DURING the five years that he spent as the manager at his childhood heroes Rangers in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Graeme Souness was involved in many memorable Old Firm encounters with Celtic at Parkhead.

However, one of them, and a single performance by a particular player, sticks out in his mind to this day.

He can still vividly recall the inspired display that tough-tackling English midfielder Terry Hurlock produced for him in a crucial league match in the East End of Glasgow during the 1990/91 campaign.

The match was level in the second-half – Celtic centre half Paul Elliott had cancelled out the early opener which had been netted by Rangers striker Mo Johnston shortly before half-time - when Hurlock intervened.

The home supporters in the 52,565-strong crowd appealed to referee Brian McGinlay for a free-kick to be awarded and a red card to be shown when the former Millwall man sent Stevie Fulton sprawling to the turf with a typically robust challenge.

But the £375,000 summer did not hang about to learn his fate - he quickly drove the ball forward to Ally McCoist and the substitute rounded Pat Bonner and put the visitors ahead again.

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Fulton got to his feet and was promptly booked for dissent as the incensed crowd revolted.

Souness’s side ended up beating Billy McNeill’s team 2-1 and moving into first place in the top flight table thanks to the goal and they would go on, after Walter Smith had taken over as manager, to lift their third consecutive league crown the following year.

The Herald: It would be lunacy to ask any of the current Rangers players to adopt the same approach as Hurlock – who is still rightly regarded as one of the hardest footballers British football has ever produced – when they cross the River Clyde on Saturday.

Still, the Scotland great feels that James Tavernier and his team mates have to show exactly the same sort of tenacity and ingenuity as his old enforcer to prevail at a ground which their fans will once again be locked out of. 

Asked what his favourite memory of a game at Parkhead was ahead of the massive showdown between the fierce city rivals this weekend, he said: “I wasn’t playing in it, but I think we went there and won quite well. 

“I remember Terry Hurlock having a marvellous game in midfield for us. Terry was made for World War I, World War II and going to Parkhead. He was a really good player, a lovely striker of the ball. He had this image as just a tough guy, but he was actually a really good football player. 

“I can remember playing both at Ibrox and at Parkhead. Okay, I was past my best when I came back to play here. But they are never easy games to play in. They are tough. Celtic will start like a whirlwind and Rangers need to deal with that.”

Souness, who picked up the Special Merit award from PFA Scotland at a ceremony in Glasgow on Sunday night, felt that Rangers handled their last trip to Parkhead well back in December even though they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the end of the 90 minutes.

He thinks that Ibrox manager Philippe Clement, whose charges are three points behind the defending champions with three games remaining and desperately need to triumph to keep their hopes of finishing in top spot alive, will have a far better understanding of what to expect because of that outing.

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“I think he’s handled himself brilliantly in his short time at Rangers,” he said. “He’s been to Parkhead already so he knows the challenges in front of him. I thought they were a bit unlucky in the game. They were down to 10 men for a long time yet could have got something from the game.

“This is not just about this weekend. It’s about getting over the line in the league – and this is a big step towards it. There could still be slip ups somewhere else. It’s not easy to win titles.

“Celtic have been the dominant team in the last couple of years since Steven Gerrard won the title. They have the bit between their teeth and you have to say Rangers are underdogs.

The Herald: Rangers manager Philippe Clement, second left, applauds supporters with his players following the“They have to deal with that and get on with it. They need to focus, not get side tracked by anything that goes on, and turn up and play on the day.

“This is not the first time the teams are playing each other to decide this title. Anything can happen in football, but I think this is another big Old Firm game which may ultimately decide the title.”

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Souness, who made 52 appearances for his country and won three European Cups and five English titles in his time at Liverpool, was touched to be honoured by his fellow professionals at the weekend.

“It’s a long time since I was a manager here in Scotland and played for Scotland,” he said. “So to be recognised after all this time is special. I have been very lucky to play in great teams that won lots of trophies. But individual awards are something else and I am chuffed.

“I love coming back to Scotland, I love coming back to Glasgow. I feel very welcome here so I don’t come and think, ‘Oh, I’d better be careful where I go’. No, I am from Edinburgh, I come to Glasgow and I am treated with a lot of warmth. Maybe it’s because I’m an old man now.” 

A lot of warmth? Including from Celtic fans?

“No, I wouldn’t go that far,” he said. “But, listen, football especially in this city, is something people are really passionate about. I learned to live with that a long, long time ago.” 

The current Rangers players will have to live with the hostile atmosphere which the Celtic supporters will generate during the cinch Premiership game at Parkhead on Saturday to win – but if they can exhibit the same mettle as their predecessor Terry Hurlock then Graeme Souness feels anything is possible.