Thompson: Rangers ace Cummings would thrive against Celtic

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Jason Cummings could start for Rangers on Sunday against Celtic.

Former Rangers striker Steven Thompson has told BBC Sportscene Extra’s Facebook Live channel that Jason Cummings will “thrive” upon the Old Firm derby atmosphere against Celtic, but does not expect the striker to start.

The 21-year-old scored a hat-trick last time out against Falkirk in the Scottish Cup, but Colombian striker Alfredo Morelos is expected to lead the line after scoring 17 goals in 34 league and cup outings this season.

Thompson agrees, though he does believe the on-loan Nottingham Forest striker will have a part to play in the hugely important clash against Celtic, with the result set to determine whether there is a Scottish Premiership title race.

Thompson, who also turned out for Cardiff City and St. Mirren, reckons fellow January recruit Greg Docherty will keep his place in the side despite not tasting the electric atmosphere of an Old Firm derby before.

“He’ll be on the bench, but he’ll have a part to play,” Thompson said. “He’ll come on and he strikes me as the sort of person that will absolutely thrive upon the Old Firm atmosphere.

“From Rangers persepective, they’ve got three players in the starting line-up that have not sampled that atmosphere. It can catch you a wee bit cold, you can’t really prepare for it.

“Greg Docherty has done fantastically well for Rangers since joining the club, but will he sink or swim? It’s a big moment for him.”

Cummings has scored five goals since moving back north to Scotland after joining English Championship side Forest from Neil Lennon’s Hibernian in the summer.

He is expected to come off the bench to have a part to play, which leaves Eduardo Herrera with little chance of making an appearance. The Gers could be without Russell Martin who is a doubt, but Graham Dorrans has returned to training.

A Light Blues win will see the Gers close the gap to just three points at the top of the table, though Celtic do boast a game in hand after their league game against Dundee was postponed last week.