RANGERS legend Brian Laudrup accepts that the league title is probably outwith his former team's grasp this year - but the Ibrox fan favourite has warned Giovanni van Bronckhorst against resting players against Celtic this weekend.
The two rivals meet for the final Old Firm derby of the season on Sunday afternoon at Parkhead and the match comes sandwiched between the Govan club's Europa League semi-finals with RB Leipzig.
The Premiership champions are potentially 180 minutes away from a first European final since 2008 and supporters are keen for their side to progress as far as possible.
With Celtic boasting a six-point lead with four matches left to play, some fans have called for Van Bronckhorst to rest key players during Sunday's derby and prioritise Rangers' push for the Europa League.
But Laudrup has told Van Bronckhorst to dismiss such concerns as the former Denmark internationalist urged the Dutchman to play a full-strength team at Celtic Park this weekend.
"Looking towards the weekend, it feels strange to have an Old Firm game sandwiched in between two legs of a European semi-final," Laudrup wrote in his Daily Mail column.
"Celtic moved another step closer to becoming Premiership champions by beating Ross County last Sunday, so people on the outside might think it's time to consider things in a more tactical way.
"Accept the league is gone and let's concentrate solely on Europe.
"But this is Glasgow. No one wants to lose an Old Firm game. And absolutely no one wants to effectively lose the title in a match against your rivals.
"I can't see Van Bronckhorst resting any players. There is still too much at stake on Sunday and I'm sure he will pick the strongest team available to him. Simple as that.
"For once, though, the derby can wait. First, these Rangers players have a chance to go and achieve something truly special.
"I hope it's a task they embrace and enjoy."
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