Inside the Rangers dressing room debrief that sparked Celtic second half fright

Fashion Sakala admits Rangers had to be reminded of their key character traits at half-time as they fought back for a Parkhead point.

But the Zambian also knows there’s no overlooking the fact his side have fallen short of the standards required to reclaim their Premiership crown.

The Ibrox side were well on top during the first quarter hour at Celtic Park but failed to make the most of their bright start as Ryan Kent squandered a huge chance 12 minutes in.

From that let-off, the Hoops showed their bitter rivals how it should be done as Jota fired home from a copy-cat opening to give Ange Postecoglou’s champions-elect the interval advantage.

But Rangers dug deep at half-time to find an improved second-half display which allowed them to draw level through Sakala’s goal with 22 minutes left.

Gers have proved their grit and desire plenty times this season on their way to the Europe League’s last four but Sakala admits it was only once Gio van Bronckhorst got his players back into the sanctuary of their dressing room at the break that they remembered the key to this season’s success.

The former KV Oostende frontman said: “We knew how important the game was for us. It’s always difficult to come and play here but I think we gave it everything.

“We tried, especially in the second half, and gave more than 100 per cent to come back.

“The character we’ve shown this season was very important and at half-time we talked about it.

“We had a very good conversation that we should come back in the second half.

“It’s just unlucky with some of the chances we had but I think we tried our best.”

Sakala's claim was denied for last month’s Scottish Cup semi-final win Hampden winner, which went down as a Carl Starfelt OG.

But there was no