Friday 9 March 2018 12:38, UK
Scotland manager Alex McLeish is not convinced Sunday’s Old Firm derby will be a title decider, but admitted Rangers still need to win the game as they look to chase down leaders Celtic.
The two sides meet at Ibrox - live on Sky Sports Football from 11.30am - with Gers knowing victory would leave them just three points behind their Glasgow rivals, albeit having played a game more.
McLeish knows a thing or two about the fixture, having managed Rangers between 2001 and 2006, although in his current role his focus will be identifying players who could make the step up to international level.
"I don't think it will be a title decider but it's a game Rangers do need to win if they are going to have any chance of getting close to the title," McLeish told Sky Sports News.
"Celtic are still favourites but Rangers are in great form lately. [Manager] Graeme Murty has done a great job, they have a good tempo and I know [assistant manager] Jimmy Nichol has been a big influence.
"Some young lads have come in who have given them a boost and they have got some old heads as well.
"Of the younger players at Rangers, there are not too many Scots. We've got [David] Bates, we've got [Ross] McRorie who's injured. These are guys I will be looking at for the future."
Glasgow is not the only Scottish city hosting a big derby this weekend, with Hibernian playing Hearts at Easter Road in the Edinburgh showdown on Friday night - also live on Sky Sports.
McLeish has been to some Hearts games recently but is also keen to see some promising Hibs players in action, including midfielder John McGinn.
"In the short space of time I've been here [Scotland manager] I've been given about a thousand names [to look at]," added McLeish.
"There's been plenty of preparation time and that's what you get in international football.
"McGinn has had a really good season and is a contender and there are names of other Hibernian players I have been given to have a look at.
"I spoke to [Hibs boss] Neil Lennon last week and I am looking forward to seeing the derby game - I love derbies.
"It's about bragging rights. If you lose that derby game, don't go out for a week. You have to stay indoors, take your medicine and try again next week.
"Derby games are special, I loved them even in my playing days."
Watch Hibernian v Hearts on Friday night, part of 'Rivalry Weekend'. Coverage begins on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event from 7:30pm.
Then tune in on Sunday for Rangers v Celtic. Coverage gets underway at 11:30am on the same two channels.
