CRAIG GORDON has no concerns that the fear of losing the chance of an historic Treble will cause Celtic to freeze at Hampden on Sunday.

In fact, the Hoops keeper reckons the prospect of getting a third of the way to their season's goal will fire them up when they face Dundee United in the QTS League Cup final.

The last Parkhead boss to lift the trophy, Gordon Strachan, claimed it was fear of failure that inspired him and his players.

But under Ronny Deila, Gordon believes the incentive of getting the first leg of a clean sweep in the bag will override this.

Gordon acknowledges it is a massive moment for this team and said: "A bit of nerves is always a good thing, especially going into a big game. It can focus the mind a bit more.

"I don't think there is anything wrong with that. Certainly, used the right way, nerves can give your performance a bit of an edge. So, we if we can use this positively, then why not."

It's nine years since Gordon played in his only other cup final - with Hearts when they defeated Gretna to lift the Scottish Cup.

But despite this long wait for a second chance, his experience will be vital this weekend, especially as so many of his team-mates will be sampling a Hampden final for the first time.

Gordon believes they have had the perfect preparation for stepping on to this huge stage after enduring the unique pressure of facing Rangers in the semi-final.

He said: "We handled that game very well. It was a big game, and the media attention was just as great for that as it is for the final - perhaps even greater.

"That's something we coped with very well, and we put in a good performance that day. Hopefully the pitch will be a bit better on Sunday as it has been re-laid. That should help us as well."

Gordon knows how much winning a trophy can boost confidence in a team, but he is already impressed how, in the face of great expectation, this group has grown in stature and belief since the start of the season.

"I think we've handled it throughout this season, the expectation levels," he insisted. "We have done all right so far and put ourselves in a great position.

"It's about trying to carry that forward and finishing off the job now."

Gordon refuses to take anything for granted, however, and accepts Dundee United will be a tough nut to crack on Sunday.

They held the champions to a draw in the Scottish Cup at Tannadice last weekend, having defeated them at the same venue when they met in the league in December.

The keeper will find out later today if central defender Virgil van Dijk has won his appeal to be free to play in front of him on Sunday.

But, whoever is available for the Hoops, Gordon knows they will have to be at their best.

He said: "United are a good team, they have caused us problems in the past and they will be looking to try and win the cup. Obviously, there has been the sendings-off, appeals and whatever else over the last few days.

"That will add to a special atmosphere, and I expect it will be an exciting game. But hopefully we can come out on top this time."