Scott McDonald is playing down the significance that Celtic can move seven points clear of Rangers.
Bhoys ace refusing to get carried away with early lead
Scott McDonald is playing down the significance that Celtic can move seven points clear of Rangers in the SPL table on Sunday.
While the Bhoys have made a solid start to the new campaign their arch-rivals have fallen slightly off the pace following three consecutive goalless draws.
The pair meet this weekend at Ibrox in the first Old Firm clash this season with Celtic knowing they can move seven points clear of Walter Smith's side with a victory.
Despite the prospect of opening up a vast early lead in the title race, McDonald is refusing to count Celtic's chickens after they squandered a similar advantage last season.
"Let's not talk about that right now, we've been there before haven't we?" said McDonald. "One step at a time and if we were to win it would be fantastic.
"We would be seven clear once again but as we know, that can be cut down very quickly.
Massive game
"It's a massive game against Rangers and so I don't think you need to pick yourself up for that one.
"I'm sure we will be ready for it as I'm sure Rangers will be after a disappointing result in Europe against Sevilla.
"It will be a big battle, so bring it on."
Celtic go into the match on the back of drawing at home in the Europa League with Rapid Vienna while Rangers were thumped 4-1 in the UEFA Champions League by Sevilla.
Rapid scored with their first attack through Nikica Jelavic on Thursday evening and McDonald insists Tony Mowbray's troops need to tighten up early on at Ibrox.
Improvement
"They scored from the first chance and that is something that we have to improve upon in our game," he continued.
"We have to be 100 per cent focused from the first minute.
"We played really well but it was a fair result and now we need to push ourselves to be better.
"We have another four games in the section, it is a long way before the last group game so we will see what happens."
