Paddy McCourt: Run of wins is not on mind

PADDY McCOURT believes Celtic's unbeaten run will be the last thing on the players' minds when they take on Rangers in their Scottish Cup fifth-round clash at Ibrox on Sunday.

The on-form Hoops travel across the city not having tasted defeat in 14 games and having chalked up a convincing 2-0 win against the Light Blues in Govan in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at the start of January.

McCourt, though, insists the SPL leaders will just be playing to secure a quarter-final berth.

"When you go into an Old Firm game you are not worried about runs," the Northern Ireland international said.

"It wouldn't matter if you were on a 14-game run or a one-game run, you want to win the game.

"You know how much it means to everyone, not just the players.

"It would be nice to go 15, 16, 17 games unbeaten but I don't think that will be at the forefront of anyone's minds."

Neil Lennon, though, is hoping his players take nothing for granted against their Old Firm rivals who were well beaten in January when a Georgios Samaras double gave the visitors a comfortable win.

"Rangers are at home and they are formidable opponents so I would say it's pretty even.

"Everyone will have their own opinions on who will be favourites but all I can do is keep focused on winning the game."