No experience like it

Neil Lennon has told his Old Firm debutants that derby games can make or break their Parkhead careers. Six of the players who started in Celtic's 2-1 victory over Dundee United have never played in fixture before. Rangers go into Sunday's game at Parkhead with far more experience of the fixture, with 10 of the players who started in the 4-1 win over Motherwell having played in several of the encounters. Lennon appreciates there is only so much knowledge he can impart to his summer signings but he has stressed the importance of the occasions. Lennon said: "We have to try and explain to the players who are making their debuts what it is like but you can't replicate that until they experience it themselves. I think it's a game that defines players more than anyone, games that hold big stakes like this can have a big effect on how the fans look at them."

Lennon allowed himself a moment of quiet reflection in the dugout after his Old Firm debut as manager, a 2-1 win at Parkhead in May. Lennon, then interim manager, knew it might have been his one and only experience but he admitted he got little enjoyment out of the game itself. He went on: "They are always the best games in the world when you win them and the worst when you lose. They are great occasions and they're very exciting for the fans but from this side of the fence, as manager now, it's a totally different experience altogether. You can't enjoy it until it's over, and the build-up alone is different. People have been asking me about this game for three or four weeks. You try and avoid those questions then but now I can allow my focus to be on this game."

With both sides having won their opening eight league games, Sunday's is one of the most eagerly-anticipated opening Old Firm meetings for years, but Lennon warned not to read too much into the outcome. He said: "It adds a little bit more significance to the game as neither team will want to relinquish that 100% record. Something's going to give - but I don't think there's much between the teams. We have both shown a level of consistency and a good mentality. I'm sure it will be tight, and it's fair to say both sets of fans will be looking forward to it. But it's just one game, and I don't think it will have any bearing on which way the league is going to go. It will just give a psychological edge for a while."