'He is very good at' - Rangers' Derby Hero Credits Derek McInnes

Rangers completely outplayed Celtic in the Scottish League Cup quarter-final clash at Ibrox yesterday thanks to Dan Neil and Kevin Kelsy's goals on the day.

The Gers dominated the game from the word go, with the perfect combination of a clinical attacking lineup and defensive compactness.

Manager Derek McInnes decided to go with the same defensive lineup that was fielded during the Light Blues' last two encounters in the Premiership against Motherwell and St Mirren.

James Penrice, Olwethu Makhanya, Emmanuel Fernandez, Dujon Sterling, and Ivor Pandur have now helped the Gers keep three back-to-back clean sheets during a winning streak that has now extended to five games on the trot.

And the Light Blues' captain during their victory against the Celts yesterday, Dan Neil was quick to credit the manager for their dominating display during the first Glasgow derby of the season.

During a post-match interview, Neil praised McInnes' team talk ahead of the game (h/t Glasgow Times), saying, "The gaffer made sure that we were ready to run through a brick wall.

"He is very good at team talks before the game, and you’ve seen that in this game – everyone had each other’s backs from the first minute."

Yesterday was McInnes' first Old Firm fixture of his managerial career, and the former Hearts manager was already under the scanner as his team was touted as the underdogs against a comparatively strong Celtic side.

It was quite obvious that, following the Gers' failure to qualify for any European competition this season, McInnes would need to compete against the Celts for domestic glory, a side which maintained a perfect record in domestic competitions this season until their visit to Ibrox yesterday.

The tactical brilliance of the Scottish manager completely shut down Celtic's playmakers Mika Baur and Benjamin Nygren, as the likes of Penrice, Makhanya, Sterling and Fernandez shut shop for the entire 90 minutes plus additional time.

McInnes' men proved to be equally clinical in front of the opponents' goal, as Neil and Kelsy made no mistake in pouncing on the chances their teammates created against the visitors.

As a result, the Gers head into next Sunday's derby against the Celts with a massive confidence boost.

But the scenario at Celtic Park next Sunday will be the exact opposite of yesterday's match at Ibrox.

The Teddy Bears will feel the heat of the green and white supporters on that day, as there will be no away fans for the rest of the Old Firm games, just like the last one.