Derek Ferguson hopes one Rangers star doesn’t get the starting nod from Philippe Clement for the Old Firm derby this Sunday.
The Light Blues go into the famous fixture against Celtic one point behind their arch-rivals in the Scottish Premiership table, their most recent win a 3-1 victory over Hibs last weekend.
But Rangers have a game in hand over the Hoops and will play that in the rescheduled clash against Dundee on Wednesday.
So Clement’s side could, by the start of next weekend, be five points clear at the top of the table a week before the league splits in half.
But full focus of course is on the derby at Ibrox in what is one of the most anticipated Old Firm encounters in recent memory – certainly one with so much riding on it.
And a couple of days before the game, discussions of who starts for Rangers are aplenty and it was a feature on the most recent Open Goal podcast.
The debate primarily focused on who Philippe Clement will play at left-back and on the right wing. Ridvan Yilmaz is doubtful for the game after he picked up an injury whilst on international duty with Turkey while the right-sided midfield spot is certainly up for grabs.
So it is uncertain who Clement will field at left-back but Derek Ferguson has made it clear who he doesn’t want to see play there on Sunday.
Rangers star gives Derek Ferguson the ‘heebie jeebies’
Host Si Ferry sparked the discussion on the podcast ahead of Rangers vs Celtic by asking Derek Ferguson: “Who will play on the right then (for Rangers)?”
Ferguson replied: “Well this is it, it depends on our wee pal Ridvan.
James McFadden delivered an ironic cheer given Ferguson’s previous disdain for Yilmaz but the former Rangers midfielder then said: “Well aye, if you’re left with (Borna) Barisic as your option. He gives me the heebie jeebies!”
Dujon Sterling ahead of Borna Barisic in pecking order?
Borna Barisic doesn’t have the best history in Old Firm games, particularly in the 3-0 defeat to Celtic last season at Parkhead when Liel Abada ran riot.
So it’s understandable why Ferguson would instead like to see utility man Dujon Sterling – who must start vs Celtic according to Derek’s brother Barry – do a job there if Ridvan Yilmaz can’t pass a late fitness test.
Moreover, Ferguson would rather see Mohamed Diomande play on the right wing as opposed to Scott Wright due to the Ivorian’s athleticism and better industry with the ball.
Ferguson went on by saying: “So if he’s not fit (Yilmaz), then Sterling has to go in there.”
Fellow former Rangers player Gordon Dalziel disagreed with Ferguson’s call regarding Sterling playing at left-back.
But Ferguson argued his case, saying: “Absolutely aye. Sterling came on and he went into that position against Hibs.
“And just what he does, he goes into any position on the park and looked at ease – very comfortable. But where I would like Sterling to start (more regularly) is sitting in there (in midfield) with (John) Lundstram.
“I’d put Diomande further up and take Wright out. It’s just because he’s great at nullifying the opponent and he’s an athlete with great use of the ball.”
