Some people tell me 6-2 game was great... and they weren't even born!

O'Neill hopes his second Old Firm debut could be springboard like back in 2000

- BY MICHAEL GANNON

born! But they tell me what their grandfathers and fathers were saying about it.

“It became a pivotal match for us, not just that season but probably for continuing on.

“Replicating it might be extremely difficult tomorrow.

“I'd settle for a really lousy 1-0 victory if we could get it.

“Of course, they are fond memories. And it did give us a springboard, really, for that season.”

And beyond. O'Neill is hoping tomorrow can be a launch pad as well for Celtic after the departure of Brendan Rodgers.

The Irishman said: “It is a phenomenal fixture, even now.

“What did I find about it? Just a nervousness for about 72 hours before - then, if you got the result, a great relief.

“That's what the great Walter Smith used to say about it as well — that it was relief more than anything else. But they were fantastic fixtures.

“In that first derby, when Chris Sutton scored with two minutes to go, I thought: ‘We're going to win here’ - and that was the sixth goal. That's how much you enjoy it.