Pundit names what could be the 'defining factor' between Rangers and Celtic as Ibrox challenge laid down
Former Rangers and Middlesbrough star challenged his old side to be more like the Hoops
Ex Rangers midfielder turned pundit Kevin Thomson reckons Celtic have half a dozen players who can step up in the big moment - but questioned who is going to be ‘that guy’ for Rangers.
Last weekend, the champions showed off their attacking prowess in the Scottish Premiership in their 7-1 demolition of Hearts, with most of the attack chipping in with goals and assists. Manager Martin O’Neill now looks to have found a chaotic front three in Camilo Duran, Callum Osmand and Haissem Hassan, alongside output-machine Benjamin Nygren behind them. With winger Jota returning from injury and record-signing Kasper Hogh on the fringes, the goals can come from anywhere for the Hoops.
Thomson isn’t sure if the same can be said at Ibrox. He expected captain and striker Lawrence Shankland to be the main man this season. However, his hamstring injury and subsequent four-month sideline means someone else has to step up. Speaking to the Scottish Sun, the former Rangers, Hibs and Middlesbrough man laid down a ‘challenge’ for his old side.
Thomson names Celtic stars who could be match-winners
He said: “That’s going to be the defining factor between both teams. Celtic have Camilo Duran, Haissem Hassan, Jota coming back, Kasper Hogh and Osmand. Nygren pops up with goals, Jota’s going to pop up with goals as he gets fitter, Duran’s hitting the net. Hassan strikes me more of an assists man but I might be wrong. I’ve got no doubt Nygren will be aiming for between ten and 15 goals.”
A lot of Rangers’ goals have come from the new-look strike partnership of Ryan Naderi and Kevin Kelsy in recent weeks. Meanwhile, wingers Kim Min-su, Djeidi Gassama and Findlay Curtis have struggled in terms of attacking output. However, Stuttgart loanee Badredine Bouanani stepped up last weekend with a wonder-strike in their 2-2 draw at Dundee.
Thomson lays down Ibrox ‘challenge’
“The challenge for the boys at Rangers is who’s going to be that guy? At Rangers you’re looking at Ryan Naderi then potentially Gassama, Minsu and Kevin Kelsy. You could add Badredine Bouanani into that as well. I’ve got no doubt that guy to score 25 goals could have been Lawrence Shankland but he’s now injured so you’re looking for that next hero.
“Will it be Naderi? I hope so because he’s been excellent but the other ones have to take some of that load. Rangers have dominated the ball and created more chances. They had over 20 shots on goal at Dundee and it was similar against Kilmarnock.
“They’re not all going to score 25 but Minsu and Gassama should be trying to break that double-figure marker. That’s what you get judged on if you’re playing in that area of the pitch. They’re the risk-takers and the people who can make the difference.”