‘Into Celtic’s hands’: Neil Lennon sends warning to Rangers ahead of Glasgow derby

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Neil Lennon says Brendan Rodgers will be going into Celtic’s clash at Rangers ‘frustrated’.

The Celtic legend warned that, if Rangers ‘have a go’ at the Bhoys, then he thinks that it ‘might play into our hands’, as he told PLZ Soccer. 

Before Rangers can focus on Sunday’s showdown at Ibrox, they have the small matter of their second-leg Champions League play-off against PSV to deal with.

It’s pretty obvious, unless the final days of the transfer window changes this, then the Celtic fans are heading into the Glasgow derby with morale on the floor.

Those dropped points against St Johnstone at the weekend, which resulted in boos from the home crowd, wasn’t pleasant to witness, so if Rangers progress on Wednesday, then they will be on a high and that needs to be taken into account.

So, the pressure is on for the powers that be at Parkhead to bring in some much-needed new faces before the transfer window slams shut on Friday, because Rodgers needs it – here are five signings we could make.

Either way, Lennon shared his thoughts on the Glasgow derby and how Rangers going for it might suit a recently goal-shy Celtic attack. 

“He won’t be angry,” said Lennon about Rodgers going into the Glasgow derby. “But he will be frustrated.

“Psychologically, it’s always good to have that little cushion going into this game. Tom (McManus) makes a good point about Rangers actually coming out and having a go at Celtic. It might play into Celtic’s hands.

“The first goal is always pivotal in these games. Normally, if you get the first goal. You go on to win it or you certainly don’t lose it. 

“And Celtic are more than capable of scoring at any ground in Scotland. But they just need to find their levels, or it could be a long afternoon.”

Huge week ahead

At 2pm on Sunday, the mood of everyone associated with the club will become pretty clear.

By then, the summer transfer window would have slammed shut and everyone will know the result of the Rangers game.

There is no in-between here. Either, Rodgers gets the players he wants and the three points at Ibrox.

Or, fans are frustrated at the summer transfer window that has just passed, which if it is followed up by a defeat, then, you don’t even want to think about what the reaction might be like.