Arthur's Column // 26th April 2023

The Scottish Cup semi-final game on Sunday is the biggest of Michael Beale's time as Rangers manager. He has to win the game. There is no alternative. It's been a year since we beat Celtic and that record can't continue.

The last time we were victorious in an Old Firm clash was April, 2022 and we defeated them 2-1 after extra-time in the Scottish Cup semi. Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men then beat Hearts in the Final. We are the trophy holders and we want to retain it.

Without doubt, we must put Sunday's result and performance behind us. There needs to be a massive improvement from what we produced at Aberdeen.

When I assess things right now, I can see some similarities between what we faced when I was a player in the 2001-02 season. Celtic had won the treble the previous year under Martin O'Neill. They were on course to win the title again quite comfortably.

Change was made at Ibrox and Alex McLeish replaced Dick Advocaat.

We knew we couldn't win the title and put our full focus on the two domestic Cups.

In the League Cup semi-final we defeated Celtic at Hampden thanks to an absolute screamer from Bert Konterman.

He struck the ball from 25 yards and it flew into the top corner like a rocket for the winning goal.

I was pleased for Bert because he had taken quite a bit of criticism from when he joined us.

It was a turning point for him and a turning point for the team.

All of a sudden , we felt we were going to overtake Celtic again. And we did.

We beat tem 3-2 that season in the Scottish Cup Final. In the following campaign we won the treble. It was sensational.

So, the current team needs that little bit of brilliance from somewhere on Sunday, like we had from big Bert. Something special is required to trigger our revival. Whether it's a tap-in from Fashion Sakala or a screamer from James Tavernier, we will take it.

Because playing for Rangers is all about winning trophies. Nothing else is acceptable.

I was at the League Cup Final in February and felt there was a little bit of desire and belief missing. That needs to change.

We need to have the right attitude and take the game to Celtic. We need to put doubts in their minds, put them on the backfoot.

This could be the last chance of a few Ranges players to show what they are all about.

Do they want to leave Rangers as winners, or not? Do they want to be heroes or quickly forgotten?

In 2003 I knew I was leaving after the Scottish Cup Final. So did Lorenzo Amoruso. We made sure we went out on a high.

The current team must also do this. And it starts on Sunday. The best of luck to Michael and the players.