Celtic captain Scott Brown has warned his team-mates about becoming complacent with the favourites tag ahead of the Old Firm derby on Saturday.

The first Old Firm derby of the season will take place at Ibrox when Scottish champions Celtic take on their age old rivals Rangers in a Scottish Premiership game.




Celtic hammered Rangers 5-1 at Paradise last season in the first derby and Brown admits that the champions are going into the game with the same mentality.

While Rangers have taken strides towards improvements, the Celtic captain was quick to insist that his side are also better and hungrier than last year.
 


Brown said in a press conference: “We always go to Ibrox confident.  

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"Rangers will try and press us, but we are stronger and fitter than last season so we are relishing the game.”

Celtic are favourites to win despite Rangers’ improvements and Brown admits the tag rests lightly on the team when they win, but admits the Bhoys still have to prove their credentials and do their job on the day to justify their billing.

Asked about being favourites, the midfielder said: "It’s a hard place to go but a great place to go when you win, our fans will support us in numbers.

"There's been some great battles and we've had some great victories but we can't go there thinking we are favourites.

"We have to show everyone what we can do on the day."

Celtic could open up an early eight-point gap with Rangers this season if they beat Pedro Caixinha’s side.