Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane agree on one thing about Rangers and Celtic as rivals given big backing

Rangers and Celtic have been given healthy backing as pundits south of the border try to narrow down football’s ultimate grudge match.

Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher are amongst the pundits to be asked on The Overlap over what the best derby in football is. Rangers and Celtic’s clashes in Glasgow are known around the world as being amongst the most hostile and that is not lost on some of those down south, who recognise the fierce nature of what those clubs battling in the Premiership truly means.

Ian Wright kicked off the quickfire answers with the North London derby between his former side, Arsenal, and Tottenham but Old Firm back-up was on the way. Jill Scott made room for Sunderland vs Newcastle but Liverpool legend Carragher is certain it’s Glasgow’s big two locking horns, the word ‘atmosphere’ coming to mind.

What does Roy Keane think of the Old Firm?

Manchester United hero and former Hoops midfielder Keane chimed in with ‘Celtic vs Rangers, when they’re both competing near the top.’ Former Parkhead and Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou was also in the Old Firm camp as Gary Neville turned attention back to North London and Sunderland vs Newcastle. Several members of the crew also vouched for the Old Firm as the best derby day fixture.

Rangers are second in the league currently and face Livingston on Sunday. Boss Danny Rohl said: “In general, we have to go from game to game, but it was a good statement last week (vs Hearts). Straight after the game, the next day training was good. Even the players who didn’t play, they were very motivated and hungry to train. We have to continue, and we have to keep our intensity.

“It is one of the first weeks since I have been here that we have had a normal week. It is a different rhythm, but it is important we keep our intensity in the training, but also to give them a little bit of rest for the mindset, and we did that. We are well prepared for Sunday, but we know in these games we have to do our homework, and we have to take the win; otherwise, it makes no sense to win the game before.”

Martin O’Neill on Celtic vs Hibs

Celtic meanwhile take on Hibs as they look to claw back some ground in the title race from third position. O’Neill said on facing the side from Easter Road: “Naturally, a very, very strong game. We played them earlier in my time, in my first spell here, and they caused us all sorts of problems in the game.

“They had a good win (against St Mirren), and I thought they played exceptionally well for long periods against Hearts as well. So, we need to be up for that challenge.”

Midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain added: : “You always look forward to playing home games in front of your own fans, especially at a place like our stadium. That is always the slight advantage you get at home, so you have to capitalise on those games. Every game is a great opportunity. It’s a test, but the home games are really important to try and seal all three points because things can get tougher away from home.”