Ange Postecoglou turns Celtic attention to Rangers final and makes it clear he’s right up for it

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Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is relishing the chance to lead the Bhoys out at Hampden in the Scottish League Cup final next week.

To date, for obvious reasons, the manager hasn’t spoken much about the upcoming derby. The Aberdeen test today was too big a match to take the eye off. We know he likes to keep things laser-focused on the immediate challenge.

However, in his post-match interview on BBC Sportsound this evening, he left no one in any doubt he’s looking forward to next Sunday’s occasion.

Ange expecting “cracking atmosphere” for Celtic’s clash with Rangers

The Bhoys boss said: “It’s why you want to be involved here. You want to be involved in the big games that have a consequence and there is a trophy on the line. We will enjoy the week and there will obviously be a fair bit of noise around it but that is why you want to be involved in the game.

“At the same time the lads understand that we prepare ourselves in the right way and the right manner to be the best we can be on the day and that is what we will do.

“It all adds to the storyline I guess. It’s a cup final irrespective and you don’t dismiss one because of the opponent you have. Every trophy is hard earned and you don’t take them for granted.

“As you say it’s the two form teams in the competition, both good footballing sides and it will be a cracking atmosphere. The only place you want to be is smack bang in the middle of it.”

Celtic finals against Rangers have become a rarity over the last decade despite the Bhoys’ dominance in Scottish football. There’s only been one in the last decade, which the Bhoys won thanks to a Christopher Jullien goal.

There’s no doubt this is a huge match that will be remembered by many supporters on both sides of the divide for the rest of their lives, win or lose. That’s how this goes.

However, Celtic go into it in red hot form with absolutely no fear and will undoubtedly give their best to bring the silverware home. That’s all we can ask for.

In other news, Celtic injury update ahead of Rangers final as Ange delivers post-match Mooy and Turnbull assessment.