Former Celtic star John Collins has urged fans to give manager Gordon Strachan a break ahead of this weekend's crucial Old Firm derby.Strachan has never fully won over the Parkhead faithful, despite delivering back-to-back championships, and finds himself under pressure as rivals Rangers mount a much stronger challenge for silverware.

Celtic have already lost out on both the CIS Insurance Cup and the Scottish Cup, with a successful defence of their Scottish Premier League title now required to save their season.

But Collins, who spent six years in the east end of Glasgow, has a degree of sympathy for the Hoops boss.

He said: "He's had a rough ride when you put the stats down like winning two titles, and reaching the last 16 of the Champions League.

"But when you finish second as an Old Firm manager then you'll get the flak which goes with it no matter who you are or what your track record is.

"He's delivered two titles and he should be given a bit of space. I'm certain he'll be desperate to win this game."

Rangers boast a three-point lead at the SPL summit, as well as a game in hand, and Collins believes Celtic cannot afford to fall any further behind in the title race.

He said: "The first goal is important and if Celtic are to win the game then they'll need to get the first goal.

"It's a massive game for both clubs and Celtic need the three points as a draw will favour Rangers.

"For the league's sake the best result is a Celtic win so it keeps the race going to the end of the season, but if they lose then it's very difficult for them to close the gap.

"Rangers are formidable at home and have a good record and are on a good run, so Celtic will need to play exceptionally well to win."

Rangers may be favourites to come out on top at Ibrox but Collins - who quit as Hibernian boss earlier this season - insists Celtic have nothing to fear.

He said: "I don't think Rangers are playing particularly well, they're not hammering teams.

"They are winning games and that's it. I don't think teams are fearful of them and don't feel they'll get a spanking.

"Strachan will know that and he'll want a massive performance.

"Rangers don't have a Paul Gascoigne or a Brian Laudrup or a player like that at the moment. They are grinding out results and have been doing that all season.

"But they're on a fantastic run and all credit to Walter Smith who's turned them around results-wise."

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