'Complete nonsense' - Kris Boyd slams idea about Celtic vs Rangers, £5m possibly on line

Kris Boyd has rubbished claims that the Old Firm derby against Celtic is meaningless for Rangers.

The ex-Gers forward wants to see his former side get the three points at Parkhead on 10 May and push for a second-place finish in the William Hill Premiership.

While catching league leaders Hearts may be out of the Light Blues’ reach, they can secure a place in the Champions League qualifying rounds for next season by finishing above Celtic.

Even a run to the play-offs in the European competition could potentially secure a £5million bounty for the Govan side.

Danny Rohl must prove himself against Martin O’Neill, with the veteran manager getting the better of the German head coach this season, and the Ibrox side also have some pride on the line in G40.

Rangers must get better of Martin O’Neill’s Celtic

Writing in the Scottish Sun on 8 May, Boyd said, “Sunday is another one and this idea that the Old Firm is meaningless for Rangers is complete nonsense. They have to beat Celtic and they have to finish second in the Premiership. There is a Champions League qualifying place up for grabs for the runners-up and that could be worth millions.”

“Even if you don’t progress all the way to the league phase, getting to the play-off can bring in around £5m when you include the gate money. That is big cash for any Scottish club and Rangers have to do everything in their power to at least get second place.”

Rohl has beaten Celtic once this season, but that was when Wilfried Nancy was in charge at Parkhead.

The German manager has failed to beat the Hoops when O’Neill has been in charge, drawing once and losing twice.

There’s arguably no better time for the Gers to secure a win in the Old Firm derby and move a point behind their Glaswegian rivals going into the final two games of the season.

Celtic could undoubtedly drop points against Motherwell and Hearts after hosting the Govan side, leaving the race for second-place wide open in the William Hill Premiership.

Danny Rohl to prove fans wrong at Parkhead

Rohl is feeling the pressure at Rangers, with some fans beginning to turn on the German manager ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Supporters in G51 have rightly been worried about the Gers’ record in big games under the 37-year-old head coach, with underwhelming and inconsistent performances against the likes of Hearts, Celtic and Motherwell.

The former Sheffield Wednesday boss’ lack of experience was used as an argument against him before his appointment, but he has now experienced some major highs and lows in Scottish football.

With the Old Firm derby on the horizon, Rohl has a chance to prove his detractors wrong and give fans something to cheer for on Sunday.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.