Rodgers doesn't see much change in 'inconsistent' Rangers since Ferguson took over from Clement

Brendan Rodgers insists he hasn’t seen much change in Rangers since Barry Ferguson took over Philippe Clement with the same inconsistencies remaining.

The Celtic manager says he sees the same traits in the Ibrox club, who have recorded two wins and two defeats since the former captain was named interim manager.

Glasgow’s big two come head to head in the east end of the city on Sunday, with the Hoops looking to extend their 16-point lead at the top of the table and take another step towards four in a row.

Despite a 2-0 defeat over 90 minutes, their fourth consecutive defeat at home, Rangers will come into the game on a high after securing a place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League with a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Fenerbahce on Thursday.

Rodgers is fully focused on his team, who are looking to make up for the 3-0 defeat at Ibrox at the start of January.

He said: “From our perspective, it’s about looking to play our own game, our game is a running, pressing and intense game, so that’s the way we want to play from the very first whistle.

“I don’t know the Rangers squad, I don’t know the mentalities, but I obviously know they got through their tie and they will come to us on a high, physically of course it can be exhausting and tiring, but when you come into a Celtic v Rangers game, it’s about the mentality as well.

“Like we do against every team, we will look to make it really difficult for Rangers at Celtic Park. These games are games to really enjoy and perform.

“We never performed anywhere near what the game demands in the last one, so we are very hungry to put that right in this game.”

Ferguson replaced Clement last month after a poor run of results, including being knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Championship side Queen’s Park.

Since taking the reins, he has overseen a comeback win at Rugby Park and an impressive 3-1 victory in Turkey, but a home defeat to Motherwell and second-leg loss to the Turkish side, albeit before winning on penalties, shows some of the same issues that led to the Belgian being sacked.

Rodgers said: “I don’t know Barry personally, but I know him as a player and I know he will have a great connection with the supporters with his history and success at the club, he was a fantastic player for them.

“If I look purely at the coaching aspect of it, over four games I don’t see much change, they go 2-0 down at Kilmarnock before coming back to win, they lose 2-1 at home to Motherwell, they get a fantastic result away to Fenerbahce and then lose 2-0 after 90 minutes last night but go through in the tie.

“I’ve seen them change the system with a really good tactical change over in Turkey, but I still see a lot of the same traits.

“I think you would probably judge Barry over a longer time, but short term I’m seeing a lot of the same traits that have been there, some very good performances with some inconsistencies, and I’m sure Barry will see that as well and look to change that over the course of time they are there.

“Whether the manager is for four games or forty games, the Celtic v Rangers game will always be a tough game.

“But as I say we are very much focused on ourselves and will look to bring our own game and extend our lead at the top of the table.”