Rangers defender James Penrice is targeting a league victory at Celtic Park, using his side's recent cup win as a blueprint. Celtic were beaten 3-0 at Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final on September 13, a result that sent Rangers into the last four.
Penrice spoke at the launch of the Rangers Charity Foundation's partnership with Down's Syndrome Scotland. He said the upcoming Premiership derby at Parkhead will be a different tactical challenge but one his team is ready for. "From our players' point of view, we don't go there and worry about fans," Penrice said. "We think the game will be different."
Building on Ibrox momentum
The 3-0 win at Ibrox was Rangers' fifth consecutive victory, a run that followed a difficult European exit. Penrice acknowledged the progress but stressed the team is not the finished product. He said there is clear evidence of improvement and a growing sense of togetherness within the squad. That unity, he added, is a compliment to the players and to manager Derek McInnes.
"We are going there to win, we need to use anything we can to our advantage," Penrice stated. He emphasised that the focus must now shift to the next match, describing the trip to Celtic Park as massive. Rangers will have to do it without any travelling support, as Celtic fans were locked out of Ibrox for the cup tie and the same ruling applies for the league return.
Celtic's league position
For Celtic, the cup defeat was a setback in an otherwise strong start to the domestic season. Brendan Rodgers's side sit top of the Premiership with 18 points from six games, holding a five-point lead over their rivals. Their recent form shows four wins from the last five league matches, with the only loss being that 3-0 reverse at Ibrox.
The team has scored 14 goals and conceded just three in the league, with striker C. Durán leading the way with three goals. However, they will be without key players for the coming fixtures, including Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmand, and Jota. The latest injuries list confirms their continued absence.
Penrice concluded by saying the win was just one game and that more work is needed. He aims to contribute a small percentage of improvement himself since joining the club. Celtic's immediate focus turns to a league trip to face Dundee United on December 30, a side currently sitting 11th. Fans can look ahead to that match and others on the club's fixtures page. The last meeting between the sides ended in a 4-0 win for Celtic in August.
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Celtic face Ferencvarosi TC in the Europa League on September 17, the club confirmed. The match at Celtic Park is the first of the competition's league stage. It follows a 3-0 defeat to Rangers on September 13. Celtic sit first in the Premiership with 18 points from six games. They hold a five-point lead over Rangers. The club's injury list on September 16 confirmed Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmand, and Jota remain out.
On September 17, former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart said the Ibrox atmosphere may have shocked some Celtic players in the 3-0 defeat. Hart told reporters he recalled his own first derby experience. "I think that it might have shocked a few of them," Hart said. The comments came as Celtic, who are 1st in the Premiership with 18 points from six games, prepare for a Europa League match.
On September 17, manager Martin O'Neill vowed Celtic will respond after the 3-0 defeat to Rangers. O'Neill said the team was disappointed and must rise to the occasion. He confirmed striker C. Durán missed training on Wednesday due to a visa issue but expects him to be available for the Europa League match against Ferencvaros. O'Neill said he is likely to make a few changes for the fixture. Celtic, who are 1st in the Premiership with 18 points from six games, host Ferencvaros on September 17.
