Mark Hateley says Rangers are facing Celtic at the best possible time as he looks for his former club to kickstart a pivotal month.
The Light Blues go into Saturday’s festive Old Firm derby with the team with most momentum as they remain unbeaten since Philippe Clement took over, have just won the Viaplay Cup and also topped their Europa League group with a great win over Real Betis. Celtic, despite winning their last two, had just lost two league games in a row which allowed their rivals to get within two points of them with a game in hand.
That’s why the former striker reckons the timing is perfect for Gers who can go to Parkhead full of belief – and with a huge month coming up the Englishman would see three points as an ideal launchpad.
Hateley told NewBettingSites.uk “Now is the best time of the season to play Celtic. Rangers are coming off the back of three games, conceding no goals, and winning all three – including winning a league cup off the back of qualifying for the Europa League last 16.
“The fortune of Ross County being cancelled, and giving players a rest over this festive period, is a big advantage for us. Philippe Clement may be frustrated that Rangers weren’t able to play but on the flip side of it, he’s got players with niggles who have had that extra break.
“Players would have had recuperation time over Christmas. A lot of key Rangers players carrying knocks can fully recharge before what will be a festive classic – and it’ll be a game that Rangers will walk into with great belief.
“Next month will be a league defining month for us starting with the Old Firm derby, before an important cup match, and ending in late January with a string of games against tough opposition in St Mirren and Hibernian.
“Add in the fact we’ve got a January window where we can bring new players in, Rangers has got a big month ahead.”
While Hateley has been impressed by Clement, it’s still been a shock to him to see Rangers claw things back so quickly.
One of the most pleasing things is the ability to dig out results when not at their best, as well as the difference in the performances of John Lundstram.
He added: “Looking at it right now, I’m surprised we pegged Celtic back in the title race as quickly as we have. That gives me optimism. The confidence of what Philippe Clement is doing right now is bringing that quality back to the football club.
“At times we’re playing ugly football – we’re winning games we shouldn’t be winning, and getting results that we wouldn’t have under Michael Beale. It’s nice to win playing pretty football, but I’ll take an ugly win!
“Everything has come together in a short space of time. It’s all been very small margins and Clement has been able to win us a League Cup Final, and top our group in Europe. Lose that final, and lose that vital game against Real Betis in the Europa League, and the whole thing collapses.
“Instead, look at what that success has done. Clement has instilled confidence into the players – and you can see it. Look at Lundstram – completely different player. All the players playing under new instruction and they’re giving us the sort of performances that even when playing poorly, we’re still winning. Everything is coming together.”
