‘I predict a draw, but Rangers have to do a lot of catching up’: Kenny Dalglish on Monday’s Old Firm derby

Michael Beale was alongside Steven Gerrard in the technical area for many Old Firm games.

But it will be totally different for him tomorrow.

It’s no longer about him offering advice and guidance to Steven.

He is the manager, and everything rests on his shoulders. There is no hiding place.

Michael needs to get his team selection spot on, his tactics correct and his players fully motivated. He’ll also hope for a wee bit of good fortune on the day.

Putting all of that together is not easy, but it’s what needs to be done.

He also has the added pressure of knowing that if Rangers lose, then the league race is as good as over.

To avoid that, the Light Blues will need to produce an exceptional performance.

Celtic are playing some great football just now, and are absolutely flying. They have many potential match-winners, and they will be feeling confident about getting a positive result.

© Rob Casey / SNS Group

Rangers need to win, Celtic don’t.

However, I’m sure Ange Postecoglou will be hammering a message home to his players about leaving Ibrox with three points, and creating a 12-point gap.

I happen to think it will end in a score draw.

That result might not be too bad for Rangers, considering the manager is not long in the door, and the last time the teams met Celtic won 4-0.

Regardless of the outcome, Celtic are well ahead of Rangers, and there is a lot of work to be done at Ibrox to catch up.

The Parkhead club are well up to speed with their recruitment, and have already signed three new players as the transfer window opens.

Celtic do not look like they plan to stand still. They want to keep motoring, on and off the park.

The challenge for Rangers is to start moving at a pace that will give them a proper chance to compete.

A surprise win tomorrow will be a sign of improvement, and a big step in the right direction under Michael.

But they are involved in a marathon, not a sprint.