Alex Rae fires Rangers press conference warning ahead of Celtic clash

The former Ibrox midfielder has criticised manager Michael Beale and his players for some of their comments in the build-up to derby fixtures in recent months.

Beale branded his opposite number Ange Postecoglou a "lucky man" when he first arrived in Glasgow as manager, before striker Fashion Sakala branded Celtic "the other mob" back in February.

And Rae has now told his former team to remain focused ahead of Sunday's game as they look to finishing their season on a high.

He told NewSlotsKlosh: “If you are talking about a game plan, then Rangers have to get in their faces – it has to be a high press. You can’t allow them to dictate.

“If you sit off them, Celtic have the quality middle to front. I think Callum McGregor is one of the stand-out players if not the best player in Scotland.

“Celtic have had it far too easy. Rangers need to get after them – within the laws of the game of course. They have to roll up their sleeves and show a level of competitiveness.

“This game is all about the result. People talk about Rangers playing well in the last Old Firm game but it’s all about winning. The performance doesn’t matter. It’s all or nothing for Rangers and they have to produce.

“I also hope Rangers keep things in-house this week. There has been too much talking ahead of these games. They need to do their talking on the pitch and show what they are capable of.

“Social media is not a great barometer but there is unhappiness among the Rangers support and I think it’s unfair on Michael Beale who has only been able to bring in two players – Todd Cantwell and Nico Raskin – who have done quite well.

“If he can win at Hampden, it will be a huge springboard going into the summer with the fans knowing that reinforcements are coming and then they can regroup and have a real go next season.

“Of course, if he loses the opposite will happen and it will be a massive setback. As everyone knows, second is nowhere in Glasgow.”