Jermain Defoe has insisted Rangers can beat Celtic at Parkhead as he hailed manager Philippe Clement.

The former Ibrox striker reckons Rangers are in good hands under Clement as he revealed his instant verdict on the Belgian boss.

Despite not being at the club, Defoe immediately knew Clement was a wise appointment because 'he gets it'.

On Sky Sports, the Tottenham academy coach said: "I am really looking forward to it [Celtic vs Rangers] and I believe that the boys can do it and they can do it with this squad and this manager.

"I remember watching the manager's interview when he came in, I thought 'Wow, he gets it'. 

"It is such an amazing club. The demand from the fans and the club and the standards and the level you have to get to as players...

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"You have to finish first because if you finish second you might as well finish last.

"I am looking forward to the game, I still believe they can do it, and if they do it will be amazing."

Pushed on Clement's impact at Ibrox, he added: "They love him. Even his demeanor when you see him, apparently he is a really nice guy but he is big on standards and I think you have to be when you are Rangers manager."

Discussing the crucial league encounter this weekend, Defoe was confident his former club could achieve a result and still lift the Scottish Premiership title.

He said: "I think, yeah. When you have played for that football club and understand the importance of the Old Firm and winning the league - I think you always have to be positive.

"You always have to believe you can go to Celtic and get a result, in those sort of games form goes out the window, it's a one-off game.