Martin O'Neill says Steven Gerrard would live with losing derbies against Celtic if it meant winning the league.
The Rangers boss has seen his side turn in a number of impressive performances against Celtic, but they have failed to sustain a title challenge in either of his two seasons in Scotland.
O'Neill won three league titles during his time at Celtic, and has watched as his former side won nine titles in a row. Gerrard is now eager to ensure his Rangers team stop Celtic securing a historic tenth successive title.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound, O'Neill said: “It’s interesting because when I went to Celtic 20 years ago, I remember having a little event in Perth with the Celtic Supporters Club a couple of months after it.
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“I actually said to them early on in my time that I would take losing all the games to Rangers if those 12 points could be made up and we win the league at the first time of asking.
“And I’m sorry, but in the nicest possible way I got bawled down.
“I thought to myself that might not have been the cleverest thing to have said tonight.
“I think basically you have to do both; win some of the Old Firm games and win the league.
“If you were to ask Steven Gerrard today if he would take the argument I put forward in Perth and take losing to Celtic but winning the league, I think he would take
that.
“Then he can worry next time round about winning the Old Firm games.”
If Rangers are to win the Premiership it looks likely that they will have to do it without their star striker. Alfredo Morelos is believed to have agreed personal terms with Ligue 1 side Lille, and Sky Sports say the two clubs are now negotiating a fee.
