Barry Ferguson saluted Rangers' character and desire after they claimed Old Firm bragging rights with a dramatic 3-2 victory over rivals Celtic.

The visitors made a purposeful start at Celtic Park and led 2-0 at the break thanks to goals from Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande on Sunday.

However, Celtic fought back in the second half, with strikes from Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate dragging Brendan Rodgers' side level heading into the final quarter of an hour.

Rangers were not to be denied and snatched all three points two minutes from time when substitute Hamza Igamane skipped away from Cameron Carter-Vickers before rifling a shot into the top corner.

It marked back-to-back league victories for Rangers against Celtic for the first time since August 2021, with Ferguson pinpointing his side's character as the difference.

"I am delighted. We were immense in the first half, it was everything I asked from [the players]," Ferguson told Sky Sports.

"[We] are disappointed with the two goals. What's the big word that everyone has thrown against them, character? This was a prime example.

"They've been brilliant to work with over the last few weeks. You can see the signs, we're getting there. They are a top team, but we've come here and dominated.

"Overall, we deserved it. I said to them, go and prove how much desire you have got. That's what it takes to play for Rangers. It's a different approach, but I believe it is one that will bring a successful Rangers."

Celtic were previously unbeaten in their last eight home league games against Rangers (W6 D2), winning each of their last five in a row before Sunday's defeat. 

"Obviously, [we're] happy to get the result," Rangers captain James Tavernier added. "We had a really good first half, and then we sat off, which brought them into the game.

"We showed character. We showed resilience and were brave on the ball.  The character we have shown in the last few weeks, we have real belief until the whistle goes." 

Despite beating their rivals, Rangers are still 13 points adrift of runaway Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic, who remain well on course for the title.

Nevertheless, given their strong position, a disappointed Rodgers insists he expects more from his players, while he empathised with Celtic supporters. 

"It was a disappointing result," he told Celtic TV. "We apologise because we always want to win games here and against our big rivals, so, for them, it's not a great feeling.

"In every facet of the game, we have to be much better and if you're going to be a champion this year, you've got to go and show that you're a champion, and you've got to earn it.

"I felt that probably a draw [was a fair result] – they were better in the first half, and we were better in the second half – but if you don't defend well enough, that can happen."