Victory at Ibrox would be Joos the job

CELTIC defender Joos Valgaeren insists the team are looking for all three points at Ibrox tomorrow rather than just the one needed to maintain their four-point advantage over Rangers.

The Hoops are also looking for revenge after the extra-time CIS Insurance Cup quarter-final defeat in Govan last week.

The Parkhead side have wobbled recently while the Light Blues have embarked on a 13-game unbeaten run.

But the Belgium international maintains only a win will satisfy Celtic in the race for the Bank of Scotland Premier League title.

Valgaeren told the Evening Times: “We are going to Ibrox to win. We would have liked to have won the league cup tie last week, but we certainly want to win this weekend. There is going to be a lot said and written in the build-up to this one, and it is going to be a special occasion again.”

The 28-year-old believes this season could become another tight campaign though, with a resurgent Rangers battling back from their disappointing start to the season.

Valgaeren added: “It was important to win against Inverness last week because, when we play Rangers, it is important we are still at least four points ahead of them.

“The Caley game came quite soon after we had lost at Ibrox. That is sometimes a good thing as it means you can quickly put that defeat behind you.”

But Valgaeren has personal reasons for wanting to do well at Ibrox with his current deal ending next summer.

He said: “I do not yet feel I am back to my old self.

“But football players are always evolving - you are only as good as your next game.”

Valgaeren added: “At the beginning of the season, I played quite often because guys were injured. But now most of them are back.

“In today’s circumstances, you play so many games, often while nursing injuries, so a big squad is needed to cope.”

Rangers are waiting on news of their appeal against the dismissal of striker Nacho Novo during the win at Hibernian last week.

The Ibrox club want to see the red card brandished by referee Willie Young to be withdrawn in order to free the Spaniard for the Old Firm game.

But Gers boss Alex McLeish has Steven Thompson and Shota Arveladze as options if the appeal fails.

Full-back Gregory Vignal is expected to return for the Light Blues after a groin problem.