Johan Mjallby insists the date of the final Old Firm derby of the season holds no real significance for Celtic because they will place just as much importance on the rest of their remaining games.
The Scottish Premier League confirmed on Wednesday that Rangers will host their rivals at Ibrox on April 24, with the Easter Sunday date ruling out any possibility of a title decider.
But, as far as Mjallby is concerned, taking on the Scottish champions in the first game after the split makes no real difference to Celtic and how they will approach the last nine matches. "It doesn't matter at all," said the assistant boss. "There are too many games to go so it doesn't really matter when we play."
He added: "We just need to make sure we win against the other teams as well. It won't be a title decider anyway because it's the first game after the split. For us, working with the team, I don't think it matters. Maybe it's more important for the people supporting the two clubs when we play."
What was important to Mjallby was seeing Celtic return to the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League with a convincing 3-1 win over Hibernian on Wednesday night.
Rangers' win at St Johnstone 24 hours earlier saw them move into pole position for the first time since December but Neil Lennon's men responded positively thanks to a fourth-minute strike from Anthony Stokes and a double from Gary Hooper, who also missed from the penalty spot.
Liam Miller pulled a goal back for Hibs - another spot-kick - but the match was all but over as a contest by half-time as Celtic moved two points clear of their Old Firm rivals.
Mjallby said: "It was an excellent performance in the first half and we were delighted with that.
"We created a lot of chances and scored the three goals and that was enough. We slackened off a wee bit in the second half and sometimes that happens.
"The only disappointing thing is that we lost a goal but it was a great performance and a great three points."
Source: PA
