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Rangers boss Derek McInnes confirms 2 Old Firm injury doubts, sends Celtic 'aggression' warning

McInnes has been speaking ahead of the Old Firm
ByJamie Kemble
McInnes wants more of the same
McInnes wants more of the same | Ian MacNicol/GettyImages

Rangers boss Derek McInnes says he is sweating over the fitness of two players ahead of Sunday's Premiership Old Firm with Celtic.

The Gers made easy work of the Bhoys at Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup last weekend, but it is now their turn to play with no away fans at Parkhead, which will be no easy task.

Rangers do, however, have the advantage of having a whole week to prepare for this game, while Celtic were in Europa League action on Thursday night, suffering another defeat and another blow to their confidence.

McInnes' men will be hoping to take advantage of that lack of confidence on Sunday to tighten up the Premiership title race and plunge Celtic into further depths of concern.

But the Rangers boss has said he is unsure whether Ryan Naderi and an unnamed player will be fit enough to play, with late checks to be made on two players.

McInnes said Naderi's ankle was a 'mess' after Mika Baur's high challenge in the last Old Firm, and Rangers spoke to the SFA over the decision to not hand out a red card for the challenge.

"Ryan is one of two players who is a wee bit of a doubt for Sunday," McInnes said.

On the game itself, he added: "There's a positivity, but we will need another big performance this weekend. I think we're getting a semblance of consistency and good performance levels.

 "We will look to do something similar in terms of our approach; the aggression and confidence to play, the energy, are all more important than the tactics.

"Hopefully the players go into the game with that message. A big performance is required, but you don't win at Celtic Park unless everyone plays well."

Rangers have now won five straight games since their embarrassing European exit, so they arrive at Parkhead in much more confident move than their hosts, who have now lost back-to-back games.

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