Bobby Russell has shared that he is praying for Celtic to do well in the Europa League as it could help Rangers pip their rivals to the league title this season.
Ibrox legend Russell, who made over 370 appearances for the Gers and lifted many trophies during his time with the club, revealed that he thought the longer the Bhoys stayed in Europe, the more likely they were to become physically and mentally tired.
“The longer Celtic stay in Europe, the better it is for Rangers,” said the Gers legend in an interview with the Evening Times.
“They are only human, and their available squad isn’t that big now with the injuries they have.
“When you are playing these kinds of games like the one against Zenit, players are going to be physically and mentally tired, you have to peak for these games, and I know how difficult it can be.
“It happened to us in 78/79, we were en-route to back-to-back trebles and had a great run in Europe, but it all caught up with us and we ended up getting injuries to key players.
“It all led to us missing out on the treble by one game despite winning both cups, so it could be the same with Celtic, if they do continue in Europe, it could catch up with them.”
Celtic are set to play Zenit St Petersburg in the second leg of their Europa League clash on Thursday and go into the game with a 1-0 lead from the first leg.
Rangers are currently nine points behind the Hoops in the Scottish Premier League after 27 games played.
OPINION
Russell is right about Celtic’s Europa League campaign potentially damaging the Hoops’ form in the league, but given the current gap between the two teams, it would have to drastically affect the Bhoys’ form. However, Rangers could reduce the gap to six points if they beat Celtic on March 11 at Ibrox. Celtic may have hard games coming up, such as their match against Aberdeen, but even if they drop points, the Gers have to capitalise. Rangers are no doubt capable of winning all their games until the end of the season, but given how many players are still settling in after joining in January, it may be too much to expect of them.