STUART MCCALL reckons actions will speak louder than words for Rangers as they prepare for their Old Firm showdown with Celtic.

The Light Blues head into the third derby of the campaign with Brendan Rodgers’ side firmly in their sights at the top of the Premiership standings.

Victory for the Gers would take them to within three points of Celtic, who will still have a game in hand, and the Ibrox crowd could start to dream about a potential title challenge.

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But nine-in-a-row legend McCall has urged Graeme Murty’s squad to keep their counsel in public and prove their worth once the whistle goes on Sunday.

He said: “Lee Wallace could be back and there is no doubt Rangers will take encouragement from their last couple of performances against Celtic.

“They also have a stronger squad now than they did when they played them in December. If everyone is available they have options.

“But my advice to them would be to play the game and keep their mouths shut.

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“There are still a few younger guys in there just getting to know what it’s all about. They won’t have played in this type of game.

“My advice to them would be ‘let your football do the talking. Don’t get caught up in hype.’

“I know they have to do interviews. But put the senior men forward and don’t set yourself up for a fall.

“I saw the fans turn on Windass the other week after he shushed them at Partick Thistle.

“And I thought, ‘just keep your mouth shut’ because you can be great for a bit, but all you need to do is lose 1-0 and that’s it.

“Yeah, everyone is talking about Rangers, that’s fine. Keep the pressure off.”

Boss Murty could hand derby debuts to January signings Russell Martin, Sean Goss, Greg Docherty, Jamie Murphy and Jason Cummings this weekend.

Read more: Steven Thompson: Rangers will be desperate to reverse their Old Firm record and halt Celtic's derby dominance

The Light Blues have put together an impressive run in recent weeks and confidence is high in the Ibrox ranks as they look to turn the tables on their Old Firm rivals.

After struggling to assert themselves following their return to the Premiership last season, Rangers have given supporters more hope for the future as they look to finally challenge for major honours once again.

And former Gers boss McCall knows they must build on the foundations that have been laid during the last couple of months.

He said: “If they back up the January window with a budget to make the next window as fruitful - I know there were a few loans - then it’s a stepping stone. And it looks more encouraging than it has for some time.

“They signed Docherty for £600k. Murphy will come for £1million.

“We are not talking money that’s going to topple Celtic at this moment. But you are getting a core that gives you a chance.

“It should be a job which appeals to top managers. But, listen, Graeme can only keep doing what he is doing.

“The results and performances have been much improved against Celtic. Long may that continue.

“My situation was totally different because Graeme in January got a chance to bring in not just good players but good people as well, good types.

“That helps the dressing room then you have the experience of Kenny Miller and Lee Wallace, even though they are not even involved at the minute.

“Before they were go to men. Now you have experience in Martin, and Murphy who has played at a good level down there.”

*Stuart McCall was speaking at a William Hill media event. William Hill is the proud sponsor of the Scottish Cup.