The big Rangers questions answered as Philippe Clement wrestles with 3 key team calls ahead of Celtic mentality test

The appointment of referee John Beaton to Sunday's Old Firm showdown at Ibrox kicked off the talking points ahead of Rangers and Celtic clashing for the third time this season.

But there are plenty of other huge decisions to be made by Philippe Clement and Brendan Rodgers with debate over starting line ups likely to run right up until kick off. Celtic have won both Scottish Premiership meetings this season but can it be third time lucky for Rangers after two narrow defeats?

With the clock ticking down towards the huge match, Record Sport trio Gavin Berry, Andy Newport and Fraser Wilson sat down to discuss the big topics ahead of the Ibrox showdown in the latest edition of the Record Rangers podcast. Click the link below to listen to the full episode.

Andy Newport: You can see it from two points of view. Just from John Beaton’s point of view, we all know what he’s been through previously - he’s been through some horrendous stuff from just doing his job. Was it necessary to thrust him back into the spotlight? The SFA will feel they can’t have clubs dictating who takes charge of their matches. It was wrong when Rangers, behind the scenes, requested Willie Collum was no longer in charge to their matches. The SFA have to make a stand. If the SFA feel John Beaton is the best man for the job and it’s his turn then they should stick by it but I could understand if John Beaton asked to sit it out but clearly he’s taken the assignment on and if you have to back the SFA on that.

Fraser Wilson: The SFA like to throw wee curveballs in so I’m not overly surprised but the pressure is piled on John Beaton. I sometimes wonder about the wisdom behind these decisions. Let me get one thing straight - I don’t think it will have any