Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has admitted the death of Walter Smith factored into his team selection for the Premiership clash with Aberdeen.
The legendary manager passed away on Tuesday, with tributes laid outside Ibrox by fans and clubs.
Gerrard himself laid a wreath in honour of Smith, and spoke movingly about the impact the Rangers icon had on his career.
Both Steven Davis and Allan McGregor won league titles under the late manager, and the duo were named on the bench against Aberdeen.
And their manager admits a hard 24 hours meant he had to take that grief into consideration when naming his team.
Gerrard told Rangers TV: "It's been tough for everyone connected to the club.
"We've had the opportunity to pay our respects today, we've spoken to the players on a couple of occasions and I don't think they need reminding how important this fixture is, especially on the back of the news int he last 24 hours.
"We want to go and give a performance for Walter and his family to be proud of.
"I think some players knew Walter more than others, and I've been watching them closely.
"I've had to make decisions on the back of that and try to be respectful to them, so that came into my thinking, and obviously their age as well."
