Nico Raskin has brushed aside Luke McCowan’s outspoken assertion that no other side can rival Celtic, with the Rangers midfielder insisting “I just don’t care.”
After netting the decisive goal against Stuttgart on Thursday, McCowan claimed that when he and his colleagues are at their peak, no team in Scotland can live with them.
Danny Rohl addressed those remarks in his press conference ahead of Sunday’s derby, highlighting that Celtic have been beaten in “seven or eight” league matches and that Rangers currently sitabove them in the standings.
Raskin, however, had no desire to be drawn into a war of words with his opposing number.
“I don’t need to respond to that,” he said. “I just don’t care.”
“We just focus on ourselves. We just focus on what we want to do. And then we see on Sunday and that’s it. We just focus on preparing the game as much as we can. We go to the game, we know what we want to do.
“There’s no need to put pressure on us, saying ‘We are the best’. It’s just about who’s going to show it on the pitch and who’s going to win that game. That’s it.”
The Belgium international is eagerlyThe Belgium international is eagerly anticipating the high-stakes encounter and understands how pivotal it could prove for both clubs’ campaigns.
“We’re excited about going into this game. It’s a massive game for us,” he said. “We have been making sure our preparation is right, and we just can’t wait to be at the game.
“Obviously if you win the game, you get a boost of confidence. So yes, it’s a massive game. But like I said, after that, the next big game is also three points, and the next one is also three points.
“I think there’s going to be pointsdropped by both teams before the end of the season. Obviously, if you win the game, you get a boost of confidence. But again, it’s just about being calm. Sunday is three points.”