O’Neill: Old Firm clash not title decider

MARTIN O’NEILL claimed yesterday that Celtic are worthy Old Firm favourites - but denies that victory for his side tomorrow would decide the destination of the championship.

This weekend’s Bank of Scotland Premier League Glasgow derby is the most eagerly-awaited for some time with both teams locked on the same points at the summit.

The inevitable debut of fiery new Bhoy Craig Bellamy and the return of Rangers midfield hero Barry Ferguson will no doubt add extra spice to the occasion at Parkhead.

Champions Celtic have a game in hand in the race for the title and have not been beaten by their fierce city rivals in 11 matches - a run stemming back to March 8, 2000.

So it is no surprise that their manager believes they have the upper hand despite Rangers’ recent good form.

“Are we favourites to win the game?” he smiled. “We’re at home so why shouldn’t we be? Let’s go and try to win it.”

A victory on Sunday would certainly put Celtic in the championship driving seat but O’Neill added: “I don’t think it is the title decider. It’s far too early to call and I would say that even if we won.

“If you look at other leagues, people are saying that if Chelsea slip up there is a possibility of Arsenal and Manchester United ganging up and that’s a nine-point gap.

“So as you can imagine there are still 13 games to go and 14 for us so I don’t think it is going to decide anything.”

Alex McLeish has yet to win at Celtic Park as Rangers boss but O’Neill insists there is never anything between to the sides.

He: “I always think these games are equally balanced and there hasn’t been much between the sides for the last four-and-half-years.

“There wasn’t anything in the transfer window to change my mind about it. They are very tough games.”

Discipline is going to be crucial in the intense cauldron of the battle but O’Neill feels it would be patronising to warn temperamental star Craig Bellamy and Stephane Henchoz about keeping their cool on derby day.

“I don’t think I have to do anything,” he continued. “The game has got a fantastic history and is a very, very passionate affair.

“But Stephane Henchoz and Craig Bellamy have played very big games throughout their careers so it’s not worth mentioning.

“I think it would be a bit patronising to say anything to these kind of players when big games come up. Remember Stephane played in a UEFA Cup final a couple of years ago.”

Chris Sutton and Alan Thompson were dismissed in the ugly defeat at Ibrox on November 20 but O’Neill does not expect trouble again especially after their Tennent’s Scottish Cup win at Parkhead in January passed with little incident.

Shota Arveladze is rated doubtful for Rangers.

The striker is suffering from an illness and looks set to miss the clash.

Bojan Djordjic is still absent with a groin strain while Stefan Klos and Gavin Rae both remain on the sidelines with knee injuries.