Neil Lennon admits Celtic would relish Rangers cup tie

Neil Lennon: Says potential Old Firm cup tie is not on his radar yet

Celtic boss Neil Lennon admits his players would love to host Old Firm rivals Rangers after a potential League Cup tie between the Glasgow giants moved a step closer.

The historic derby will not be played in the SPL this season following the Ibrox club's demotion to the Third Division after financial meltdown.

However, the prospect of a cup clash became increasingly possible as both sides moved into the League Cup quarter-finals this week, with Rangers beating Motherwell and Celtic seeing off Raith Rovers.

Lennon admitted he was impressed by Rangers' display against the SPL leaders, but says his mind is only occupied by Tuesday's Champions League clash at Spartak Moscow.

"The players love the (Old Firm) games. Whether we get an Old Firm game or not I don't know, it is not on my radar yet because it has not materialised."
Neil Lennon

"I thought the intensity of the game and the atmosphere was very good, Rangers scored two good goals and deserved to win the game," said the Northern Irishman.

"If we keep winning and they keep winning in competitions then there is a good chance of that (meeting) but we will see what the draw brings.

"The players love the (Old Firm) games. Whether we get an Old Firm game or not I don't know, it is not on my radar yet because it has not materialised.

"We are just pretty motivated into making inroads into the top of the table and obviously we have a big game coming up next week."