McCulloch eyes derby to lift Rangers

Lee McCulloch believes the Old Firm derby has come at the right time for Rangers – despite admitting to concerns about their inability to score.

Saturday's stalemate against Aberdeen at Ibrox was the Scottish champions' third successive goalless draw in the Scottish Premier League, having previously been held by Kilmarnock and Motherwell.

Next up in domestic competition are Celtic – who now sit four points clear at the summit – and Rangers would be forgiven for thinking the match could not have come at a worse time.

However, McCulloch feels differently. "It is a frustrating spell," said the versatile midfielder. "We had the bulk of possession against Aberdeen and passed the ball about OK but were just lacking creativity in the final third, that cutting edge to create a chance and put the ball away.

"It's definitely a concern for us. A lot of teams go through these spells and I think we have to just work that bit harder on the training pitch. I don't know whether it's about confidence but I think we can put things right. Celtic comes at the right time because it's a game we need to do well in."

The Celtic manager Tony Mowbray criticised his players despite their 2-0 win at St Mirren, describing their performances as unacceptable. Northern Ireland international Paddy McCourt scored a brilliant individual goal, but accepted his manager's criticism.

"You know when you come off if you have performed individually and as a team and if we are going to be honest, I don't think any of us could say we were really great. The manager is an honest fellow and he has told me that he wants me to play every week but said that there are some things that I have to add to my game."