CHARLIE NICHOLAS is well aware of the emotions that surround an Old Firm derby, but the former Celtic man reckons Rangers over celebrated their win on Sunday.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst's team came from behind at Hampden to book their spot in the Scottish Cup final in extra-time.
It was a huge win for the Ibrox outfit after they lost against their bitter rivals at Ibrox in the league just two weeks prior.
Nicholas was impressed with the display of Rangers, but he was not convinced by the full-time celebrations with fans.
He wrote in the Daily Express: "Rangers' celebrations at the end of their Scottish Cup semi-final win over Celtic were a bit extreme.
"They deserved to go through because they were the better team at Hampden but there is still a lot of work to be done before they can really celebrate.
"I am not being bitter towards Rangers because I know the intensity of the emotions after an Old Firm derby.
"I expect Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side to beat Hearts in next month's final and lift the Scottish Cup. They will be under massive scrutiny if they fail.
"It was a big week for Rangers and they dug out two big results, having also defeated Braga to progress to the Europa League semifinals on Thursday.
"You have to applaud them for that.
"Their European journey will continue with a two-legged showdown against German cracks RB Leipzig.
"You would have to say that the Scottish Cup looks the most likely route for silverware success, but you can never write Rangers off in Europe.
"Hearts will be dangerous in the Hampden final and Rangers won't be able to take anything for granted - it's 11 years since they last won a major domestic cup competition after all.
"I have to admit, I never saw Rangers coming through on both fronts last week.
"Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent haven't been at their best and the champions had been struggling at the back, but they got the job done.
"Against Celtic, they got their shape right and passed the ball a lot better.
"Their substitutes made contributions and you have to take your hat off to Rangers going into their second extra-time scenario in four days. It was actually Celtic who looked a tired team.
"Van Bronckhorst had pinpointed Tom Rogic since he was the player who hurt his side most in the league derby at Ibrox a fortnight ago with the pockets of space he floats into.
"Van Bronckhorst was bold and instructed defender Calvin Bassey to press Rogic and that helped Rangers upset their rivals' rhythm.
"Yes, Celtic missed a golden chance to go 2-0 up through Cameron Carter-Vickers, but overall that is the poorest and most tired display I have seen from Ange Postecoglou's side this season.
"They offered nothing up the right flank and they missed Giorgos Giakoumakis in attack big time."
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