The big Celtic trip to Ibrox this weekend that's gone under the radar

By John McGinley

March 31, 2023

With the excitement of the Celtic first team returning to action this weekend following the international break, all eyes are on the Bhoys trip to Dingwall on Sunday lunchtime.

It’s a crucial game for Ange Postecoglou and his team heading into next week’s derby against Rangers. It’s not the time for any slip-ups despite incredible domestic form since September.

Easy to miss, then, that the Celtic B team led by Darren O’Dea and Stephen McManus have a massive match of their own to contend with on Sunday afternoon – a journey to Ibrox to take on their title title-chasing rivals.

Massive test for Celtic B vs Rangers

The young Hoops have a test like no other journeying to Govan, with the Ibrox side pushing for their fans to turn out in numbers at the stadium to cheer on their own prospects in the Lowland League clash.

It’s a match with big consequences in the context of the table. Celtic currently sit third behind Rangers, two points adrift. A win at Ibrox would propel them into second with just a handful of games remaining. It would also put pressure on Spartans, who are six points ahead of the Bhoys but have played a game more.

Celtic B have performed well against Rangers this season, but heading to Ibrox and beating them in that arena would be the perfect way to enter a three-game run-in for the Lowland League honours.

Matthew Anderson, tipped for a big future, is right up for it, telling the official website: “We’ve played Rangers twice this season, and won both games. So hopefully we can carry that on, get three points and three wins out of three.

“We are buzzing to get back into the action. We have had a wee break during the international break. It’s obviously been a few weeks since our last league game. So we’re looking forward to getting back to it on Sunday.

“Heading into the final few games, we are near the top of the league. So all we can do is keep winning and hopefully something can happen for us. It’s been a really good season and we are looking to end it on a high.”

The match takes place at 2pm on Sunday, directly after the Hoops’ senior match in the Highlands. Fingers crossed it’s a joyous afternoon on all fronts!

In other news, Celtic training images clear up Tomoki Iwata and Reo Hatate injury confusion.