Jason Cummings scored a hat-trick at Ibrox on Sunday for Rangers.
The 22-year-old scored a wonderful hat-trick against on Sunday afternoon in the Scottish Cup against Falkirk at Ibrox, as Graeme Murty’s side booked their place in the semi-finals with a comprehensive 4-1 win.
On loan from Nottingham Forest until the end of the season, Cummings has established himself as a fan favourite already among the Ibrox support and there have been calls for the Scot to start against Celtic on Sunday at Ibrox.
Alfredo Morelos missed a hatful of chances for the Light Blues against Falkirk and it could see Cummings start over the Colombian with Murty likely to revert to a one-striker system. However, Stewart and Thompson disagree.
Asked whether Cummings will start, Thompson said: “No. Jamie Murphy will come back in. I wouldn’t replace Morelos with Cummings, I don’t think so, although Morelos missed some terrible chances [against Falkirk].
Replying to the same question, Stewart said: “I’d imagine that Murphy will play and Josh Windass will step back infield because I think it gives you a little bit more athleticism and give you a bit more cover in midfield.”
Rangers will arguably be their most confident going into an Old Firm derby with Murty the only manager to take points off of Celtic since the Gers returned to the Scottish Premiership, drawing 1-1 and 0-0.
Since their last meeting, Celtic have since lost to Kilmarnock and Zenit St. Petersburg while the Gers have won nine out of their last 10 outings, suffering a 2-1 loss to Hibernian among the wins.
A Rangers win would see the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership close to just three points, though Celtic boast a game in hand after their match against Dundee was called off.
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