Ex-Rangers star in bold Celtic Park prediction which will stir battle fever in Ibrox bellies
09/05/2024 08:30
Jermain Defoe knows what it takes to overcome Celtic in the blue of Rangers.
The legendary former Premier League striker, 41, had one last hurrah at Ibrox at the tail end of a special career when he turned up under the management of Steven Gerrard.
And whilst things didn't always go to plan in Glasgow during Jermain Defoe's spell at the club, the striker achieved what he set out to in Govan.
Rangers lifted 55, halted 10IAR and Defoe played his role in that legendary invincible season of 20/21 in Glasgow.
With Rangers' Scottish Premiership D-Day almost upon us, many of Jermain Defoe's former teammates know they realistically need a win at Celtic Park to rescue their title tilt.
And the England and Spurs legend believes that the current squad and manager Philippe Clement have it within them to do the business on Saturday afternoon.
Defoe: Rangers can win at Celtic Park
Speaking ahead of the hotly anticipated Old Firm clash at Celtic Park, Jermain Defoe has been backing his former Rangers teammates to do the business in the Eastend.
Suggesting that self-belief will be crucial to getting the job done, Rangers can bring the Scottish Premiership level on points with a victory this weekend.
Conversely, a draw could still ensure the Premiership is brought to the final day whilst a defeat will crown Celtic 23/24 champions in all but name only.
They do not get any bigger than this and Defoe is backing Rangers to do what many view as impossible and escape Parkhead with all three points.
Rousing the troops ahead of the run-in, he comments will certainly stir the battle fever in a few bellies at Ibrox.
"When you've played for that football club and you understand the importance of the Old Firm and winning the league," Defoe told Sky Sports.
"You always have to be positive and you always have to believe that you can go to Celtic and get a result.
"In those sort of games form goes out the window, it's a one off game. But I still believe they can do it with this squad and this manager.
"It's such an amazing club the demand from the fans and the club and the standards and the level you have to get to as players.
"Because you have to finish first, if you finish second you might as well finish last.
"I am looking forward to the game and I still believe that they can do it, and if they do, it'll be amazing."
Rangers team 'love' Clement
Jermain Defoe was also asked about the perception of his former Rangers teammates on Philippe Clement.
The Belgian manager has made quite the impression since moving to the club last October with the Gers technically still in the hunt for a remarkable treble.
Talking about the manager, Defoe has been impressed by Clement and has urged everyone at Rangers to go out and get a result for the club's 'phenomenal fanbase'.
"They love him," said Defoe when asked about his former Rangers teammates' view of the manager.
"I remember watching the manager's interview when he came in. I thought 'wow, he gets it'.
"And even his demeanour. When you see him, apparently he's a really nice guy but he's big on standards and I think you have to be when you're Rangers manager.
"But the experienced players like James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, all these sort of leaders that have been there for years, they will help those players anyway.
"They'll manage the dressing room.
"But with this manager, even the way they play, it's really exciting.
"It's going to be an interesting finish and like I said it'll be amazing for the football club and all the fans because the fanbase is phenomenal."
Jermain Defoe initially joined Rangers on loan from Bournemouth in January 2020 before going on to make 74 appearances and score 32 goals across two years in Glasgow.
