Anthony Ralston vows to take the ‘craziness’ out of derby clash with Rangers

Celtic full-back Anthony Ralston vowed to take the “craziness” out of Sunday’s derby clash ahead of what could be a momentous occasion for his side against Rangers.

The cinch Premiership leaders will go nine points clear with a goal difference advantage of at least 21 if they beat Rangers ahead of the final three league games of the season.

The title will be all but secured if Celtic follow up their two previous league wins against their rivals and the home supporters are sure to be arriving at Parkhead anticipating a party.

But Ralston knows the players have to focus on the task in hand amid the mayhem.

“It would be easy to get carried away and think about the title but individually and as a team we have got the same focus to take each game as it comes,” he said. “We have three points on the line and that’s going to be the focus.

“It is a derby game, they are crazy and in these games there’s things that happen. We are all aware of that and we have all had experience of it through the course of this season.

“It’s a game that both sides want to win but we take all the craziness out of it and don’t let the noise of it all get involved. We focus on ourselves and the team and go out and play our football.

“It comes with the experience of playing in front of these crowds and also it’s about focusing on our style of play and our football, not letting the noise affect that in any sort of way, or the type of game or other external things.

“It’s about focusing on us as a team and focusing on our football and what we need to win the game. That’s what will get us through regardless of anything else.”

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou feels coping with the expectations and atmospheres around such occasions is a big challenge for