Old Firm fixture is losing its fizz, warns Pierre Van Hooijdonk

Apr 13 2008 Mark Guidi

PIERRE VAN HOOIJDONK used to relish being part of the Old Firm mayhem - but fears the war between the bitter rivals could be fizzling out.

The Dutchman believes last month's clash between Rangers and Celtic lacked the passion and intensity that used to be the trademark of the derby showdowns.

Gers won 1-0 thanks to Kevin Thomson's 44th-minute strike but even though referee Stuart Dougal dished out eight yellows the crunch never boiled over. The rivals meet again on Wednesday at Parkhead - and this time Van Hooijdonk hopes for fireworks.

The Hoops legend told MailSport: "I was commentating for Dutch TV at the last game and what really struck me was it was NOTHING like Old Firm games I've been used to over the years. When I played there were always big talking points and the referee was never far from the action.

"Players went nose-to-nose all the time and there were some ridiculous tackles.

"I was involved in a few incidents but it was part and parcel of the intense atmosphere on and off the pitch.

"But last month's game lacked aggression from both sets of players.

"I thought it would be do-or-die stuff - but it wasn't and that surprised me.

"Yes, the ref booked eight but most of the yellows were for dissent. The crazy, stupid things that used to be a symbol of the Old Firm game were missing.

"Of course, you can turn that into a positive and say the fixture is becoming more cultured with more of an emphasis on playing football.

"We will see what happens this week.

Maybe the do-or-die stuff will return."

The big Dutchman was never far from the action during his two years in Glasgow, notably squaring up to Paul Gascoigne during a defeat at Celtic Park in 1995. In another memorable battle in 1997, as Gers all but clinched nine-in-a-row, Mark Hateley was sent off and ugly scenes followed at the end with Paolo Di Canio threatening to snap Ian Ferguson's legs.

A season on, Gazza was handed a fivematch ban for violent conduct after clashing with Morten Wieghorst at Parkhead.

In 1999, after Van Hooijdonk had left Glasgow, there was the now infamous Old Firm battle when Gers clinched the title at the home of their fierce rivals.

Referee Hugh Dallas needed stitches to a head wound after being struck by a coin then handed Dick Advocaat's team a controversial penalty. He had earlier sent off Celtic defender Stephane Mahe.

Two years later Michael Mols, Claudio Reyna and Lubomir Moravcik were all red-carded amidst shameful scenes at Hampden in a CIS Cup semi-final.

The derby has been calmer recently - since Neil Lennon almost came to blows with ref Dougal at the end of Rangers' 3-1 win at Ibrox in 2005 and was handed a three-game ban for his trouble.

Gordon Strachan will be looking for some fighting spirit as he aims to erase a four-game losing streak against Gers.

Van Hooijdonk believes Celtic's current plight mirrors their struggle to beat Walter Smith's men a decade ago.

He said: "Rangers deserved to win last month. Celtic dictated for long spells but did not create enough chances. You can over-analyse Old Firm games but all that matters against your rivals is winning.

"Burns' side played some great football against Rangers too but I was only in the winning team against them once.

"At the end of the game on Wednesday Strachan will not want to hear his side had more possession or more shots. All he wants is his players to grab three points."

Pierre has now retired from football and his place in the Dutch side has been taken by Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.

The hitman is used by the national team as an emergency striker to be brought on if the team resort to route one.

Big Jan has recently come in for flak but Van Hooijdonk defended his countryman and insisted: "Jan is brave and works hard. He is highly appreciated in Holland and will be a valuable member of our Euro 2008 squad.He is unlikely to start every match but is important as defenders do not like facing him.

"Last month, Holland were losing 3-1 to Austria and Jan came on to score a goal and set up the winner as we won 4-3.

"We are not known for producing guys whose best qualities are heading the ball - but Jan is an exception."

Van Hooijdonk is also a fan of Celtic midfielder Scott Brown.

He is suspended for Wednesday but Pierre said: "Brown caught my eye in the last Old Firm game. He timed his runs well and was a great link man for the forwards.

"Celtic's chances of winning the league title are slim. The chances will be zero if they don't win on Wednesday night."