FORMER Celtic striker Charlie Nicholas admits that Rangers have had the upper hand in the last few Old Firm derbies - warning Neil Lennon that he will have to go for broke to get anything out of Saturday's powderkeg clash.

With Steven Gerrard's side boasting a 16-point lead over their rivals, having played an extra three games, Lennon knows that a defeat would be a hammer blow in his side's quest for 10-in-a-row.

The Northern Irishman has been experimenting with his starting line-up in recent weeks after the Hoops got back on track following a miserable run of form in October and November, opting for a midfield diamond in recent weeks and a front pairing of Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths.

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Nicholas reckons his old side look far more dangerous in the final third with the Frenchman and the former Hibs striker up top, and has urged Lennon to start the pair at Ibrox.

And the former Scotland and Arsenal striker added that playing on the front foot could be Lennon's best chance of securing a result - as he doesn't have enough confidence in the Hoops' defence.

Nicholas told Football Pass: "Celtic have to go for it.

"I don't think Celtic have to force the game or go out and win it in the first 20 minutes but Celtic have to play a front two with Griffiths and Edouard, for me, to try and upset Rangers' rhythm.

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"Because for me, Rangers have controlled the last three or four matches, even when they haven't won.

"And Celtic tend to change their system to combat Rangers.

"The only hope I have got as a Celtic fan is, and my level of confidence has been going up in the last few weeks, is I think we can go there positive.

"But I'm not confident defensively. That's the issue."