MX23RW : Tuesday, March 30 21:28:27| >> :120:21828:21828:

John Kennedy hopes Celtic can capitalise on Rangers' European exertions

John Kennedy hopes Celtic can capitalise on Rangers' European exertions
© Reuters
Steven Gerrard's side have played two Europa League last-16 ties against Slavia Prague since Celtic were last in action.

John Kennedy wants Celtic to be ready to capitalise if Rangers' European exertions are a factor in Sunday's Old Firm game.

The Hoops have not played since their goalless draw against Dundee United at Tannadice on March 7 confirmed the Ibrox club's 55th Scottish Premiership title win which also ended Celtic's hopes of 10 in a row.

Since then, Steven Gerrard's side have played two Europa League last-16 ties against Slavia Prague and they were knocked out of the tournament by the Czech Republic side with a 2-0 home defeat on Thursday night.

The Light Blues finished the game with nine men after Kemar Roofe and Leon Balogun were sent off.

Interim boss Kennedy, who has four points from six in his two games in charge since he stepped up as assistant last month after Neil Lennon resigned, will look to play on any signs of fatigue in the Ibrox side as they travel to Celtic Park for the third Glasgow derby of the season.

The former Celtic defender said: "The game (for Rangers) the other night, from a physical point of view, was very demanding.

"Slavia are a physical side so for us it will be trying to take advantage of that.

"We are in good shape. It has been a long time between the United game and now and we have done a lot of work in that time.

"We will be fresh going into the game with good energy, a good, fit squad so it is how we impact the game and how we impose our style on the game.

"Rangers are a good side and they have had a very good season. We know how they play, we obviously have played them a couple of times already.

"We know what to expect, we know how they set up, we know how they defend and how they like to attack, so it is making sure we are ready for that and it will be about using our intensity to have that impact.

"It can also be that it (defeat) spurs you on and from a Rangers point of view it is a derby match so the motivation will be there.

"But games in a short period of time can take its toll, we have been there ourselves.

"Whether it is an advantage or not, we have to go out with maximum energy, make sure we are fully prepared, organised and impose our style on the game, that is the most important thing."

ID:440052: cacheID:440052:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3635:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Rangers defender Connor Goldson celebrates scoring against Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on October 17, 2020
Read Next:
Connor Goldson: 'Rangers cannot play against Celtic with a swagger'
>
Latest Sports Video

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
World Cup Qualifying - Europe
League Two
National League
National League South
Scottish Championship
Scottish League One
Scottish League Two
NIFL Premiership
Segunda Division
World Cup Qualifying - South America
World Cup Qualifying - Asia
World Cup Qualifying - North Central America
Copa Diego Maradona
Uruguayan Primera Division
International Friendlies
International Friendlies
European Under-21 Championship
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CRangersRangers33285078106889
2Celtic33209466244269
3Hibernian33168944311356
4Aberdeen331310103231149
5Livingston33128134041-144
6St Johnstone331010133440-640
7St Mirren331010133038-840
8Dundee UnitedDundee Utd33912122943-1439
9Motherwell3398163251-1935
10Ross County3385202659-3329
11Kilmarnock3384213347-1428
12Hamilton AcademicalHamilton3369183160-2927

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!