Rangers DON’T have to beat Celtic to clinch the title this season, insists Shota Arveladze
SHOTA ARVELADZE knows exactly how vital a derby-day win can be in the chase for the title.
But the former Rangers striker insists his old club DON’T have to claim all three points this time to retain their crown this season.
Arveladze was involved in two dramatic final-day title deciders during his four years at Ibrox.
In 2003, a 6-1 demolition of Dunfermline saw Alex McLeish’s side lift the trophy after finishing with a better goal difference than their rivals on the way to an historic Treble.
Two years later — with Celtic ahead in the title race — a 1-0 win away to Hibs and the Hoops’ 2-1 defeat at Motherwell saw the helicopter change direction on a dramatic final Sunday.
In 2005, Arveladze’s then team-mate Marvin Andrews said Rangers had to ‘keep believing’ and the former Gers hitman reckons that has to be boss Giovanni van Bronchorst’s message no matter what happens in today’s Ibrox crunch clash.
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He said: “Gio has set standards and he will know how important it could be to win this game and get back level with Celtic.
"But I don’t think it is make or break for the title.
“Everyone knows how important the Old Firm games can be but after this, no matter what happens, there are still six games left, including another derby.
“Points can still be dropped.
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“It has come down to the last days in the past — it happened to me twice during my time at Rangers.
“It could come down to the last day again because it is so close.
“You have to deliver at Rangers and try to win every single game in every competition you play in.
“The club and the fans expect it and the players know that. They will have to believe they can go out there and win.
“I loved Old Firm day and if you don’t play in it you don’t know what it truly feels like.
“It is so hard to explain what it can be like and I know I have been lucky to play and score in Old Firm games.
“To score the winner against Celtic meant so much to me and I know how fortunate I am to have done that.
“Now I hope one of the Rangers players can have that same feeling and win this game.
“Whoever wins the league this season gets into the Champions League.
"The money could help bring in good players who can help the squad in years to come.
“Of course every Old Firm game is important, but I don’t think the title will be decided on this game.”
Arveladze still keeps a close eye on Ibrox, and even made a scoring return to his old stamping ground last weekend in a legends match.
He might be 49 now but the former Georgia international insists seeing his header hit the net and hearing the roar of the crowd took him back 17 years to his last Ibrox goals against Motherwell.
He knows the club have had their ups and downs over the last decade, but believes they have what it takes to win the title and continue their European adventure by getting past Braga and into the last four of the Europa League.
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He added: “It’s so difficult to explain my emotions at last Saturday’s game.
"The club, the fans and the city gave me so much in my career and it was amazing to be back playing at Ibrox.
“I owe so much to the club because, after being away for so long, to have so many supporters back watching me and remembering my time at the club was so special.
“Every week they come to the games, no matter who Rangers are playing.
“I’m nearly 50 now so my legs were a little stiff and tired but I did my best as I wanted to thank them for coming out to see me playing again.
"To be a part of the day was great and it was lovely to see some old faces.
"The club has been around for 150 years and will be around for another 150.
“The great thing about Rangers is it doesn’t matter if you score one goal or 300 goals, you still owe them everything.
“The club has had good times and bad times and they are still going strong.
"Rangers had to come through the leagues and they have done that and won the title to get back on top last year.
“Hopefully they can win the title and then keep up their European run as well.”
Arveladze is back in British football after taking over at English Championship side Hull City.
Former Gers midfielder Greg Docherty is also at the Tigers, with the ex-striker revealing they have spent plenty of time discussing their old club.
He said: “Greg is a great lad and we have had plenty of chats about Rangers.
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“He told me he remembers me playing and his family are all Rangers daft.
“We talk about the past and games I played in and trophies we won, it’s nice. But he is a good player as well and he is doing very well for me.”
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