Ally McCoist claims you wouldn’t believe what Rangers have done to Celtic ahead of Hampden meeting

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Brendan Rodgers will be in Celtic’s dugout for the League Cup semi-final next month, but who will be in the Rangers one?

Rangers sacked Russell Martin over the weekend, and they are now looking to bring in a successor, with suggestions that Steven Gerrard could return to Ibrox.

Whoever will be on the Rangers side is going to be thrown straight into the pressure cooker, including having to deal with a League Cup semi-final against Celtic on November 2 at Hampden.

Celtic beat Rangers in the League Cup final last season, but can the champions of Scotland rediscover that form?

• READ MORE: Kris Boyd mentions Celtic hero Matt O’Riley, as he slams Rangers players for ‘disrespect’

Ally McCoist on what Rangers have done to Celtic

One thing that can’t be denied is that, since the turn of the year, Brendan Rodgers’ side have been off it, in terms of performances, style of play and individual displays.

Despite that, Celtic have still picked up the trophies, which showcases their power in Scottish football, but Ally McCoist thinks Rangers have played a part.

Everyone can see how woeful Rangers are, but when McCoist was asked to share his thoughts on the upcoming League Cup semi-final, he thinks the current holders are ‘slight favourites.’

Speaking on talkSPORT, McCoist also feels, whether people ‘believe it or not’, Rangers have ‘dragged down’ Celtic with them in recent times.

“I was at the last Glasgow derby game, which was a heck of a disappointing game,” said McCoist.

“That’s how poor it was. At this moment, you probably expect Celtic to start as slight favourites, but I don’t think, and I know you agree with me, mate.

“I don’t think Celtic are in great shape either. And I actually think Rangers have actually dragged them down, believe it or not.”

Celtic are causing their own problems…

Even with Celtic losing two Glasgow derby matches after the turn of the year, there was no danger of Rodgers not delivering the title.

Celtic’s utter dominance in Scottish football is becoming their weakness because there is hardly a challenge, and very little pressure during the crunch moments of the season, which results in players relaxing.

Rodgers called out the players after defeat to relegated St Johnstone last season in April, for that very reason.

Combined with an abject 2025 summer transfer window, Celtic are proving to be their own worst enemies, yet, despite all those troubles, the Hoops are still unbeaten on the domestic stage, and the trophies continue to be churned up.