Callum McGregor has urged Celtic to remain focused and continue their strong run of form ahead of Sunday's showdown with rivals Rangers in the Scottish League Cup final.
The first piece of silverware in Scotland will be up for grabs when the two Glaswegian giants lock horns at Hampden Park in the 433rd Old Firm derby.
Both clubs, who are still separated by nine points in the Premiership table, head into Sunday's final in fantastic form, with Ange Postecoglou's league leaders winning 16 and drawing one of their last 17 games across all competitions, coming out on top in each of their last nine matches in a row.
Rangers, meanwhile, have won 13 of their last 14 fixtures in all tournaments since the arrival of Michael Beale as head coach at the end of November.
Celtic won their 20th League Cup last season after beating Hibernian 2-1 in the final, and Hoops skipper McGregor believes that their preparation and focus for such an important game is key if they wish to retain their title.
"Of course, it's a big game and a showpiece occasion so everyone is looking forward to it," McGregor told celticfc.com. "We've prepared really well over the week and come Sunday we will be ready to go.
"In cup finals, you have to play well but the main thing for us is to stay focused and continue what we've been doing. Everyone knows it's a big game and a game of consequence, and I've always said that as a football player, you want to be involved in big games where things are on the line.'
"That excites you as a player but I believe you need to have a process and you need to trust in it to get you success. In terms of preparation, you're excited and looking forward to the game but you have to stick to a process throughout the week.
"The team is in good rhythm and form, so if we bring that to the game along with our other qualities and we stay calm then I think we will be okay."
Aside from a brief loan spell with Notts County, McGregor has spent his entire career with boyhood club Celtic, making over 400 appearances and winning 16 major trophies, including five League Cups.
Last season's League Cup was the first trophy that the 29-year-old midfielder lifted as Celtic captain and he hopes that another triumph on Sunday will provide them with the spark that they need to push for a domestic treble.
"Our focus is always on the next game and that's our biggest, which this week is Sunday," McGregor added. "It's important in the context of the season if we can go on and be successful then it gives us a bounce to continue the rest of the season and try and be as successful as we can.
"My personal self doesn't come into it at all, we will get the rewards as a team if we turn up and do the right things – the full focus is on the players and what we have to do on Sunday.
"When there are trophies on the line it's always sweet if you can get them. To play Rangers in the final does add a special feeling to it but as players, we have to approach it in the same way.
"We haven't changed our approached whatever the competition is or if it's home or away, it doesn't matter, and we will do that again because it's all about how we prepare and we won't have an eye on who the fixture is against."
Celtic are unbeaten in their last three Old Firm meetings with Rangers, but they will be seeking revenge against the Gers at Hampden Park after losing 2-1 in extra time in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup last season. body check tags ::
