Paddy McCourt believes Celtic's unbeaten run will be the last thing on the players' minds when they take on Rangers in their Scottish Cup fifth-round clash at Ibrox on Sunday.
The on-form Hoops travel across the city not having tasted defeat in 14 games and having chalked up a convincing 2-0 win against the Light Blues in Govan in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at the start of January. McCourt, though, insists the SPL leaders will just be playing to secure a quarter-final berth.
"When you go into an Old Firm game you are not worried about runs," the Northern Ireland international said. "It wouldn't matter if you were on a 14-game run or a one-game run, you want to win the game. You know how much it means to everyone, not just the players."
He added: "It would be nice to go 15, 16, 17 games unbeaten but I don't think that will be at the forefront of anyone's minds. I think it's just about winning the game and getting in to the next round will be the most important thing.
"Winning at Ibrox gave us a big lift. We are playing well now and really enjoying it so hopefully we can take it in to Sunday."
Neil Lennon, though, is hoping his players take nothing for granted against their Old Firm rivals who were well beaten in January when a Georgios Samaras double gave the visitors a comfortable win.
Celtic fans have been thrilled by their side's recent form and even Rangers skipper Davie Weir claimed the SPL leaders were probable favourites to reach the quarter-finals.
But the Parkhead boss said. "Rangers are at home and they are formidable opponents so I would say it's pretty even. Everyone will have their own opinions on who will be favourites but all I can do is keep everyone focused on winning the game.
"We are on a very good run and we have been playing pretty well against good opposition. I was pleased with the progress we were making but the win at Ibrox sort of emphasised the progress and the belief that we can go on and compete against the very best in the country. We have kicked on since then and the form has been of a high standard.
"But our feet are firmly on the ground and things can change very quickly. It's a different game again and it's all about what happens on the day."
Source: PA
