Graeme Souness has urged Rangers to use Sunday's Old Firm cup tie as a launch pad, recalling how a similar victory almost 40 years ago catalysed his own Ibrox revolution. The former manager believes a win for Derek McInnes' side could transform their season.
Durrant's winner paved the way
Souness saw his Rangers reign truly ignite with a Sunday victory over Celtic at Ibrox in August 1986. Ian Durrant's winner against David Hay's team paved the way for silverware success, and Souness wants the current squad to follow that example.
Having been at the centre of the fixture during his five years in Glasgow, Souness is well versed on its importance. Back then, victory proved a catalyst after a sticky start, with two defeats in his opening three league matches.
Pressure and the feelgood factor
Souness said: "I'd played in big games, big derbies and that was, and still is, the biggest of them all. This game."
He recalled: "I made a schoolboy error at a press conference when I said I wasn't really bothered about beating them so long as we win the league. It was after that game I realised I'd made an almighty politician's misstep!"
He added: "My take on working here is you can be the team that enjoys a wee bit of luck in the first Old Firm game and you end up winning. You might not have been the best but circumstances – a red card, a ref's decision, a bit of luck – and you win and everything will appear to be wrong in Celtic's camp."
A monster game for both teams
Souness acknowledged the tie's significance: "I know this is not a league game, this is a cup tie, but it is a very important game for both clubs. It dictates the feeling going forward to the Old Firm league game, which is the following week."
Victory would move McInnes just two games from winning his first trophy at the helm. Souness said: "I had great success with this trophy and I did in England with the League Cup as well. Win the League Cup and you've one in the bag."
He added: "Rangers have had some decent results of late, but going out of Europe in that manner, this means this tie has a different importance."
McInnes has taken criticism in the early weeks of his reign, but Souness knows it comes with the territory. He said: "I can remember saying to Philippe Clement when he became manager: 'If this goes well, it'll be the best job you'll ever have. If it doesn't, it might be the worst.' That's the price on the ticket when you're managing the Old Firm."
