Source: Team_Talk
You can count on me, says Hartley
Sunday's game will mark one month since Hartley played for the first team but that match was against final opponents Rangers, keeping up his record of playing in all three Old Firm clashes so far this season.
The 22-times capped Scotland midfielder has plenty of experience at Hampden and he has reminded Strachan of his reliability ahead of the final.
"It's up to the manager, he makes the decision," Hartley said.
"I can only train well all week and try and impress him. The final decision is with the manager.
"He knows he can rely on me. I've played in big games before and he knows he can trust me as a player."
Strachan may make changes following Saturday's 1-0 Homecoming Scottish Cup defeat at St Mirren but he has little scope for bringing in players up front.
Strachan's only dilemma is to pick a partner for Scott McDonald, who has scored 46 goals for the Hoops in just over 18 months.
Georgios Samaras and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink have been far less prolific in recent times, going 25 games between them without finding the net.
Vennegoor of Hesselink has only scored in one match this season but Hartley has faith both forwards will soon recover from their lean spell.
"They don't become bad players overnight," the former Hearts and Hibernian player said.
"They are going through a difficult spell but that happens to all strikers, all midfielders, all defenders, all goalkeepers.
"It happens throughout the season, it happens throughout your career and I'm sure the two lads will bounce back.
"They train well every single day and their spirits are still there. It only takes a goal and they are back in form again."
Getting a vital goal in an Old Firm final would atone for much of their recent dry spell and Hartley admits this game is something to savour.
"It's a special occasion," he added. "It will be extra-special because it's an Old Firm cup final and the build-up has been intense.
"It's definitely one you look forward to as a player."
While the game is a one-off, it comes within the context of another close Scottish Premier League title race between the two teams.
But Hartley has dismissed claims the victors will hold a psychological advantage going into the run-in.
"It's just about winning the cup and that's what we are focused on," he said.
"There is silverware at the end of it and we are desperate to get our hands on it."
Hartley also insists recent history is insignificant as Celtic bid to bounce back from that shock defeat at St Mirren Park.
"Last week is out the window," he said. "We were disappointed but you have to move on and focus on the final.
"The spirit in the camp has been excellent all week and we're all up for it.
"I wouldn't say there is any more pressure on us. It's a final and we're desperate to win."
