Celtic defence tip and Aaron Ramsey fear: Old Firm veteran on outcome 'which would be massive'

Asked who had the stronger squad he admitted: "I'm going to be biased and say Celtic, but there's no doubt Rangers have got quality players throughout the team.

"It's going to be an intriguing game, one that I am looking forward to and I hope Celtic come out on top.

"I watched the game in February, the tempo they played with in the first 45 minutes blew Rangers away.

"I think if Celtic can go there, defend well, and play with a tempo and the high press, they can come away with the three points, which would be massive."

One of those quality players Thompson highlighted was the Welshman Ramsey, fresh from helping his national side into the World Cup play-off final for qualification to Qatar later this year, but there were others in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s ranks who he warned Celtic to be wary of.

"He'll [Ramsey] be a big player on Sunday, he's played in big games for Arsenal, Juventus and Wales,” he told Sky Sports.

"It will be no shock to his system, he'll be looking forward to it. Celtic will certainly have to keep an eye on him, Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos is a good player.

"Celtic will have to be switched on defensively,” Thompson warned.

In a seven-year Celtic career which included eight winners’ medals Thompson played in 26 Old Firm derbies, scoring seven goals and also being sent off at Ibrox. He was involved in several more as Neil Lennon’s assistant between 2010 and 2012.

Asked for his score prediction for Sunday's big one, to be shown live on Sky Sports at lunchtime, he told the broadcaster: “I’m going to say 1-0 to Celtic.”

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