Ibrox side Glasgow Rangers host Celtic later this month.
Gordon Smith has told The Sunday Post it is imperative that Rangers beat Dundee and Partick Thistle in order to boost morale ahead of the first Old Firm clash with Celtic.
Rangers have a score to settle with their bitter Glasgow rivals after losing five of their six games against Celtic last season, with Brendan Rodgers’s side winning the treble.
So far, Pedro Caixinha’s side have won two, lost one and drawn one of their first four Scottish Premiership games in what’s been an up-and-down start to the season.
The Gers host Rodgers and co at Ibrox on September 23, and Smith believes that wins against Dundee and Partick over the coming weeks are vital if Caixinha’s troops are to stand a chance against the all-conquering Hoops.
“That’s why the upcoming Premiership matches against Dundee and Partick Thistle are so important,” he told The Sunday Post.
“They come before the first Old Firm game of the season at Ibrox on September 23. Two wins are vital to make sure they’re not playing the Glasgow derby with a gap already beginning to emerge between the two old rivals.
“It’s also important for morale amongst the players. They won’t be looking ahead to the game against Celtic right now but it’s already in the thoughts of the fans.”
On current form, Rangers have some hope, but Smith is right. Two defeats would be detrimental for morale heading into such a big game. On the flipside, two wins would be huge but even then the Gers may not have enough to edge out the Bhoys.
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