Celtic's European conquests dwarf importance of Old Firm fixture

Celtic visit Ibrox tomorrow with manager Martin O'Neill admitting his side's run in Europe has lessened the importance of the Old Firm fixture.

Celtic visit Ibrox tomorrow with manager Martin O'Neill admitting his side's run in Europe has lessened the importance of the Old Firm fixture.

Celtic achieved one of their best results in years on Thursday night when a 0-0 away draw against the Spanish giants Barcelona secured a 1-0 aggregate win and a place in the last eight of the Uefa Cup.

The unbeaten Scottish premier league leaders face another Spanish side, Villarreal, in April, hoping for a semi-final berth and O'Neill says success in Europe is now his main priority. Celtic are 16 points ahead of Rangers and well on course to regain the title they lost last season.

"It has happened on more than one occasion now where the Rangers game gets dwarfed because of commitments elsewhere," said O'Neill, whose side reached last year's Uefa Cup final before losing 3-2 to Porto in extra-time.

"Naturally, it's still a big game and one to look forward to. We know it's going to be a really difficult game but what we do know is that we have to win four out of nine matches to win the league.

Celtic had to rely heavily on 19-year-old goalkeeper David Marshall, who signed a new four-year contract on Friday, to keep them alive against Barcelona and he is likely to continue against Rangers. Rob Douglas, Celtic's normal No 1, is struggling with a hip injury

Jackie McNamara and Alan Thompson are both doubts with thigh injuries.

Rangers will delay a decision on the fitness of defender Frank de Boer, who has an ankle injury, until the eve of the game.

Fernando Ricksen returns from suspension and centre backs Craig Moore and Henning Berg rejoin the pool after knee and Achilles problems respectively. Shota Arveladze (knee) and Mikel Arteta (shoulder) are both out.