THE time is right for Rangers to end Celtic’s domestic dominance at Hampden on Sunday, according to former Ibrox striker Kenny Miller.
Steven Gerrard is looking to claim his first managerial trophy and Rangers’ first major silverware since 2011 while also putting an end to Celtic’s stranglehold on trophies. The Parkhead side have been remarkably consistent on a home front with three successive trebles coming courtesy of their 30-game unbeaten run in all cup competitions.
Miller, though, says he has a feeling the Parkhead side are set to come unstuck at Hampden.
“I will say 2-1 for Rangers and it wouldn't surprise if the game goes to extra time,” said Miller. "Maybe it's my heart ruling my head but I just have a feeling this might be the right time for Celtic's run to come to an end. Celtic have been relentless. Their drive and desire has been so impressive but I just think this might be the time for Rangers.”
It remains to be seen just what lingering effects there may be from the midweek calendar. Rangers had been on course for the best league start to a season in 52 years but their draw at Pittodrie as they allowed a two-goal lead to squirm out of their hands put paid to that. Celtic’s last-minute goal against Hamilton enabled them to put daylight between themselves and Rangers at the top with Neil Lennon’s side claiming a small psychological advantage to take to the national stadium.
For Rangers this is an opportunity that will be regarded as a chance to move out of Celtic’s shadow but if they are to be successful on that front they need their big players to step up to the mark.
Alfredo Morelos has yet to score against Celtic but Miller fancies that he might use Sunday’s stage to plant his flag.
“He’s not allowing things to spill over or get involved in the silly little things he got himself involved in last season,” said Miller.“His performances this season have been excellent and there’s not doubt he’s going to become a huge player.
“I believe that over the course of the season, whether it’s a final like Sunday, league games or cup semi-finals, Alfredo will break his duck.
“It would not surprise me if it’s a big goal on Sunday given the form he’s in. If you look at the European game last midweek, he wasn’t in the game and then pops up with two world-class headers.
“You are always going to be judged on big games and they don’t come any bigger in the Scottish calendar than an Old Firm game and especially an Old Firm cup final.
“I don’t know whether not scoring is playing on his mind, what I do know is that he must be high on confidence. He has 25 goals all in this season and we are just into December. He’s on target for a 40-plus goals season. He may not have scored in this fixture but he’s pretty much scored in every other fixture.”
There was an ignominious anniversary this week for Rangers. Tuesday marked five years since the Ibrox side squandered a two-goal lead and lost to Alloa in the Petrofac Training Cup.
"I played that night and it was absolutely horrific,” acknowledged Miller. "But the fans have backed the team right from the start of the journey and now they are getting the rewards they deserve.
"Rangers are back challenging Celtic for the league title and it looks like it will go right to the wire. There will be slip ups but I can't imagine there will be too many.
"Scottish football has traditionally had that rivalry, where it's nip and tuck and you are trying to gain an advantage every week. There is so much at stake this season.
"The Rangers fans have stuck with the club and I'll always come back to a game during the Third Division season. I was in the MLS at the time and there were 50,000 people at Rangers v Peterhead at Ibrox. It was phenomenal and the fans have been there all the way through the journey.
"On Sunday, they will turn up with expectations and rightly so. They want their team to pick up that trophy. When Rangers do win silverware, it will be a relief for everyone involved because it's been a long journey back - and too long without a major trophy.”
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