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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

'Rough them up' - Kevin Thomson offers Rangers vs Celtic Scottish Cup advice

Kevin Thomson has urged Rangers to "play to your strengths" in the Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic.

The former Ibrox midfielder has advised that Rangers "rough them up" and play "cute" against their Glasgow rivals at Hampden.

Thomson reckons Celtic could tire should the match remain in the balance as the game approaches the final whistle or enters extra-time.

For that reason, Thomson has demanded Rangers players "go to the well" and "dig deep" against Celtic if they are to lift book a spot in the final.

However, Thomson conceded he fears Rangers don't have the ability to go "toe-to-toe and bully Celtic".

On the BBC Scottish Football podcast, Thomson said: "Celtic's mentality is that they want to go and win the game. Ange Postecoglou is not going to change.

"He is going to play - he might not have the ballboys throwing the ball as quick right enough with it being Hampden - but he's going to have that front foot football.

"They are relentless. I do think that this Celtic team tires. Normally the game is buried and they can slow it down a bit and conserve a bit of energy.

"I just think Rangers, like the game against Celtic in extra time [last year's Scottish Cup semi-final), need to go to the well.

"Cliche or not, they need to dig deep, they need to rough them up. They are not an overly big team, Celtic. They are a very technical and fast, nimble team. You need to play to your strengths.

"I'm not so sure Rangers have the make up in their team to go to toe-to-toe and really bully Celtic, so Mick is going to have to have wee cute bits to try and exploit different things."

The Insider newsletter is the latest move by the team at the Rangers Review to bring content directly to you. We already have accounts on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Tik Tok and Instagram but we will also send exclusive bespoke opinion pieces every day at 5pm direct to your email. Not only will you receive this piece from one of our team of Joshua Barrie, Derek Clark or Jonny McFarlane but you will also get our list of the best content published in the last 24 hours. It's a handy way to keep abreast of what's going on amid all the noise surrounding Scotland's most successful club. You can sign up here in five seconds with just an email address.

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