Rangers Set for Kilmarnock Clash with Top Spot in Sight
Derek McInnes will lead Rangers into Saturday's Scottish Premiership fixture against bottom-side Kilmarnock at Ibrox, knowing a victory could propel his side to the top of the table. The match, scheduled for 3:00 pm, presents an opportunity for the Gers to capitalise on Celtic's recent struggles, with the Hoops having lost three consecutive matches and not playing until Sunday.
However, the build-up has been complicated by the appointment of referee Matthew MacDermid, an official who has already been involved in two controversial decisions affecting Rangers this season. The Scottish FA confirmed the full officiating team, with MacDermid taking charge alongside assistants Chris Rae and Ross Anderson. Grant Irvine will serve as VAR, with Gary Hilland as assistant VAR.
McInnes is reportedly less than enamoured with the choice, given MacDermid's history of inconsistent decision-making in matches involving his side. The Rangers boss has seen his team drop points due to questionable calls in the past, making the referee appointment a talking point ahead of a crucial fixture.
International Duty Adds Complications
Preparation time has been limited for McInnes, with most of his first-choice XI away on international duty following their impressive performances in the recent Old Firm double header. Ryan Naderi earned a start for Czechia against England, while Kim Min-su and Kevin Kelsy also represented their respective countries. The priority for McInnes will be ensuring these players return fit and maintain the momentum that has seen Rangers secure consecutive victories over Celtic in both the league and the Premier Sports Cup.
Former Players See Positive Signs Under McInnes
Despite the officiating concerns, there is growing optimism around Rangers under McInnes' leadership. Former Ibrox favourite Daniel Candeias, who returned to Glasgow for the Tennent's Sixes event, has been impressed by what he has seen from the current squad. The Portuguese winger, who played for Rangers between 2017 and 2019, believes the players now understand what it means to represent the club.
"I watch some games. I saw some of the game against Celtic at home. The team are doing well now and I want them to win this league," Candeias said. "The games against Celtic were always tough but the people I see, they understand what it's like to play for Rangers. That is the first thing they need to know. It's a young team, but they understand what it means to represent and play for Rangers."
Candeias, who retired from football just months ago, described his time at Rangers as the highlight of his 20-year career and expressed confidence that the current group is heading in the right direction. His comments reflect a broader sense among supporters that McInnes has begun to instil the necessary mentality at the club.
Transfer Decisions Paying Dividends
Kirk Broadfoot, another former Rangers defender who now works as a first-team coach at Kilmarnock, has also praised the club's summer transfer business. Broadfoot singled out the retention of Emmanuel Fernandez as one of the best pieces of business Rangers completed, with the defender having formed an impressive partnership with Olwethu Makhanya at the heart of defence.
"I think a big one was keeping big Fernandez, keeping him here. He looks like an unbelievable player," Broadfoot said. "I just think he's an all-round athlete. He's good on the ball. He's very good in the air. He's confident. He can probably do what he wants in the game, to be honest."
Broadfoot also commented on Bailey Rice, the young midfielder currently on loan at Kilmarnock from Rangers. After a season disrupted by injury, Rice has started the last two games for Killie and is beginning to show the potential that earned him a move to Ibrox from Motherwell. Broadfoot believes Rice will eventually become an asset for Rangers, highlighting the club's improved squad depth and development pathway.
Gerrard Speculation Lingers but McInnes Earns Respect
Adding another layer to the narrative around McInnes' position, Steven Gerrard has refused to rule out a return to Rangers in the future. The former Liverpool captain, who delivered the club's 55th Scottish league title in 2021, remains hugely popular among supporters. However, he was quick to emphasise that McInnes deserves complete respect while occupying the Ibrox dugout.
"I've been reluctant to come up for a certain amount of time and sit in the box with a suit on, because I don't want to disrespect any manager that's in position," Gerrard explained. "I've got nothing but respect for Derek McInnes. He was one of the toughest challenges for us as a group of staff when he was at Aberdeen. I hope he does well."
Gerrard's comments are particularly significant given the controversy surrounding Michael Beale's visits to Ibrox while Giovanni van Bronckhorst faced mounting pressure in 2022. The former manager appears keen to avoid creating similar distractions, even as speculation about his future continues.
Momentum Key for Rangers
The coming weeks represent a critical period for McInnes and his squad. With Celtic faltering and Rangers building momentum, a strong run of results could shift the balance of power in the title race. The match against Kilmarnock, despite the referee concerns, offers an opportunity to apply pressure on their rivals.
For now, McInnes will focus on the task at hand, hoping his players return from international duty unscathed and ready to continue their recent form. The Ibrox faithful, buoyed by victories over their Old Firm rivals, are beginning to believe again. Whether that belief translates into sustained success will depend on how Rangers navigate the next block of fixtures before the November international break.
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