Parkhead will be full and super-charged for the first league meeting between the sides in four years.
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McCoist, speaking in Glasgow where was helping publicise The Scottish Qualification Authority’s (SQA) endorsement of skills, education and training firm, Spohrt, has watched Rangers’ unconvincing start to the season – they are one point behind league leaders Celtic having played a game more – and offered his assessment.
The fierce rivals have not played each other in the league for four years but Rangers upset the odds in last season’s Scottish Cup semi-final, beating the Bhoys on penalties.
Far from being envious of the former Brentford boss, McCoist said: “I look at it with 100 per cent pleasure because the football club and the supporters deserve that and it is what is required”.
“But we trust the players to do the right things and to handle the football side and the emotional side of it. This game is important, it stands alone as a fixture, but you have to treat it the same way as you would other matches”.
“You saw Michael in different positions too, so I am delighted with what I felt was a really worthwhile exercise at Windsor Park, and if we can get those games again at the right time, then we absolutely will do that”.
“Celtic will go into the game strong favourites, but they went into the last game strong favourites and didn’t win”, said the former Scotland striker.
“The whole place has taken a massive lift from not only Brendan’s appointment but also qualifying for the Champions League which should make the financial gap between the clubs even greater”.
Weir will work with manager Mark Warburton to come up with a plan to keep the Hoops subdued while offering a threat going forward.
“I think we’re looking at both aspects of the game”, said the 46-year-old, who admitted new signing Philippe Senderos has a chance of making his competitive debut.
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“We have got a number of players who have come into the squad, and a number of players who left in the summer, but it takes time to gel”.
