Ange Postecoglou rejects Rangers theory as he makes Celtic motivation clear ahead of Hampden corker

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has batted suggestions coming up short against Motherwell will give his side an extra edge against Rangers.

The Parkhead boss admitted his champions elect were below their lofty standards but doesn't believe the pedestrian display against the Steelmen will give them added motivation in the Scottish Cup semi final on Saturday – insisting their desire to succeed is already in–built within his whole squad.

Postecoglou hasn't tasted defeat to Rangers since last season's Scottish Cup semi and Celtic punters are keenly aware seeing off Michael Beale's men will put them in prime position for a fifth Treble over the past seven seasons. But the Australian is adamant the weekend draw has been left behind ahead of the visit to the national stadium.

Speaking to Celtic TV, he said: "No, we don't need motivation for Sunday, motivation is always here, every game we play we try and be the team we aspire to be. Every game gives you an opportunity. There's no greater motivation. We were disappointed with the game on the weekend – both in performance and obviously result.

"But there is a learning moment there for us and we have been pretty good at learning along the way while winning games of football which is not easy. It's easy to just let things roll along, like the weekend, where we obviously didn't do some things as well as we wanted to. It's a chance for us to improve that, within the context of understanding that the group has been outstanding for a very long time."

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