Rangers manager Derek McInnes has called on the Ibrox faithful to turn Sunday's Premier Sports Cup semi-final into a bear pit as his side look to strike first in a double header against Celtic.
The Glasgow giants meet at Ibrox this weekend with a place in the final at stake, before the first league Old Firm derby of the season at Parkhead seven days later. Away supporters are banned from all meetings between the clubs this term, but McInnes is concerned that anxiety among the home support could hinder his players.
McInnes pleads for unity
McInnes has urged the fans to get behind the team, admitting that Rangers will not dominate Celtic for the full 90 minutes. He believes the backing of a 50,000-strong crowd can be crucial in helping his side edge past their bitter rivals.
"We've got to bring the crowd with us. You're not going to play Celtic and dominate the game for 90 minutes. We'll have spells, they'll have spells, it's just the way it is," McInnes said.
"It's important that we tap into having that 50,000 behind us - be behind the players, support them, have their backs, not be on their backs and really make it as tough for Celtic as possible."
Late winner boosts confidence
Rangers secured a fourth straight win on Wednesday night, with Bojan Miovski's last-gasp strike earning a 1-0 victory over Craig McLeish's St Mirren. The dramatic winner sparked scenes of joy around Ibrox, and McInnes wants to harness that feel-good factor.
"We've got our part to play in that and I felt that if we can capitalise on good play and good opportunities, which we didn't do last night and we haven't done against Motherwell obviously, if we can get ourselves in front, give the crowd something to get behind, then I think the strength of our club can be shown," he said.
"I think if the 50,000 can be utilised and we can have the strength of performance in the team that will help the team, it will be difficult to stop."
Fans urged to show trust
McInnes acknowledged that there has been frustration at the club over a period of time, but he hopes the supporters will show trust and belief in the players. He admitted that Celtic are a good team who have been the main title winners and the team that has picked up more trophies than any other club in recent years.
"We just want to make sure that we give ourselves a chance to be relevant domestically again in terms of winning trophies and Sunday gives us a chance to take a step towards that," he added.
Souttar close to Aris move
Meanwhile, McInnes confirmed that John Souttar is edging towards a move to Aris Thessaloniki before the end of the Greek transfer window. He said he spoke to the defender this morning and that there is interest from one or two clubs, with one club further down the line than the other.
"I think it's something that could develop but I don't think it's at that stage yet but maybe something will happen over the next two or three days," McInnes said.
