Thomson backs GVB's Rangers side to turn the tables on Celtic

Kevin Thomson believes Rangers can turn the tables on Celtic with a fast start in Sunday’s vital Old Firm showdown.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side were swept aside in February’s derby as their rivals raced into a 3-0 half-time lead at Parkhead.

That win put Celtic top of the table and ex-Ibrox midfielder Thomson admits they would move to the brink of the title with another success this weekend.

However, the Kelty Hearts manager feels Rangers have what it takes to draw level on points at the Premiership summit if they get the right approach from the off.

‘The energy Celtic showed in the first half of the previous game was second to none and they blew Rangers away,’ he said.

‘Rangers have the capability of doing that to Celtic. The crowd is going to be massive. The energy that can be produced at Ibrox is unbelievable. The players will need that.

‘They are going to need to give the fans something to get excited about and that will be the key, the way they start. 

'If they can start really sharp, be on the front foot, early tackles, early chances and impose themselves, it could be a defining factor in the game.’

Celtic sit three points in front and also have a sizeable goal difference advantage with just seven league games remaining.

‘If Rangers can bring their European form, they’ve got a chance to beat Celtic,’ continued Thomson. 

‘Celtic will know if they could go to Ibrox and win, it could be curtains for Rangers.

‘It doesn’t need to be a must-win (for Rangers). Although any Rangers player will tell you that you need to win every game. They’ll approach it in that manner.

‘Their form’s been good. Gio is due a lot of plaudits for the European run, but the harsh reality as a Rangers player is that you are always defined by