Anthony Stokes: We’ll take nothing for granted in Old Firm clash

Anthony Stokes is not going to be making any rash predictions, unlike team-mate John Guidetti.

Being a Dubliner, Anthony Stokes hardly needs told that when it comes to Old Firm games, common sense can often be in short supply.

Yet as the first meeting of Celtic and Rangers for nearly three years edges ever closer, the Hoops striker has urged supporters to try to keep their expectations in check.

While bookmakers may have his team odds-on to win the League Cup semi-final at Hampden on February 1, the players themselves, he insists, are taking nothing for granted.

“Listen, I have had fans coming up and telling me if we don’t win four or five-nil then it will be a bad result!” he said.

“Now, they can say what they like, but it you are going to look at the tie seriously, then you have to be realistic.

“You can talk about the European nights but for me the Old Firm derby has always been the biggest game.

“The atmosphere is guaranteed to be fiery and hostile with everyone fighting for every ball.

“I am sure there will be a bit of niggle this time and, because of the big gap since we last met, I think this derby is going to be slightly different.

“When you are dealing with a rivalry of this magnitude and a one-off tie, you have to imagine it will be a really special occasion. One of those ones in which form goes out the window.”

And that’s a scenario which, Stokes worries, would potentially benefit Rangers more than Celtic.

“It could easily come down to who wants it more on the day. To who can execute under pressure,” he said.

“In these situations, you just need to settle in and play our own game. The most important thing is to win the match. That is what you have to focus on nothing else matters.”

Stokes’ measured stance is in contrast to the more bullish chat from his strike partner John Guidetti, who last week spoke of going out to net a hat-trick against Rangers.

“One thing John doesn’t lack is confidence,” said the Irishman with a smile.

“I don’t think it would surprise me if he said that he was going to score 20 in the game! But listen, I will be the happiest man in the world if he does score a hat-trick.

“I want to score in every game I am involved in but the most important thing is that the team wins.

“I genuinely couldn’t care less if I play against Rangers, don’t score and we win the game.

“For now it is about building up our momentum to the semi-final, with Motherwell next up at our place on Wednesday.”