Philippe Clement told Rangers record before arrival means NOTHING now as Celtic icon stews over lost spark

Paul Lambert has told Philippe Clement his experience on the continent will mean NOTHING when he takes Rangers to Parkhead.

Celtic host their rivals on December 30 and the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership could be closing in on their rivals if they defeat St Johnstone in one of their games in hand. It will be the Belgian's first taste of the red hot Old Firm fixture and it could be a pivotal one if the Light Blues can leapfrog their rivals to go top.

However, Lambert reckons the knowhow this Celtic squad and Brendan Rodgers have for just the type of occasion gives them the edge and that victory would put them out in front when it comes to motoring on and claiming the Premiership crown. And he can't see Rangers recovering from a second successive derby defeat after losing 1-0 to a depleted Celtic side back in September.

“It'll be very difficult to claw the title-fight back if they lose the next Old Firm game.," Lambert told Betway. "This will be Philippe Clement's first experience of the Old Firm, whereas Brendan and the Celtic players know all about it.

“There will also be a ban on Rangers fans - something that's crazy to me as fans are such a big part of the rivalry. We saw the same thing happen at Ibrox back in May - and I think that was terrible, too.

“Clement is walking into a game where his international experience means nothing. This game is different from any other because of what it stands for. If Celtic win, I think they're in the drivers' seat. If Rangers get a result, then the title race will be back on. However, I still think Celtic are favourites as they're at home.”

Celtic claimed a first home win in the Champions League for a decade in midweek. And having experienced first hand how helpful home