Rangers fans will want their team to “hammer” Ayr United at Ibrox just to see Scott Brown “squirm” on the touchline, says Tam McManus.
The former Hibs striker doesn’t expect his old Easter Road teammate to come away with anything when he takes his Ayr United side to face the Light Blues in the Scottish Cup, predicting a “long afternoon” for the long-time Celtic captain on PLZ Soccer’s The Football Show on 9 February.
The fifth round tie on Saturday will be 38-year-old Brown’s first meeting with Rangers as a manager since his retirement.
Peter Martin asked (34m 35s): “If ever a Rangers fan is going to that game hoping that they absolutely leather Ayr United it’s that game isn’t it?”
McManus replied: “Yeah it is. Obviously Scott’s long association with Celtic the Rangers fans will be looking forward to him walking out on that pitch, and they’ll want Rangers, as you say, to hammer Ayr United just to see him squirming on the touchline.
“I know Browny’s a confident character but I don’t think many people give Ayr United much of a chance. Rangers are just churning out wins now, they’re playing well. Ayr United have got a decent team on paper but I think Scott and his team might be in for a long afternoon to be honest.”
Rangers set to renew acquaintances with old Celtic foe Brown at Ibrox
Brown’s presence will add something extra but Philippe Clement will be insisting his side guard against any slip-ups on a day where they are expected to win comfortably.
On current form they absolutely should do so, but if they come into the game assuming it is already won then the visitors will no doubt be looking to cause an upset for their manager.
But if Rangers get a couple of goals early and are looking comfortable during the second half the Ibrox stands surely will hope they don’t let up for the sake of it.
The League Cup has already been won this term and the Light Blues are arguably the form side left in the cup and in the title race currently, so maintaining momentum in both is a must.
Rangers overcame a tough test with victory over Aberdeen in a rousing SPFL clash to briefly go level on points with Celtic at the top of the table, so they will have to guard against a slump in the next game with a comparatively straight-forward cup tie.
Read also; Coventry City set for seven-figure windfall after Viktor Gyokeres development
