Celtic need big characters for Rangers test but 2 names that don't jump out hold the key to success - Chris Sutton

Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn don’t readily jump out as the major figures in Celtic’s set-up heading to Ibrox.

But I really believe that pair could hold the key to success for Brendan Rodgers’ team on Sunday. This is a must-not-lose for my old club. It’s going to be an afternoon where big characters have to stand up and be counted.

There are individuals who have done it before. Callum McGregor, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Kyogo Furuhashi, Matt O’Riley, Greg Taylor, Joe Hart and Reo Hatate. I’m not naive. I’m aware that leaders such as McGregor, if fully fit, and Carter-Vickers are going to be absolutely vital.

Of course, they must have big games if Celtic are going to get a positive result. That goes without saying. But I look at the potential specifics of the contest and feel it is Maeda and Kuhn who might be the ones who can make all the difference for the visitors.

Rangers are going to push on. They have the entire stadium of fans behind them and it is inevitable they will get on the front foot. Philippe Clement’s team can strike a really huge blow in the title race with a win and I can’t see them being cautious.

Rangers are going to go at Celtic and Rodgers’ team have to find a way to get a hold of the ball and take the sting out of the game. They have done it successfully in the past. In fact, they’ve done it already this season.

McGregor took complete control of the first Old Firm game of the campaign and was outstanding. His composure and ability to dictate was vital and having him at peak performance will be a monumental boost to Celtic.

But I will say one thing. If he’s not fully wound-up, I wouldn’t be playing him. Many will say an 80 percent-fit McGregor is much better than no McGregor at all for the Celtic,