Jorg Albertz believes if Rangers beat Celtic at Parkhead next month Giovanni van Bronckhorst will have taken a huge step towards his first title as gaffer.
The Ibrox legend, who was a team-mate of Van Bronckhorst at Gers, has been hugely impressed by the start he’s made as manager since taking over from Steven Gerrard.
His side are currently six points clear of their Old Firm rivals at the top of the Premiership and were due to go to Celtic Park today.
The derby has been switched to February 2 after the enforced winter break.
And Albertz says if Rangers maintain their gap before going to Parkhead - and beat Ange Postecoglou’s men - Van Bronckhorst will be odds on to collect his first piece of silverware.
The German, who kicks off his new MailSport column on Sunday, said: “It’s a shame the New Year derby isn’t happening but when it comes round it’s going to be absolutely massive for both clubs.
“Either Celtic can close the gap for the second half of the season, which would give them a real lift.
“Psychologically, it would be huge for them.
“Or from Rangers’ point of view, if they go there and extend the gap to nine points - that’s a major step towards the trophy.
“Of course, it’s a long season and there would still be a bit to go.
“But to go nine clear, with the next Old Firm game at Ibrox, what a position it would be for Rangers and Giovanni.
“It would give them so much confidence.”
Rangers’ biggest threat if they stretch ahead of Celtic would be complacency in the run-in.
But Albertz insists Van Bronckhorst wouldn’t allow that to happen because of his focus and determination to get over the line.
He believes he’s a different animal to Gerrard in that the Dutchman won’t celebrate victories until the league flag is secured.
Albertz said: “You can’t go overboard and think it’s over because anything can happen in football.
“But that won’t happen with Giovanni. He will keep the boys focused and won’t get carried away.
“He’s not like Steven Gerrard, who would always go to the fans after games to celebrate and fist pump. That’s a good thing, it shows passion.
“But Giovanni is different. He’s so focused and professional, he’ll only really celebrate when the trophies are won.
“After games when Rangers have won, he shakes hands with the opposition manager and goes straight up the tunnel.
“It’s unusual but it shows how focused he is. He just sees it as a job done.
“He wants to produce something before he goes out celebrating with fans. Because he knows this is a major season for Rangers.
“Last season was big, stopping the 10 and getting that 55th title back to Ibrox.
“But this season is vital for both Rangers and Celtic because it takes you into the Champions League with no qualifier.
“There’s so much money at stake, £40 million, which is needed by both clubs. It’s a major season and Giovanni knows that.
“When he produces, he’ll celebrate but not before it.
“He won’t even celebrate at Celtic Park if they win because it won’t be done yet. He’s always been like that, even as a player.”
Don't miss Jorg Albertz's debut MailSport column on Sunday - as he reveals the moment that proved it was personal between him and Dick Advocaat.
