RANGERS skipper Lee McCulloch today dismissed fears a behind-the-scenes bust-up over tickets had disrupted preparations for the League Cup semi-final.

Gers stars were shocked to discover they weren't going to receive their usual allocation of complimentary briefs for the game against Celtic at Hampden.

But that situation has since been resolved, and Light Blues captain McCulloch is confident it hasn't affected the players ahead of the Old Firm match on Sunday.

He said: "There are tickets available for us. It's not really been a distraction. You could look at it that way I suppose, but I am a big believer that if you want excuses you can put them there in front of you.

"A very, very small thing about tickets? I wouldn't be having a player using that as an excuse going into a game. That happens in the run-up to most games. It is not even half an issue. It is all sorted."

McCulloch, meanwhile, has called for cool heads on and off the park. Passions are running high among both sets of supporters and police representatives have visited the players this week to advise them on their on-field conduct.

The Gers captain said: "I think it is brilliant that the police come out and give you little pointers and tell you what is right and wrong, and what you can't do.

"All of the players are well aware of the repercussions if they do something wrong or anything that they have mentioned. We are well aware of the situation.

"A cool head is needed. Obviously the atmosphere can get the better of you. There are a lot of people in our dressing room experiencing it for the first time. It is basically a case of playing with your heads and not your hearts."

McCulloch continued: "I know it has been a while, but it is just another Old Firm game. The only thing that has changed is the time since the last one. So I think everybody just needs to keep their heads calm and go and enjoy it. Obviously we can only do that with a win.

"It is crucial we stay calm - especially for the ones who haven't been there before. As I say, it goes back to that saying about your head ruling your heart. Sensible heads are needed on and off the pitch.

"The ones who have never played there before could get carried away with the occasion, but we are just going to need to keep a calm head on it."