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Coach Neil Lennon is just glad the game is finally here "For two or three weeks beforehand, this game looms large on the horizon," he said. "It can sort of deflect your attention away from other games at times and that's something that, as a coach or manager, you have to guard against. But, come Sunday, the players will be completely focused and they know what is at stake and what needs to be done. I am sure we will also get a big improvement on the performance we saw at the weekend. We will be ready come the weekend and anything can happen in these games."
Willo Flood couldn't play against Queens Park last week because he played for Dundee United in an earlier round of the the Homecoming Scottish Cup which means that the young Irishman could make his debut against the forces of darkness. His new team-mate Paul Hartley has every confidence that Willo can handle the pressure "I think Willo has the right type of character for the Glasgow derby." said Hartley "I've played against him a lot and I've seen him up close in training. He can play in this side. He's a terrific footballer and he's got a bit of dig about him. Willo grew up as a Celtic fan and knows what it's all about, he knows what it takes in these games."
Hartley has returned to training after a knock and Scott McDonald and Shunsuke Nakamura have both returned after their arduous journey back from the Japan-Australia World Cup qualifier in Yokohama. Naka produced a man-of-the-match performance for the Japanese national side but striker McDonald was an unused substitute as the Australians elected to shut up shop and play for the 0-0 draw that kept them at the top of their group. "I'm available for selection. I had a knock and I just had a few days of rest and treatment. I don't think I was ever in danger of missing the game." said Hartley.
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"Scott will be fine, he knows what these games are all about, as you saw the last time when he scored the winner at Ibrox." added the hirsute Celtic midfielder "He's had a long trip during the week but that won't matter. We've had Naka on that trip too, and he played the whole 90 minutes. Like Scott, Naka will be ready. A lot of players having been away on international duty this week, so Friday was the first day back in training. We're all up for it and looking forward to the derby. Players being away on international duty is part and parcel of the game. You can't help that. The boys are back now and the session was excellent on Friday. We're all fit and raring to go."