Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has urged his players to keep their cool in Saturday's potentially explosive Old Firm derby at Ibrox.Rangers will be hoping to open up a six-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League, while Celtic will be looking for the win that blows the title race wide open.

With so much at stake for both sides, discipline will be crucial in what is a notoriously fiery fixture.

Hoops goalkeeper Artur Boruc, in particular, has found himself at the centre of controversy in several Old Firm clashes in the past but Strachan believes every player has a responsibility to behave on the day.

He said: "Leave Artur out of the way as I think we all have a responsibility to behave in a way that will not cause anyone to get upset.

"But, in saying that, it is funny that we have to pander to people who get easily upset at the slightest thing.

"We always try to tell players to stay focused."

Scott Brown has received 14 yellow cards so far this season and is another player who could be targeted by the Ibrox fans.

Strachan added: "It's new to Scott as we've been top of the Fair Play League in the past two years.

"Scott's not helped. I think he's taken us down the league!"

With tongue firmly in cheek, Strachan said: "Aiden McGeady has also become a monster and had a few bookings, but we need to stay focused on every game.

"You need to turn any anger into positive thinking."

Meanwhile, Strachan has no fears about Celtic coming off worse in a physical battle with Rangers, insisting football nowadays is more about mental toughness and talent than brute strength.

"There is decent protection now," he said.

"Years ago when you used to play Wimbledon? Gee whizz. When I played against them years ago, I know Manchester United used to change the team just to play against them. I was left out and I wasn't too fussed!

"The game is completely different now. When people say do you change for different sides, you say no. Years ago, you might have had to because it was such an evil game.

"People say the game was better in the 1980s. Well, it wasn't. Some of the football was rotten. Kicking the ball the length of the pitch and players fighting and scrapping.

"I don't think it is about the physical nature. Look at Barcelona's wee guys like Xavi and (Andres) Iniesta. (Luka) Modric for Croatia in midweek. Terrific. (Paul) Scholes.

"You don't have to be a giant as talent can see you through. What I am saying is that you need to have a mental strength."

And Strachan reckons even one of the most volatile fixtures in the world is more tame these days.

"I think the Old Firm game has become more sanitised," he added.

"The rules have the game more sanitised. It's easier to play football now than it was in the 1970s and 1980s.

"There are no arguments on that and I think the game is a better product now."

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