Photo via BBC Sport

Celtic seek spark as Rangers aim for further derby joy

Celtic prepare to face rivals Rangers in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday aiming to rebound from back-to-back setbacks. The league leaders suffered a 3-0 defeat at Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals last weekend, followed immediately by a 3-1 reverse against Ferencvaros in their Europa League opener.

Despite growing scrutiny, a victory would push Martin O'Neill's squad eight points clear at the summit, whereas a third consecutive loss would reduce their cushion over Rangers to just two points prior to the international window.

O'Neill maintained that his squad remains fully prepared and far from demoralized, noting that they are guaranteed to stay atop the table regardless of Sunday's outcome. Addressing criticism regarding fresh recruits who struggled to adjust to the intensity of the derby atmosphere during the recent cup clash, the manager stressed that his players must show greater creativity and expressed confidence that those involved in last week's defeat have already absorbed the necessary lessons.