Bougherra: We can overcome fatigue

19 February 2011 08:00

Madjid Bougherra is confident Rangers will overcome any fatigue they may be suffering as they prepare to go head to head with Celtic on Sunday.

While the Hoops have had a full week to recover, the Scottish champions head into the Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash on the back of Thursday's midweek Europa League tie against Sporting Lisbon.

Bougherra said: "It's not a problem because this is a big game and we have the motivation to play this Old Firm game. Every Celtic game is special because there is a good atmosphere and the confidence and motivation is there."

He added: "We are happy and concentrating on the game on Sunday. When you play against Celtic, you have to prove yourself in every game.

"You can win one game but if you lose, people only remember the last game.

"Sometimes it's not easy when you have many games, like the Europa League, because that uses up so much energy.

"But we have two days to recover and I hope we can do well."

Asked if mental tiredness could be an issue for Rangers, Bougherra replied: "Physically, yes, but mentally, no.

"When you go onto the pitch and feel the pressure, you forget everything. It's something special to play away. We know the crowd is not behind us but it's about the football.

"The pressure is with the Celtic team. We have nothing to lose. If we win, the stadium is very quiet. Every footballer wants to play in these games so I am very happy to play in this game."

Source: PA