‘A leader’: Ryan Jack raves about Rangers teammate’s Celtic performance

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Ryan Jack was full of praise for “leader” Connor Goldson after the Rangers defender scored both goals in their 2-0 Old Firm derby victory at Celtic on Saturday, speaking to the Gers’ official website.

Shorn of its usual bear-pit atmosphere, a potentially title-deciding battle between the Glasgow neighbours boiled down into something a little more simple.

And, in hindsight, it was no surprise the side lacking intensity, creativity or anything resembling a clear game plan were comfortably swatted aside by a team who, at present, represent everything Celtic do not.

Rangers have now outplayed their green-clad rivals in four of the past five Old Firm derbies and, if Celtic are to write their name into the history books and make that ‘ten in a row’ dream a reality, vast improvements – or potentially a new manager – are required.

While the reigning champions failed to produce a single shot on target during a display devoid of character or fight, Rangers were left hailing the most unlikely of heroes – two goal centre-back Goldson.

“Connor is a leader and he works hard every day in training and does everything right,” midfielder Jack said after Rangers’ second successive victory at Parkhead.

“He is probably one of the most professional players in the changing room so to see him get the rewards today for his efforts is great and I am sure that will do him the world of good.”

While Celtic are little more than flat-track bullies these days, a shadow of the team that dominated the landscape under Brendan Rodgers, Steven Gerrard is putting together an impressive portfolio of eye-catching victories in charge of an increasingly well-drilled and streetwise Rangers side.

The Gers save their finest performances for the big occasion. The opposite, it seems, is true of Celtic at the moment.