John Hartson swerves Celtic ref conspiracy theory from Alan Brazil as Rangers told they CAN win in honest confession

Celtic hero John Hartson laughed off a Scottish Cup semi-final conspiracy theory floated by Alan Brazil - as he confessed Rangers can stun Ange Postecoglou's side.

Michael Beale will look to keep the Light Blues' hopes of lifting silverware this season alive at Hampden by ending Ange Postecogolou's dreams of a domestic clean sweep this season. Celtic go into the showdown at the national stadium as favourites having already seen off Rangers in the Viaplay Cup final, while currently holding a convincing 13-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

However, former Parkhead striker Hartson admits he can see a route to victory for Rangers on Sunday after recent displays on derby day under Michael Beale - before diehard Celtic fan Brazil attempted to shut down the chat on the talkSPORT Breakfast Show. Asked by host Ray Parlour if Rangers could get the win at Hampden, Hartson responded: "I think they can get a result. In the last couple of games against Celtic they have performed reasonably well and it's a cup semi-final.

"It's a case of who turns up on the day; who can handle the pressure and who controls possession. I think the majority of these games are won in the middle of the park..."

However, Brazil jumped in floating doubts over the man in the middle, asking: "Who is the ref, John?". Hartson laughed it off, before Parlour moved on. The Arsenal hero joked: "He loves it."

Hartson went on: "Celtic have lost one game all season. Rangers have brought a couple of players in like Cantwell and Raskin, and Rangers won the Scottish Cup last season. They will want to retain the Scottish Cup.

"Celtic, incredibly, are going for their fifth Treble in the last seven years which is incredible form. Ange Postecoglou will