Rangers must beat Celtic on Sunday, the title race is over if they don't claims Mark Hateley

The Ibrox legend reckons Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side need to take all three points on Sunday or they could lose their top-flight crown.

Celtic sit three points ahead at the top of the table with a superior goal difference offering Ange Postecoglou's side a huge advantage in the closing weeks of the season.

But with two derbies to come, and a third in the Scottish Cup, Rangers could claw back top spot. However, that has to start with a win at Ibrox over Celtic, claims Hateley.

Speaking to the Scottish Sun on behalf of BETDAQ he insisted this Sunday's fixture could prove decisive in the title race.

Responding to the title race poser, he said: “Yes, 100 per cent.

“It will be down to the first team to blink. That’s how important it is. 

“It’s vital for where Rangers are right now, how they have built over the period from Steven Gerrard to now.

“This is about retaining a title, which is always the most difficult thing to do.

“Winning the title is hard, retaining it is more difficult.

“The next Old Firm game is key to where Rangers will end up this season.”

Rangers will be hoping Alfredo Morelos will feature in the fixture - but doubts linger over his availability having left Colombia duty.

The striker headed back to Glasgow after a thigh injury was discovered by the medical staff at the national team.

And the Colombian FA then confirmed the injury in a statement. It read: "The technical and medical staff of the Colombia Men's Senior National Team reports that, after performing medical tests on player Alfredo Morelos, a muscle injury in the left thigh was confirmed, which prevented him from participating in the previous match against Bolivia and likewise does not allow him to participate in the next match of the Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

"For this reason, the striker is called off to start his recovery work. We wish the player a good return to his club."