Neil Lennon has shrugged off Sheyi Ojo's claims that Rangers are the best team in Scotland.
And the Celtic boss believes his players will prove their worth but also added that his stars don't need to justify themselves to anyone.
Celtic have won the treble in each of the last three seasons but it hasn't stopped Liverpool youngster Ojo arriving in Glasgow and making instant claims that Rangers are the top dogs.
But Lennon laughed off the suggestions as he refused to get drawn into a war of words with the Rangers winger.
He said: “I don’t know what it’s based on, but he is entitled to his opinion. It just washes over us. We are here to play in the Champions League.
“I don’t think our players have to justify themselves in any way, shape or form. To be fair to them, over the last few years they’ve done that very well.”
Ojo made the claims earlier this week and has started his Ibrox career well.
He's grabbed two goals in his first two competitive matches as well as netting in pre-season friendlies against Oxford and Marseille.
He said: “Towards the end of last season I watched some of the Scottish Premiership games and I’m really looking forward to it.
“I think Rangers are the best team in the league. It’s just about proving that we’re the best team and doing really well this season.
“The gaffer has told us just to focus on ourselves. The difference last season was nine points which proved we’re pretty close to Celtic.
“It’s just about concentrating on us and then we’ll be able to make up those fine margins.
