Neil Lennon admits Celtic will be in for a tough time at Ibrox next weekend should Rangers first overcome PSV in their Champions League qualifier.
Rangers meet PSV at Philips Stadion on Wednesday [30 August] with the play-off locked at 2-2 following last week’s first leg in Glasgow.
That huge contest is followed by a clash with fierce rivals Celtic in the first Old Firm showdown of the season on Sunday [3 September].
Former Celtic boss Lennon believes the result in midweek could have a “huge psychological bearing” on the game that follows four days later.
“This is arguably Michael [Beale’s] biggest week as a coach,” Lennon told PLZ Soccer on Tuesday [29 August].
“A Champions League qualifying second leg away from home, and then Celtic on the Sunday. How the game pans out on Wednesday will have a huge psychological bearing on the game come Sunday.
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“If they win they’ll be on the up, the place will be rocking; if they lose they’ll be on a bit of a downer, but you can always get yourself up again for a big derby like that.”
Defining period
It may only be matchday four in the Scottish Premiership, but next weekend’s visit of Celtic – one point better off than Rangers – is already massive.
Beale’s side will be desperate to head into that game in the knowledge that they have Champions League football to look forward to beyond this month.
The dream scenario in any season for the Gers, of course, is to pip Celtic to domestic honours and progress far in Europe.
That is what makes the coming days so big for the Light Blues.
Two victories and they will be flying; two defeats, meanwhile, just do not bear thinking about.
Ibrox will no doubt be up for the Celtic clash regardless of what happens in the Netherlands, but there will be an extra spring in the home supporters’ steps if their side can first overcome PSV.
Either way, Beale is in for – as Lennon put it – his “biggest week” as a coach.
In other Rangers news, an update has emerged on the future of Leeds United-linked Glen Kamara.
This article was originally posted here