Ex-Rangers and Celtic defender Steven Pressley believes the inexperience of Anthony Ralston and Stephen Welsh may be the Hoops’ undoing when they face Rangers in the Old Firm derby this weekend.

The former Scotland international says that, while he has been impressed with the style of play that manager Ange Postecoglou is employing, he thinks the Hoops are suspect at the back, which could cost them at Ibrox:

“I think it’s a game where Rangers will be too strong for them. I think Celtic are showing signs of the aggressive style of football that Celtic fans want to see, but I still have concerns about them defensively. They have a lot of inexperience in there, the likes of (Stephen) Welsh and (Anthony) Ralston. These types of players that haven’t experience winning the league as of yet.  think Rangers do have the strength needed for this fixture.”

Ralston and Welsh have actually been praised by pundits and supporters for their performances, but the pair haven’t been tested in what can be a very intense derby atmosphere, and they could buckle under the pressure.

There is also some truth in Pressley’s wider point about Celtic’s defensive problems. Postecoglou’s side have let in nine goals this season, having conceded twice on four separate occasions already. It must be said, though, that they have kept four clean sheets in their last five games which suggests they are improving.