Rangers vs Celtic: Danny Ruhl wants a ‘warm heart and intelligent mind’ from the hosts

While seven league defeats have dented Celtic’s ability to defend the title, 11 draws have left Rangers frustrated in their pursuit of Hearts.

The most recent was a 2-2 draw with Livingston last week, while Celtic lost at home to Hibernian. The previous weekend, Rangers recovered from 1-0 and 2-1 down to beat Hearts 4-2 at Ibrox.

“My team has shown great character in the last two weeks,” Röhl added.

“Also coming back away to Celtic, on the pitch there after being 1-0 down, showed that even if the game goes one way, which we don’t want, we always have a chance to come back.

“Yes, we dropped two points [at Livingston]. We missed two points. But let’s turn it in a positive way. In the end, we won by one point after falling 2-0 behind.

“When you’re a coach and you have the chance to play this kind of game at home, you’re on fire too. We’re on fire. It’s been a good week of training so far.

“I feel confident, I feel belief. It’s not just about form and tactics, it’s also about how we play duels, how we win balls, how we play forward.”

The German said: “It is a decisive match, but no team will be eliminated after this match because there are still 27 points you can get. It is two rounds and you are in the race for the title again.”

“It’s crucial because when you get closer and closer to the end of the season and there’s more and more, you know that every game is important.”