Barry Ferguson names his 3 Celtic VIPs as he makes Rangers confession about a Rodgers starting XI with a shock

Rangers icon Barry Ferguson believes a trio of Celtic game-changers are vital for the champions ahead of their season-defining showdown at Ibrox.

The Record Sport columnist is buzzing for the big one and he has weighed on how he believes his former rivals will go about their job as Brendan Rodgers seeks another win in a fixture he has tasted defeat only once in 15 occasions. But the stakes are high and a win for the hosts could see them five points clear with six games to go if they see off Dundee next Wednesday night.

But Ferguson is under no illusions who Rangers have to be on alert for. He said: "They are the three most important players at Celtic, there's no doubt about it. You watched the difference they (Carter-Vickers and Hatate) made on Sunday. Listen, it takes you a bit of time, when you've been out, to get up to speed but they are so important Carter-Vickers, Hatate and McGregor. I'm sure he'll start on Sunday and that is the spine of your team."

And Stephen McGinn - fresh off title glory with Falkirk – believes Rodgers could throw a curveball by going with four midfielders in his starting XI. The 35-year-old could see Tomoki Iwata and Callum McGregor operate in the midfield with Reo Hatate and Matt O'Riley both featuring, with one being deployed from the right.

And Ferguson reckons that could be how Rodgers goes about his selection. He added: "It could be the case. Rangers are playing well but they are pretty physical. I think they will go that way against Celtic. I think Dujon Sterling will start on the right hand side Silva on the left and the three in the middle being Diomande, Lundstram and Cantwell."