Ally McCoist shares Rangers and Celtic verdict after what he has seen

Rangers and Celtic are both “very average” this season and the title race will come down to a psychological battle, according to Ally McCoist.

Speaking to FourFourTwo (24 August), the Gers legend stated that the main difference between the two Glasgow rivals in recent years has been their mentality.

The first Old Firm clash of 2024/25 takes place on 1 September, and McCoist believes Philippe Clement is the right man to help the Light Blues turn the tide in the battle of a Premiership title race.

He said: “I’ll be brutally honest, both Rangers and Celtic are very average sides.

“It’s a psychological battle – Rangers have been going into the derbies hoping. Celtic go in believing and knowing. That’s the difference.

“It comes down to mentality. I believe Philippe Clement is going to have them more fired up this term – if Rangers can handle the psychological battle of a title race, we might see it go down to the wire.”

Rangers have to be ready for first Premiership Old Firm clash

Having effectively surrendered their chances at winning the title last season – not helped by a shock 3-2 loss at Ross County – beating the same opponents 6-0 ahead of an Old Firm is near-perfect preparation.

Clement’s Gers finally clicked into gear with an excellent performance at Hampden Park on Saturday (24 August), with several previously maligned players getting on the scoresheet.

Questions have hung over Cyriel Dessers’ long-term Ibrox future all summer, yet once more he is the side’s top scorer having added a brace to make it five goals in six appearances so far this season.

Similarly, Rabbi Matondo has been linked with an exit south of the border in recent weeks [Lancashire Telegraph, 22 August], but he too netted twice; the pair effectively confirming their starting places at Parkhead if they’re still with the club.