The rejuvenated Ibrox side are now just three points behind the champions ahead of Parkhead trip

12:00, 31 Dec 2025Updated 12:23, 31 Dec 2025

Emmanuel Fernandez insists Rangers will go to Celtic Park on Saturday expecting to win the Old Firm derby.

The Ibrox defender believes they can pile more misery on Hoops gaffer Wilfried Nancy by picking up three points at Parkhead. Danny Rohl’s side hauled themselves back into the Premiership title race on Tuesday night with victory against St Mirren.

With Celtic losing to Motherwell at Fir Park on the same night, Rangers closed the gap at the top of the table. Rohl’s men are now just three behind their Glasgow rivals and six off leaders Hearts going into the New Year.

An Old Firm victory would be a statement result for Gers – and heap pressure on under-fire Nancy. But Fernandez – who notched his fourth goal of the season from centre-back against the Buddies – says a resurgent Rangers aren’t planning for any other outcome.

The 24-year-old said: “Look, for the game coming up at the weekend we’ve just got to stay focused on ourselves and deal with it. I can’t wait for it because it’ll be my first derby.

“And we’ve got to go into the game with the mentality that we’ll get three points – then move on to the next one.”

Rangers could be ready to mount a serious title challenge in the second half of the campaign, with Rohl set to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.

But Fernandez is adamant that no-one at Ibrox will get carried away just yet.

Rangers’ Emmanuel Fernandez celebrates

He said: “No, I think we just focus on one game at a time. I wouldn’t say we’re focusing on the title, it’s just on winning each game and then seeing where it gets us.”

Rangers wrapped up another three points on Tuesday thanks to Fernandez’s strike and Thelo Aasgaard’s opener against the Paisley side. Mikael Mandron made it 2-1 late on after Jack Butland had earlier saved a Marcus Fraser penalty.

Rohl has only lost once in the league since taking over from ex-boss Russell Martin, which has seen them climb the league table. Fernandez, who is now a regular in defence, was delighted to rack up another win.

The £2.5million former Peterborough man said: “Look, we were resilient on Tuesday night.

“We knew what we were coming up against. There was always going to be a lot of long balls and it was a big challenge for us.

“But I think we stood up to that challenge, did well and got the three points.”