Michael Beale must learn from Celtic mistakes and keep a lid on the big Rangers talk for triple header - Chris Sutton

Ange Postecoglou and Mick Beale both did their best this week to kick the can down the road when asked about the Scottish Cup draw.

You can’t blame them for wanting to postpone derby chat for now with plenty of football still to be played. But the pair of them will need to buckle up soon as an epic few weeks in spring are going to define the season. We’ve got three Old Firm games to look forward to, probably in the space of a month.

Celtic Park in a couple of weeks is do or die for Rangers in terms of their Premiership chances, then we’ve got the Hampden showdown and the final clash of the campaign could be the following week at Ibrox. It means the big two will collide six times this season and it’s got some people talking about overkill. Goodness knows why. These matches are box office – and this triple header will be essential viewing.

There’s so much at stake, everything will be on the line, and it’s bring it on as far as I’m concerned. As a player, these are the games you want coming thick and fast – as long as you are the ones on top. Back when we did the green and white wash a few years ago we would have played them every week.

If you’re getting the runaround, it’s a different story. That’s why Celtic will be quite comfortable at the thought of another derby day to look forward to. And it’s why Rangers will be feeling more wary.

There will be pressure on both clubs. There always is. But you do get the sense there is a bit more on Rangers. Celtic already have the Viaplay Cup in the bag and they are in a strong position in the league. The title was always the big target and they are close.

A win at Celtic Park against Rangers after the international break and it will be just about done. The momentum could