Neil Lennon admits Boli Bolingoli faces an uphill battle to re-establish himself in Celtic's in-form squad.
The left-back, a £3million summer arrival from Rapid Vienna, has made only one appearance in 2020.
He played 90 minutes in the Scottish Cup win over Clyde in February, losing his place following a shaky display against Rangers before the winter break.
Greg Taylor has emerged as Lennon 's first choice wing-back with Jonny Hayes used frequently from the bench.
Lennon didn't rule out Bolingoli returning to the side but concedes it'll be tough for the Belgian.
He said: “He is in and around it but the team is playing well so it’s been difficult for him to break back through.
"He’s still in my thoughts for between now and the end of the season.”
Taylor, meanwhile, is relishing his first extended run in Lennon's team.
He too was a summer arrival, signing from Kilmarnock, and spent a hefty chunk of the season watching from the sidelines.
But he knows a dip in performance could see his swap places with Bolingoli on the fringes.
“You can’t afford to take your foot off the pedal at a club this size,” Taylor said. “You have to put on a performance every week.
“We beat St Mirren on Saturday and now we want to get a positive result at Rangers.
“It doesn’t matter what the lead is. It’s the next game and that means it's the most important.
“We are aware there is added impetus because of the size of the fixture but that’s a challenge we are all looking forward to.
“It’s another big game for us hopefully to go and get a result it.
“I haven’t played for Celtic against Rangers yet.
“I managed to pick a few points up against Rangers with Kilmarnock but that means nothing now.
“I am at Celtic and this is a massive game - but we want to get a positive result.
“I signed the day after the first one this season and I was in the stand in December.
“It’s a massive game and one I am looking forward to.”
