NEIL LENNON reckons Sunday's Hampden showdown will be the true test of whether the Old Firm rivalry is still here.

The former Celtic boss will watch on from afar as Ronny Deila's side face Rangers in the League Cup semi-final.

The derby clash will be the first time the clubs have squared up in three years, with some Hoops fans keen to distance themselves from the Light Blues.

But Bolton boss Lennon is confident there will still be plenty of fire in the bellies come kick-off this weekend.

He said: "I know there's a debate that it is not Rangers, it's a newco, this that and the other. Listen, when it comes to Sunday and the stadium is packed, people will know what it is all about.

"It is what those Celtic fans believe, so I'm not going to shoot that one down. They have their own views, they've done a detailed study of it.

"Rangers fans will argue the case the other way, but like I say, once it comes to the League Cup semi-final on Sunday and that stadium is absolutely rocking, it will be back to Celtic and Rangers as we all know it.

"Regardless of the position in the league, regardless of what has gone on in the last three or four years, I think everyone from a fans' point of view will be looking forward to the game.

"Now Rangers fans might not, but that's just the nature of the beast. Anything can happen in a derby and, if Celtic play as well as they can, then they should be comfortable winners."

Lennon, meanwhile, has given up on signing Kris Common during this transfer window.

He said: "Celtic have come out publicly and said he's not for sale, he won't be leaving and we haven't pursued that any further.

"I've got a great relationship with Celtic, a great relationship with Peter [Lawwell] and I don't want to damage that.

"People keep asking me about Kris and I feel uncomfortable talking about him because he is Celtic's player at the end of the day."