Focused Ange Postecoglou is determined to keep the Celtic players' heads down amid the "noise" around the blockbuster Viaplay Cup Final showdown with Rangers.
The cup holders enjoyed the perfect preparation for Hampden as Reo Hatate ran the show for the Scottish Premiership leaders against lacklustre Aberdeen as they kept their positive momentum and nine point advantage at the top of the table. The Japanese midfielder netted a double while captain Callum McGregor and substitute Liel Abada got on the scoresheet to seal a thumping 4-0 victory over the struggling Dons.
For fans it's not all eyes on the national stadium as Celtic prepare to face Michael Beale's in-form side with both Glasgow heavyweights boasting lengthy unbeaten runs going into the showpiece. While admitting the build-up is part of the package of being at Celtic Park, the Australian was keen to keep levels high ahead of the blockbuster clash in Mount Florida.
Looking ahead to the final, Postecoglou said: "It's why you want to be involved here. Big games are a consequence and there is a trophy on the line.
"We will enjoy the week and there will obviously be a fair bit of noise around it but that is why you want to be involved in the game, and at the same time the lads understand that we prepare ourselves in the right way and the right manner to be the best we can be on the day and that is what we will do."
When it was put to Postecoglou on BBC Sportsound that the two form teams were going head to head and that Celtic would want to defend their trophy, he said: "It all adds to the storyline I guess. It's a cup final and you don't dismiss one because of the opponent you have. Every trophy is hard earned and you don't take them for granted.
"As you say it's the two form teams in the competition, two good footballing sides and it will be a cracking atmosphere. The only place you want to be is smack bang in the middle of it."
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