Rangers manager Danny Rohl has issued a sharp rebuttal to Celtic midfielder Luke McCowan's bold claim that Celtic are still the best team in Scotland. The verbal sparring comes just ahead of the highly anticipated Old Firm derby at Ibrox on Sunday, where the title race could be significantly influenced.
McCowan's Confident Declaration After Europa League Exit
McCowan made his statement following Celtic's 1-0 victory over Stuttgart in Germany, a result that saw them exit the Europa League on a positive note despite a 4-1 aggregate defeat. The midfielder scored the only goal of the match and, when asked about carrying that form into the domestic title race, declared: 'We know if we're at it, no team in that league touches us.'
Rohl's Reality Check on Celtic's Season
However, Rohl was quick to counter McCowan's optimism with a dose of reality. He pointed to Celtic's current league position and their disappointing record this season. 'I think at the moment we are in the second position, they [Celtic] are behind us,' said the Rangers boss. 'I think they have at the moment, seven or eight defeats.'
Rohl emphasized the importance of focusing on his own team rather than engaging in excessive talk about the opposition. 'Yeah, I think in general it makes no sense to speak too much about the other side, we have to focus on ourselves. We want to win this game. I see my team is ready to take points, and then we'll see on Sunday, hopefully both teams try everything and I'm confident that we have a big chance of winning.'
Rohl's Analysis of Celtic's Stuttgart Performance
The Rangers manager watched Celtic's match against Stuttgart, which was managed by his fellow Red Bull coaching disciple Sebastian Hoeness. Rohl expressed surprise at Celtic's tactical approach after taking an early lead through McCowan. 'I was a little bit surprised after 1-0 that they were not trying to win this game 2-0, 3-0, to have a chance. They keep the result until the end, I think they're just a little bit apart.'
He also noted a potential selection dilemma for Celtic manager Martin O'Neill regarding the goalkeeper position, after Kasper Schmeichel was dropped in Germany and Viljami Sinisalo impressed as his replacement. 'I think when you see their starting line-up against Stuttgart, then I expect some changes, it's normal they try to use the full squad,' Rohl observed.
Rangers' Own Selection Decisions and Injury Updates
Rohl confirmed that Rangers have their own selection considerations, with Dujon Sterling and Ryan Naderi being assessed in training for availability. He also revealed the club's interest in extending the loan spell of Tottenham Hotspur's Mikey Moore, who has become a key player and fan favourite this season, notably scoring in the win at Celtic Park earlier this year.
'I think Mikey made a fantastic development since I've been here,' Rohl said of the 18-year-old forward. 'He showed his quality, he's still a young player, he gained a lot of good experience this year. To play for a big club is always important, helpful in a young career, and a good experience; he did so well.'
Rohl indicated that discussions about Moore's future would take place in the coming weeks, but stressed the immediate focus is on the title race. 'It's important not just what we feel, I think Mikey also feel really good here, you see the relationship between him and the fans, he likes the club. But there are a lot of different people around to make such a decision. Let's see what we can do in the future. Now let's focus on the title race and then we will hopefully make good decisions in the summer.'
Former Rangers Director Lands FA Role
In related news, former Rangers sporting director Kevin Thelwell has been appointed as the new head of elite coach development at the English Football Association. Thelwell, who oversaw a £30 million squad rebuild at Ibrox last summer before being sacked in November amid fan unrest, has now secured a prominent position within English football's governing body.
As the Old Firm rivals prepare to clash, the stage is set for a dramatic encounter that could have significant implications for the Scottish Premiership title race, with Rohl's Rangers looking to capitalize on their current advantage over Celtic in the league table.
