Kevin Thomson has urged Rangers to "play to your strengths" in the Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic.

The former Ibrox midfielder has advised that Rangers "rough them up" and play "cute" against their Glasgow rivals at Hampden.

Thomson reckons Celtic could tire should the match remain in the balance as the game approaches the final whistle or enters extra-time.

For that reason, Thomson has demanded Rangers players "go to the well" and "dig deep" against Celtic if they are to lift book a spot in the final.

However, Thomson conceded he fears Rangers don't have the ability to go "toe-to-toe and bully Celtic".

READ MORE: Rangers must do their talking on the pitch to end Celtic Treble dreams

On the BBC Scottish Football podcast, Thomson said: "Celtic's mentality is that they want to go and win the game. Ange Postecoglou is not going to change.

"He is going to play - he might not have the ballboys throwing the ball as quick right enough with it being Hampden - but he's going to have that front foot football.

"They are relentless. I do think that this Celtic team tires. Normally the game is buried and they can slow it down a bit and conserve a bit of energy.

"I just think Rangers, like the game against Celtic in extra time [last year's Scottish Cup semi-final), need to go to the well.

"Cliche or not, they need to dig deep, they need to rough them up. They are not an overly big team, Celtic. They are a very technical and fast, nimble team. You need to play to your strengths.

"I'm not so sure Rangers have the make up in their team to go to toe-to-toe and really bully Celtic, so Mick is going to have to have wee cute bits to try and exploit different things."

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