Scott McDonald says Old Firm clash will fire Celtic

Former Celtic striker Scott McDonald believes the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final draw will give his old club an added edge in the coming weeks.

Celtic have drawn their last two Ladbrokes Premiership games, escalating speculation over the future of manager Ronny Deila.

But they remain top of the table and now have a Hampden clash with Rangers to look forward to.

“It’s probably the game Celtic were looking for,” the Motherwell striker said. “It gives them something to get their teeth into and gives them motivation and extra edge going into the title run-in.

“I really expect them to lift their game. All those players will want to play in the game so they will all want to be performing leading up to that. So I fully expect Celtic’s form to increase over the coming week.”

On Deila, the Australian added: “There’s been a lot of speculation with his job at the minute with going out the League Cup and the European performances but a win over your Old Firm rivals would certainly put them to bed for a little while at least and put them on the road to winning another cup.”

On the tie itself, McDonald added: “I think it is an advantage for Celtic that they have a lot more experience in that changing room.

“It’s just important that you don’t become that rabbit in the headlight come Old Firm derby day. I remember my first game getting involved with Allan McGregor at a corner.

“There were only two minutes gone and I got booked and I thought ‘oh, here we go, I shouldn’t have done that’.

“It’s important to keep calm.”