Key Rangers star ruled out v Celtic due to 'personal reasons' in pre-match Old Firm blow
Yesterday at 07:58 AM
Barry Ferguson has selected his Rangers starting XI for the Old Firm trip to Celtic Park.
Rangers appear to have started with a back five against Celtic as Ferguson looks to spring a similar tactical masterclass that helped ditch Fenerbache.
Celtic have been handed a pre-match blow with captain Callum McGregor ruled out of the club's matchday squad with a calf issue.
But Rangers also have their own high-profile absentee with one of the club's most prominent players ruled out of the Old Firm derby for 'personal reasons'.
Rangers star misses Celtic clash due to 'personal reasons'
Barry Ferguson told reporters that Rangers' 120 minute penalty kicks Europa League victory over Fenerbahce would not be used as an excuse v Celtic.
This is a message the Rangers manager repeated to RangersTV ahead of the game with 2400 Gers fans returning to Celtic Park.
"Recovery has been fine," said Ferguson. "I've spoke to the players and I just need players that are 100% ready.
"I've spoke to them all. They're all fine and ready to go. So then I had to go and obviously select my team and then pick the formation I was going to go with.
"Tiredness? Listen, they're well looked after, they're very good professionals and now we're just ready to go and hopefully come away with a victory."
But the absence of Brazilian left-back Jefte certainly caught some eyes after the Rangers line up was announced.
The 21-year-old from Rio de Janeiro has been a particular bright spark this season making an impressive 43 appearances for the team.
But Ferguson revealed pre-match that the defender could miss the next few weeks due to 'private and confidential' reasons.
"Personal issues," Ferguson told Rangers TV. "It's private and confidential.
"So listen he won't be with us obviously today but hopefully in the coming weeks he'll obviously be back training with the squad."
Barry Ferguson promises 'aggressive' Rangers team v Celtic
Barry Ferguson has challenged the Rangers team to come away from Celtic Park with a victory.
It's been eight games since Rangers last defeated the Parkhead side on their own patch, Steven Gerrard's team recording a famous 2-1 victory.
Ferguson has urged his team to relish the occasion and insists his players will approach the game in an 'aggressive manner' to get the job done.
"These are the games you've got to look forward to," said Ferguson.
"We've not won here in a long time so that's something I've put to the players and we need to change.
"We're going to go with an aggressive manner and obviously try and come away with the three points."
