Aberdeen v Hearts, Dundee United v Falkirk, Hibernian v Kilmarnock, Motherwell v Inverness CT, St Mirren v Hamilton