The Gers take on Celtic in the Old Firm derby next week.
Rangers’ manager Mark Warburton (L) and assistant manager David Weir
Rangers assistant manager David Weir has told the club’s official website that the weekend clash with Linfield will be key to their preparations for the Old Firm derby with Celtic.
With the international football putting the brakes on the domestic schedule for a week, many sides will take the opportunity for a much-needed rest.
Not the Gers though, who have decided to maintain their momentum by travelling to Belfast to take on the Northern Irish Premiership side.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton
It is a decision that has surprised some, but Weir insists that it will actually prove key to next weekend’s highly anticipated clash with Celtic.
“It’s a conscious decision from us to get a game, and Linfield are ideal opposition,” he told the club’s official website.
“It will be competitive with a good crowd and it will be an environment wherein it will be a proper game.”
Rangers manager Mark Warburton
Mark Warburton is likely hoping his side can secure a victory and blow away the cobwebs from their draw with Kilmarnock last weekend.
The Gers were left highly frustrated with that result and going into such a crucial game against Celtic with it fresh in the memory would not have been ideal.
Instead, they have the chance to taste victory against Linfield and head into the derby in confident mood and if they come away with a win from it, this decision will look like a very smart one indeed.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton celebrates at the end of a match
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