Celtic star hits warning signs as derby fixture approaches

If there could be one thing on Arne Engels’ mind, then it’s definitely winning 

This mentality remains the sole focus for the Celtic midfielder when they face Rangers, as he dismissed suggestions they might have something to prove.

The Celts go into Sunday’s Parkhead derby with a 16-point lead in the William Hill Premiership, with the Premier Sports Cup in their trophy room, and a place in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup semi-finals booked.

Rangers went out of the cup at the fifth round against Queen’s Park and only have Europa League progress to play for with the title race all but over.

However, bragging rights remain significant in Glasgow and Rangers produced a 3-0 win over their rivals on January 2 to deliver Celtic’s first defeat of the domestic campaign.

The nature of the defeat was hard for Celtic to take but Engels simply wants three points on Sunday rather than making a statement.

“We just want to win, and that’s the most important thing,” the Belgium international said. “It doesn’t always need to be pretty. We just need to win, and that’s our main focus now for every game.

Engels revealed how determined his side wants to win as there isn’t any description needed to show don’t need to show opponents how good they are, as Celtic have always proved repeatedly in games.

Manager Brendan Rodgers admitted their lengthy lead in the title race might have been a factor in their Ibrox performance, and his team have extended their advantage since.

Celtic will have the advantage of a full week to prepare following their 2-0 Scottish Cup win over Hibernian. Although Rangers had a free weekend, they face Fenerbahce in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday night.