Mjallby downplays treble talk

19 March 2011 11:30

Johan Mjallby believes it is "ridiculous" to talk of a possible treble ahead of Sunday's Co-operative Insurance Cup final against Rangers at Hampden.

The Hoops are top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and favourites to win the Scottish Cup after battling through to the semi-finals in midweek with a win at Inverness, and Neil Lennon's side also go in to the Old Firm final as favourites having not lost to the Ibrox men in four games this year.

However, the Parkhead club's assistant manager is determined that no one should get too far ahead of themselves and - asked if the treble was being discussed - he said: "No. It is too early to think about that. It would be ridiculous to think about a treble right now."

He added: "The good thing is we have a chance to go all the way in every domestic competition but it is too early to speak about that just now.

"The main focus is on the next game. Rangers are going to be fired up, it is a cup final.

"They are a good side, a strong side and well organised. They know everything about us and we know everything about them so there will be no surprises.

"The good thing is we are unbeaten in four against them.

"The second of January when we beat them was a a big turning point, at least mentally, for the players.

"We have won games against them recently but form always goes out the window in these games, it is about on the day and which team plays the closest to their best."

Mjallby will lead the team out at Hampden as Lennon - again absent from the weekly pre-match press conference on Friday - serves a four-match touchline ban for being sent to the stand at Tynecastle in November.

Source: PA