Advocaat hits at hype about title decider

They are quite right, of course, as the Parkhead team lost three times out of four to their rivals but still finished at the top of the premier division to put an end to the 10-in-row ambitions of the then Walter Smith-managed side.

None the less, other studies could illustrate years when it was indeed the crucial factor in winning the title.

There is no argument, however, with another Advocaat assesment: ''We are not about about to change everything just because we are playing Celtic, although we know they are a good team. We think we are a good team, too.''

The manager had disturbing news about one new player who has yet to show his talents to the Ibrox fans, Daniel Prodan.

The Romanian defender may need to go through a knee operation before he can start his Scottish career after signing from Atletico Madrid for #2.2m.

The central defender is still having pain and has managed only two reserve games since he arrived in Glasgow. He is due to see a specialist before a decision is made.

Still, compared to Celtic, who have major injury worries, Rangers are relatively well off, although Arthur Numan remains out of contention alongside long-term absentees Gordon Durie, Jonas Thern and Seb Rozental.

Gabriel Amato, who missed out because of knee problem in the 1-1 draw with Beitar of Jerusalem, is fit to play.

On all known form, Advocaat will make few changes, but it may be that Amato and Jorg Albertz, who came on to score the equaliser against the Israeli side in the UEFA Cup-tie, will be in from the start.

''I am quite happy with the way things have been going and we will go into Sunday's game with confidence,'' said Advocaat.

''I have not been at an Old Firm game before, but I was in Scotland discussing my contract with David Murray when I watched it on TV last season. Of course I noticed how much everyone in Glasgow was focused on the game and we know what a win means to the fans.''

He described the game he saw as 'very exciting.'

He went on: ''Hopefully, it will be a good, exciting game again. Both teams like to play good football, but the passions will be high among the fans. Obviously, as we are at home, we will be favourites.

''You have to remember that Celtic had eight internationalists in their team when they won the title last season and they have been playing together for a year.

''We have been together for only two months, but the players we have brought in are experienced at high levels.

One man relishing the prospect of a meeting with Celtic is defender Craig Moore who continues to play well enough to keep Scotland captain Colin Hendry waiting on the sidelines.

''We have had a lot of games in a few weeks but, after the day off yesterday we are all fresh and ready to go again.'' he said.

''As far as my own situtation is concerned, all I can do is try to keep playing consistently. At the end of the day that is what counts and Colin doesn't come into it.

''What I have to do is build on what I have done so far. ''

He recalled playing in all four of the Old Firm games in the nine-in-a-row season - ''overall I have won more than I have lost.''- but he did lose on his debut derby, at Hampden in the game after Rangers had already sewn- up the championship.''

The Australian does not think that having so many new men in the game is necessarily a big draw-back.

''They will go into it free of any feelings about it and believe it is a normal game, while others know different.

''They'll learn what is about all right and maybe they will say so after it is all over.''

Moore, whose own request to play at centre half was heeded by Advocaat and has resulted in his regular inclusion ever since, made the point that invariably Old Firm games are determined by whichever team gets it right on the day.

Recent form is not an infallible guide to the outcome, as so many of his predecessors have discovered throughout the years.

BOOKIES' VIEW: Rangers 11-10, Celtic 9-4, draw 9-4.