Walter Smith admits he is heading into unchartered territory this weekend as he prepares for an Old Firm derby where both Rangers and Celtic boast 100% records in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.
The veteran boss has plenty of experience of the famous fixture over his two spells at the Ibrox helm, but cannot recall a situation where either side had failed to drop a single point before their first meeting of the season. With nothing to separate the Glasgow giants, this could well be one of the most highly-anticipated clashes between the bitter rivals in years.
"I don't remember being eight games into the season before and going into an Old Firm match and neither team having dropped points," said Smith.
"Unless someone can tell me differently, it's the first time that has happened.
"It will be a very interesting first Old Firm game of the season. Maybe this season's four Old Firm matches will take on an added importance.
"There are certain to be points dropped over the season but maybe not as many as in the past. We feel we have started the season very well and, if you look at how well Celtic have started, you realise it is going to be a big game."
It has been a dream start to his managerial career for Celtic boss Neil Lennon, who took on the role officially in the summer after impressing as interim manager at the end of last season.
Smith added: "Give Neil credit, he made a very brave decision to turn around a whole bunch of players.
"Normally it would take a bit of time to settle in and you would expect there to be a little bit of inconsistency in the first period of the season - but there they are, sitting on the same number of points as ourselves.
"It's great credit to him that he has managed to settle his side down and win every game they have played in the league so far."
Source: PA
