Neil McCann: Rangers midfielder Joey Barton can handle Old Firm heat

All eyes will be on the combustible Rangers midfielder and his potential grudge match with his Celtic counterpart Scott Brown this weekend, a man who Barton said he was in a "different league to".

While McCann admits the atmosphere on Old Firm day will be something Barton has never experienced, the former Rangers winger turned Sky Sports pundit feels that nothing that the 34-year-old has done within Scottish football suggests that he will lose the plot at Parkhead.

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“Someone will noise him up," said McCann. "But he was on the receiving end of a heavy tackle at Kilmarnock and look at his reaction. He didn’t get up, go crazy and throw the toys out the pram. He took the hit and ended up going off injured but he didn’t cry about it.

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"Nothing I’ve seen from him in Rangers’ colours suggests to me he’s about to lose control or do something stupid or reckless," he added. "I actually feel he’s a very measured guy and is clever about using social media to wind people up. But I don’t know if he knows exactly what he’s coming in to."

While Mark Warburton usually adheres to a rigid 4-1-2-3 shape - which was successful in the Scottish Cup semi-final - McCann reckons the Rangers manager will have to be more flexible to get a result on Saturday.

"Celtic are playing differently and are far and away more explosive and dynamic," said McCann. "Rangers can challenge but Mark Warburton has to have the ability to change how they play. I do believe they have the players to do that. I haven’t seen it yet but I think he’ll have to do it in this game.

"I remember we spoke to Mark on the pitch at Alloa," McCann added. "He was asked if he would have to change and he said ‘no’. I’ll never forget that. I think he has to sometimes. Sometimes you have to put your hand up and think ‘if we open up against this team then we could be hurt’.

"What Rangers don’t have is speed through the centre of their defence. I think [Philippe] Senderos is a good signing for his experience, stature and pedigree. But does he have the pace to deal with [Scott] Sinclair, [James] Forrest and Leigh Griffiths in particular? That says to me the two full-backs, who are quick, will maybe have to take turn about at staying home a little bit. That’s what I mean about Mark Warburton maybe having to tinker a little bit."

**Sky Sports will show every Old Firm derby in this season's SPFL exclusively live, and nine of Scotland's 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches.