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BE BRAVE

Brian Laudup unveils ‘bold’ Rangers tactical plan required to beat Celtic – as he opens up on Alfredo Morelos conundrum

RANGERS legend Brian Laudrup claims the Ibrox side have what it takes to best Celtic but they have to be brave to overcome their rivals.

The Old Firm are set to face off against each other for the first time this season as Celtic host Rangers at Parkhead on Saturday.

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst
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Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst
Brian Laudrup reckons Rangers must be bold to beat Celtic
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Brian Laudrup reckons Rangers must be bold to beat CelticCredit: Keith Campbell - The Sun Glasgow

With the Light Blues just two points behind the Hoops their is a lot at stake for both teams as they look to battle it out to be the early front runners for the title.

Writing in his Scottish Daily Mail column ex-Ger Brian Laudrup states Rangers need to be brave on Saturday and can't afford to sit back as Celtic's frontline could be too hot to handle.

He said: "Giovanni van Bronckhorst is a problem solver. You just need to look at the variation of Rangers' excellent tactical plans in Europe to know that he loves engaging his mind in a challenge.

"How best to stop the Celtic scoring machine that hit nine against Dundee United? To me, the answer starts with being bold.

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"For all the problems at Tannadice, and there are plenty of them, Sunday's game emphasised just how much Ange Postecoglou's side are firing on all cylinders.

"Their movement, passing and flair are all clear. Postecoglou can change his line-up and maintain a high level of quality. They are in the groove.

"But Rangers need only look back to last season for guidance. We all remember the 3-0 game in February, which was an appalling night for Van Bronckhorst's side. They sat too deep, didn't get into the battles and lost so easily.

"A couple of months later, it all changed in the Scottish Cup semi-final when Rangers came from behind to win by playing totally different football.

"If you are going to have any success whatsoever against this Celtic team, it certainly won't come from sitting back. You'll be worn down and picked apart.

"Rangers showed their capabilities at Hampden and in the last league game at Parkhead, which ended in a 1-1 draw. They have to be on the front foot again.

"For sure, it's difficult. It requires bravery and tactical excellence. But if you let Celtic get a grip of the game they are unlikely to lose it."

Laudrup also fancies both of the Old Firm star strikers to perform well as Antonio Colak and Kyogo Furuhashi have both started their campaigns this season on blistering goal scoring form.

He said: "With no Champions League qualifiers, this Celtic defence hasn't dealt with an attack of their quality this season.

"Kent, Tillman and Lawrence can bring huge invention. While there are still a few flaws in Colak's game, they don't matter so much when he's scoring every week. He's a smart player and his positioning inside the box is top class.

"Colak will fancy his chances of scoring at Parkhead in his current form. But the same can obviously be said for Furuhashi and the rest of Celtic's forwards."

Rangers forward Alfredo Morelos
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Rangers forward Alfredo Morelos

The former Ibrox forward also offered his advice to currently exiled Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos.

Laudrup stated if the Columbian wants to get back into the squad it's up to him to put the hard work in and it would be a shame for him to leave the club with his reputation tarnished.

He said: "It's up to Alfredo Morelos if he wants to protect his legacy as a Rangers player and be remembered for the many great things he has done.

"He's had a couple of drinks in the last-chance saloon before now, but his contract position adds finality to this current situation.

"He must decide whether he really wants to play for Rangers. And then prove through his actions that he actually wants to sign a new deal. Otherwise, the end is nearing.

"As I say, it's up to him. I really admire the way Van Bronckhorst handled dropping Morelos from the squad to play PSV Eindhoven last week.

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"He was calm and clear. His words were measured but forceful.

"If Morelos knuckles down, he will be welcomed back. I'm convinced of that. If not, then he will be heading for the door with that legacy damaged."

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