Grag Taylor insists Celtic must deal with Dundee United if they want to go to Ibrox all guns blazing.
The Hoops ace understands Old Firm fever is building in the West of Scotland as the Glasgow giants prepare to square up in Govan on Saturday.
But Taylor has warned Celts cannot afford to get distracted by the derby showdown – as Dundee United on Wednesday is crucial to their 10 in a Row hopes.
Neil Lennon’s men have won three league games on the bounce after the win at Hamilton but still have a mammoth 16 point deficit to claw back, despite three games in hand on the high-flying Gers.
There is no margin or error for Celts and Taylor and co have to take care of the Tannadice men to set up the chance to bite a huge chunk out of the Rangers advantage this weekend.
When asked if there was no room for slip ups going in to the derby, Taylor said: “That’s it exactly.
“I can assure you all our focus and the management team’s focus will be on Wednesday night and getting the three points.
“It took a late winner from Albian Ajeti at Tannadice earlier in the season.
“Hopefully we don’t leave it as late on Wednesday night but if it takes that long and we get the three points that’s all that’s important.
“Our focus is on ourselves –and chipping away at the gap.
“Of course there is a sizable lead.
“But that’s what it’s important to focus on Wednesday.
“It’s the next opportunity to get three more points and that’s what we’ll try to do.
“It’s important to try to put on another performance and if we can continue to do that, we will see where it takes us.
“I think it’s been important to build on the last few results. They’ve been positive.”
Hoops boss Lennon was under the cost earlier in the month but the upturn in results and Scottish Cup win has eased some of the hysteria surrounding the club.
The Parkhead manager insisted at the weekend his side looked back to their old selves again at Hamilton and Taylor – who has been unbeaten since being restored to the starting line up of late – was thrilled to reward the gaffer with a powerful display as Odsonne Edouard, Leigh Griffiths and David Turnbull secured the points.
He said: “I think he (Lennon) was pleased with the performance overall.
“At half-time I thought it was a strong performance, we just didn’t get the breakthrough. We had some big chances.
“We took them in the second half. And with a clean sheet there is momentum to take into Wednesday.”
