Jermain Defoe has revealed Rangers are motivated by Celtic's high-flying start to the new season - and he believes the Light Blues must match their rivals all the way in the scoring stakes.
Steven Gerrard's side followed up their win over Kilmarnock on the opening weekend with a stunning showing at Ibrox as Hibernian were swept aside.
Defoe hit a hat-trick in the 6-1 victory as the Gers moved level on points with Celtic after they netted 12 goals in their first two outings with St Johnstone and Motherwell.
Asked if Gers are keeping an eye on Celtic's exploits, Defoe said: “Of course, yes. You can’t ignore it – the way they’ve started ad the amount of goals they’ve scored.
“It’s nice that we’ve won the game so convincingly today. You don’t always have to score six or seven goals.
“It doesn’t really matter. It’s about getting three points. But it is nice to win in that way.
“It’s good for the fans as well as well as the new lads who’ve come in – to get goals and assists.
“It’s good for the confidence. We just want it to continue for as long as possible.
“There are a lot of games in a short space of time. Now we need to get our heads down and prepare for the game on Thursday which is another massive one. I’m sure he lads that play in that game will be ready.
“Going into the game you are aware of the fact that we’ve dropped points against them in recent seasons.
“But it’s a new season. You want to try and put it right.
READ MORE: Paul Heckingbottom rues Hibernian's mistakes in heavy defeat to Rangers at Ibrox
“It’s not something that you can go into the game thinking about too much.
“You have to approach it like any other game and it’s one we’ve got to win.
“Especially being at home it’s important that we make it difficult for teams.
“We want teams to come here and be scared. That’s what we’re trying to do.
“I thought the first 30 minutes of the game was perfect – the way we moved the ball, the high press, the way we won the ball back in the right areas. The game plan worked.”
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