Rangers legend Ally McCoist despatched radio pal Alan Brazil a warning to "be very scared" as derby day looms.
However his Celtic -supporting talkSPORT colleague revealed the message was in stark distinction to a behind-the-scenes admission.
The perimeters meet on Sunday in an Ibrox conflict that would effectively resolve the destiny of the Premiership title.
Ange Postecoglou's aspect are three factors clear and a win would have them in pole place to get their marketing campaign over the road whereas Giovanni van Bronckhorst can wipe the benefit out.
In a dramatic deal with set to ominous background music, McCoist growled: "Okay Al, mate. It is that point of the week, that point of the month, that point of the 12 months once more, pal.
"The distinction is, my son, this sport is at Ibrox. The house of the champions.
"I settle for we weren't at our greatest once we performed at your home, nevertheless, you are travelling throughout the town to the house of the champions.
"Be scared, Al. Be very, very scared."
However Brazil was unmoved as he reduce the brass band and stated: "Have you learnt one thing, it is superb how he alters in 24 hours. I used to be sitting having a glass with him yesterday.
"He is like that, 'we're enjoying garbage in the meanwhile, I fancy Celtic to beat us'.
"How can he come on, dwell on air and say that?
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"My hope is, nothing to lose, do not sit again, go for it like they did proper from the whistle at Parkhead. Went for Rangers' throats, I might do it once more.
"Rangers should not enjoying that nice. In Europe, yeah, however within the SPL, no.
"So Celtic have gotten to go for it."