Rangers icon and Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd has delivered a rallying cry, labelling the clash against Celtic as a "must-win" for Philippe Clement's side.

While the Rangers camp may refrain from officially branding the encounter as such, minced no words as he emphasized the significance of securing a victory over their arch-rivals.

"Nobody at Rangers will label tomorrow’s Old Firm derby as a ‘must win’ for them. But I will," declared Boyd in his Scottish Sun column, setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested battle at Ibrox Stadium.

"Clement ’s side HAVE to beat Celtic. It’s strictly correct to say nothing will be decided for Gers at Ibrox, win, lose or draw. And I’m not saying it would be impossible for Rangers to clinch the league if they don’t win. But any dropped points and it’s advantage Celtic in the title race.

"Rangers’ recent record at Parkhead isn’t good and if they can’t beat them at Ibrox, would you back them to get a result across the city after the split? So forget this view that a draw isn’t the worst result for Rangers tomorrow. Nonsense. This is a must-win game.

"Clement has worked wonders to revive the team after Michael Beale was sacked. There have been bumps in the road but Rangers have been a juggernaut at times. Now they need to take the next step. Now they need to show they can finish the job and become champions. Now they need to show they can beat Celtic when it really matters. That starts with a victory at Ibrox and, for me, nothing else will be good enough.

"Win this game and Rangers will be two points clear with a game in hand. Take six points from Dundee and Ross County next week and they are five in front with five to play. If that happens, Rangers won’t be caught. Yes, they have a trip to Parkhead after the split but they will take care of the rest of the games. But if Celtic even get a point tomorrow, suddenly Brendan Rodgers’ side will smell blood."