The Englishman heaped admiration on new Ibrox manager Philippe Clement’s effect at his previous club ahead of the derby trip.
Mark Hateley believes Rangers are catching rivals Celtic at the right time as they try to make it eight victories in a row following a week off, and believes a win will set them up beautifully for a league-defining month of January to start the new year.
Philippe Clement’s players travel to Parkhead for Saturday’s titanic Old Firm derby full of confidence, having clinched Europa League knockout football and the first domestic title of the season. It’s a far cry from the atmosphere at the Light Blues when the two sides last met, when Kyogo’s sole goal in Govan elicited boos from the home crowd directed at Michael Beale and the Rangers players.
That was at the start of September and Beale was axed at the end of that month with his side trailing last season’s Treble winners by seven points. Clement has transformed the club while Brendan Rodgers has seen his side stutter, dropping TEN points in the Scottish Premiership since the Belgian arrived across the city.
Celtic still boast a five point lead ahead of the lunchtime clash but Rangers have two games in hand after Wednesday’s home game against Ross County was postponed due to travel issues for the Staggies caused by Storm Gerit. And Hateley – who won 11 major trophies over two spells at Ibrox – 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.
“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 are 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.
“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 have got a big month ahead.”
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