Neil McCann rips up Rangers tactical script to beat Celtic as Todd Cantwell sacrificed

Neil McCann would like to see Rangers rip up their tactical script to give them a better chance of beating Celtic - and Todd Cantwell would miss out on his XI.

Ahead of tomorrow's massive Old Firm derby, the former Gers winger would like to see his old club do something different to try and get the result they desperately need. They've not won at Parkhead for four years and must avoid defeat to stay in the title race, while a draw wouldn't be all that great either.

That's why catching the Hoops and Brendan Rodgers out with something they won't be expecting may be the way forward. The Light Blues usually set up in a 4-2-3-1 but McCann's preferred starting team would see them go with a 4-4-2 with a diamond midfield.

That would allow them to get Cyriel Dessers and Fabio Silva up front and Tom Lawrence would be in behind as he offers more defensively than Todd Cantwell. And the key would be to get James Tavernier and Ridvan Yilmaz high and wide from the full-back positions.

McCann explained on Go Radio: "I think Maeda if he's fit will play and James Forrest will go to the right ahead of Kuhn. So that means that you can't be too gung-ho, you need protection and I would like to see a diamond played.

"I would go Tavernier, Souttar, Davies if Balogun is not fit and Ridvan. I'd play a diamond and I would go with Lundstram at the base, Diomande to the left, Sterling to the right and Tom Lawrence just playing off. And I would slide Silva because I don't really see him as a wide player. I don't really see him as a centre forward but I'd push him up there alongside Dessers.

"When they're in play that would allow Tavernier and Ridvan to get high and wide. I think they've lacked width on the left side when Sterling has played in that position. He adds robustness and defensive quality but you lose an attacking threat.

"Out of possession they can flatten off into a 4-4-1-1, make it difficult and force Celtic on the outer edges. Just say 'if you're going to hurt us you're not coming through the middle.' And I would much rather deal with a cross than somebody puncturing.

"Forrest and Maeda like to come on the inside so I think a diamond would really suit Rangers and that will allow the attacking threat of both full-backs which is probably their biggest quality."

Asked about leaving out Cantwell, he explained: "I just think if you're putting Silva up with Dessers, you've got two guys that are going to occupy the Celtic centre-backs. That means that one of the full-backs, if not both of them, need to narrow up. That will get both Rangers' full-backs into an attacking position.

"We know Tavernier in particular has excellent deliveries. When you've got two guys in the middle of the box, you're chances increase.

"I like Lawrence as a 10. His goal last week was very, very good. Todd Cantwell, I remember doing the game and watching him. I wasn't trying to be disrespectful today, I just said it was a lesson in how Callum McGregor led the game, bossed the game, controlled tempo. He bossed the whole thing.

"I just feel that Lawrence is more equipped. And I think Rangers need to guard against conceding early but certainly conceding too much and I think he gives more structure. But he also offers a going beyond people, shots from outside of the box."