IT isn't just Celtic who will be spurred on by thoughts of what transpired at this venue between these two teams at this stage last season. While the Parkhead side will hope to exorcise the trauma of their defeat on spot kicks, last year's Scottish Cup survivors within this Rangers are still kicking themselves for producing such a defining performance yet failing to follow it through with the first major trophy since 2011 and their first Scottish Cup since 2009. While it didn't feel like it at the time, Kenny Miller is honest enough to admit with hindsight that the club's performance on cup final day suggested they did take their eye off the ball in the wake of that historic victory over Celtic.

"It does hurt," said Miller. "I think anybody involved in that game would say the same thing. We got past that semi-final and it had been built up so much, we had been written off, and you could see not the relief but how much it meant to the lads after that penalty [Tom Rogic's] went over the bar. It was a big day for us and unfortunately we never followed it up. It was really disappointing, an opportunity to put another medal in the cabinet and we didn’t take it. What's happened to the club in the last few years has been well documented. But to get that first major honour would have been huge for us a year ago.

"Did we think we had already won it? Listen, not for me. Because I knew that there was a lot to still go. But what it meant, beating them, although it went to penalties I still think we were the better team and I don’t think many people would argue with that. It was a really significant result for this group of players moving forward. I wouldn’t have said we took our eye off the ball at all .... but our results and performance would suggest otherwise. It’s still right there in the memory so it’s important we put that right."

There is a knack to scoring goals in Old Firm matches which some players just don't have. Miller, on the other hand, thrives in this environment and his powers show little sign of diminishing. Since returning to Rangers, he has scored nine in 18 appearances in this fixture. With his contractual future still to be tied up, these next two matches in six days could yet prove to be his last, but then the player could have said the same six years ago. Including the opening goal in this fixture 12 months back, he has scored two in his last five, and that could really have been three had Joe Garner not made sure that his goalbound header would cross the line in the 5-1 game at Celtic Park in September. There have been other chances besides, not least a glorious late opportunity to grab an equaliser at Ibrox this season.

“Scoring for Rangers against Celtic is up there with the best feelings you'll have in your career," said Miller. "It's because of what it means. Some people define your career by these goals so it's been nice to play a part in the fixture. It'll be the same for goalkeepers like Andy Goram and Allan McGregor making crucial saves in these games. You live for these moments. Hopefully there’s another on Sunday.

"Six years ago I was in a similar situation, running out of contract and thinking I had faced my last [Old Firm match]. I’ve been fortunate to come back again and have a few over the last few seasons. It’s Hampden again which I really enjoy. But I’ve done enough talking about my own situation and it’s about getting on with the game and going about my business as normal, working hard for the team and playing a part in another good team performance and result.

"What I would say is that I have got a bit older I’ve definitely become more composed in front of goal. When you’re younger you recognise the significance of goals, how they change games. When you’re younger you are maybe a bit more rash. So that’s definitely something that has improved with age."

Perhaps it was written in the stars that Miller would have such a fruitful relationship with this fixture. His first appearance in the game was a 5-1 win at Ibrox in 2000, although he jokes that he was fortunate to have missed the game which preceded that, the 6-2 defeat to Celtic at Parkhead, with an injury. Now it is untested young defenders Myles Beerman and David Bates who could be thrown in at the deep end during today's match, but Miller doesn't feel he will single them out for any special advice. Nor has he been specifically asked by manager Pedro Caixinha to pass on any particular tips.

“I don't want to add too much, there's enough pressure on them as it is," he said. "But if the lads want any advice or if I feel they need an arm round them or a pep talk, then of course, I'll give them it. It's a different game and a huge occasion but they have coped well so far. We've had three clean sheets in a row and they've played a big part in it. It's about playing the game and not the occasion. If they do that, they'll be fine.

“Sunday is about us. It's not about us stopping Celtic – it's about Rangers getting to a final. We want to win a cup. The bonus is, preventing Celtic doing a Treble comes along with it."