Celtic and Rangers clash in the Scottish League Cup final at Hampden on Sunday with both sides desperate to get their hands on the first trophy of the season. It is the first time the Glasgow giants have clashed in the competitions showpiece since 2003 when Rangers defeated their rivals 2-1.
Both managers know a win in the match could lend the victors an edge as they fight it out to win the Scottish Premier League. It is the 13th Old Firm League Cup final with Rangers holding the advantage with eight victories to Celtics four. The Ibrox side are the current holders of the Cup having defeated Dundee United on penalties after last years final finished 2-2.
Despite it being Walter Smiths second time in charge of the Ibrox side it is the first time he was faced up to the Hoops in a cup final. And the Gers gaffer will be hoping to mastermind a victory over Gordon Strachans side so they can complete the first part of a domestic treble. Much has been made of Celtics inconsistent form since the turn of the year.
The Parkhead club have won only five times in 2009 and last weekend were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by St Mirren. One of the major problems has been a lack of goals from their strikers with Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Georgios Samaras having now gone 25 games between them without scoring a goal.
But midfielder Paul Hartley, who is in line for a recall to the side after having to make do with a place on the bench in recent weeks, is backing the pair to bounce back. "You dont become bad players overnight," the Scotland player said. "Theyre going through a difficult spell, but thats what happens to all strikers, midfielders, defenders and goalkeepers. "It happens throughout the season and throughout your career and Im sure the two lads will bounce back.
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