Source: Team_Talk
Gers happier with point - MacDonald
Sunday's Old Firm stalemate allowed the defending champions to maintain their two-point advantage over Rangers at the summit of the Scottish Premier League.[LNB]But MacDonald believes Walter Smith will be the more satisfied of the two managers following the goalless draw at Parkhead.[LNB]The former Rangers striker insists Celtic will not relish the prospect of visiting Ibrox in the final derby knowing the outcome could ultimately decide the destination of the championship.[LNB]"Rangers will be happier with the result than Celtic," he said.[LNB]"Walter Smith set out not to lose the game and go five points behind, so he will be happy with the outcome.[LNB]"Rangers made a couple of chances and were a bit unlucky not to nick something.[LNB]"I know Celtic won the last game at Ibrox but they won't be pleased at the thought of going into the next game there needing a result."[LNB]The third Old Firm clash of the season was a dreary affair which failed to live up to the hype and MacDonald believes fear of defeat crippled both sides.[LNB]He said: "It wasn't the usual Old Firm game - full blooded with guts spilling all over the place.[LNB]"Celtic weren't the greatest and Rangers didn't play well in the first half but they were better in the second half.[LNB]"No two Old Firm games are the same and I think both teams were keen to keep it tight.[LNB]"Celtic didn't want Rangers to go top and Rangers didn't want to fall five points behind."[LNB]A win apiece and a draw from this term's clashes means teams outside of the Old Firm have had a big influence on the title race so far.[LNB]But MacDonald sees no reason why Rangers should fear the other clubs in the SPL, despite shipping too many points already.[LNB]He said: "Rangers just have to keep putting the pressure on Celtic now.[LNB]"Celtic know if they drop anything, Rangers could go top.[LNB]"Rangers will take it to the other teams now because they are stronger and better and have better players than these teams."[LNB]Sundays' clash saw Willo Flood and John Fleck both make their Old Firm debuts - with Celtic's Flood arguably handling the occasion better.[LNB]However, MacDonald is confident 17-year-old Fleck will only benefit from the experience.[LNB]"These games are always big and the boy did well," he said.[LNB]"He lost the ball to Willo Flood a couple of times - especially at the Scott McDonald chance - but should be happy overall.[LNB]"He will improve with the more games he plays and his confidence will grow as well. This is a big game out of the way for him now."[LNB][LNB][LNB]
