NEIL McCANN has called on the players and supporters of both Rangers and Celtic to ensure the first Old Firm derby in almost three years does not descend into the cauldron of hate he experienced during his own career at Ibrox.

 

McCann still shudders when recalling elements of the meeting between the two sides at Parkhead in May 1999, in which he scored two goals in a 3-0 win that sealed the league championship title and sparked some shocking scenes of disorder.

The match referee, Hugh Dallas, required medical treatment on a head wound after being struck by a coin and had to be protected from a home supporter who invaded the field in an attempt to get at him.

He also had two windows of his £200,000 home smashed later that evening by a near neighbour. He issued 10 yellow cards and three reds during the course of the action.

One Celtic fan fell out of the top tier of the stadium during the match and the Rangers team had missiles thrown at them after the final whistle as a result of performing an impromptu huddle in front of the Main Stand.

McCann realises emotions are running high ahead of Sunday's League Cup semi-final and has pleaded for calm no matter what the result may be.

"It's a huge fixture, but, because there has not been a game of this magnitude for a number of years, the most important thing is that it passes safely," said McCann, now a television pundit with Sky Sports.

"That's the biggest concern. I don't know if it will be harder to police because it is a neutral venue.

"If it was a home game, the away fans can be shepherded in. I just hope it can be a good event, as it's one that's been sorely missed.

"I know what it can be like. I remember 1999, but I don't think it will be like that. I hope not anyway.

"It's fair to say that was the most volatile game I have been involved in.

"Anything that could happen did happen that day, on and off the field.

"I am confident it won't get to that stage."

With Rangers toiling in the SPFL Championship and a large section of their support deeply unhappy with the running of the club, concerns have been expressed over how they would react to the comprehensive defeat the bookmakers are predicting.

"I'm not saying that is going to happen," said McCann. "It comes down to supporters having a responsibility.

"I hope everyone can enjoy the occasion and welcome back the Old Firm fixture."

That is not to say that McCann is optimistic about his former club's chances.

"Rangers are in real trouble at the moment," he said. "The sides are worlds apart in terms of the performances on the pitch. It could be really tough for Rangers.

"You just want to see Rangers back for the good of Scottish football. We knew this game would come around. We would have liked to see it in the top league, but it's the cup and one team are going in very strong against another a lot weaker.

"However, I still believe Rangers have guys in that squad who, if they get things right tactically, mean there is a chance an upset could happen.

"Kenny McDowall, though, needs to get a level of performance out of them that's a lot higher than we have seen this season.

"At this moment you've got to fear the worst, but you never know."

The former Hearts and Dundee winger has heard many observers express the view that the weight of expectation rests squarely on Celtic's shoulders ahead of the game and scoffs at the very suggestion that Rangers enter the affair under relatively little pressure.

"The phrase 'nothing to lose' doesn't apply in an Old Firm game," said McCann. "You could say a lot of people might not expect you to get a result, but there's always something to lose in an Old Firm game.

"I was on the end of a hiding in the 6-2 game at Celtic Park in 2000. I locked myself away for a week until the storm passed.

"I've also been on the other side after winning. It doesn't matter how you go into the match, whether you are strong and in form, it can never be viewed as a meaningless match.

"You can never be ready for it unless you've experienced it, no matter what advice you get from the guys who have played in it 20 times. Nothing prepares you for when you walk out."

Jorg Albertz scored Rangers' other goal in that historic yet truly poisonous affair in 1999. He managed eight goals against Celtic during the course of his career at Ibrox and admit they meant more than anything.

"It is brilliant," said the German. "For me, there was never a better game than the Old Firm.

"If you win and score in an Old Firm game, it means that bit extra. It is a dream."

He accepts the odds are stacked against Rangers this weekend, but is clinging onto hope.

"Anything can happen in football," he said. "You saw Germany against Brazil in the World Cup and who ever expected a result like that?"

Surely he cannot believe that Rangers are capable of winning 7-1.

"You never know," he said. "It could happen, but it is hard to see it.

"A win would give the club a lift, but it wouldn't solve all the problems we have got. It would be nice for the club, for the support, to see a little light at the end of the tunnel."