Lubo Moravcik says destiny was calling when he scored twice on his Old Firm debut.

The little Slovak netted a brace as he helped the Hoops to a 5-1 rout of Rangers in November 1998.

And, as the teams prepare to do battle twice in the space of a week, Moravcik naturally has fond memories of his first goals for Celtic.

He said: “In life you have to be ready for challenges and I was ready for this game and when the situation arose, I was ready to score.

“I was a little bit scared of my first game against Rangers as I knew how important the match was to everyone at Celtic.

“ But I stayed focused and when I got my goal I was very pleased. I was still a bit shocked though and I hadn’t prepared any celebration or anything.

“Scoring two goals against Rangers in the 3-0 win at Ibrox in 2001 also stands out for me. It was a great moment in my football life. I was able to show the fans the best of my ability and that I was willing to work hard for the club. We went on to win the Treble that season which was very special.

“The fact it’s only been done three times in the club’s history shows how important it was. This season perhaps the team will achieve it for the fourth time and I really hope the players go on and do it.

Moravcik is preparing to pull on the Hoops when he leads out a team of Celtic legends to take on Henrik’s Heroes charity match at Celtic Park on May 28.

And he admits the prospect has his licking his lips – and worried about his joints. He told the club website: “I am 52 so it won’t be easy to play on the big pitch but I’ll do my best. 

“I think everyone will be a winner on the day, the people in the stands, the players on the pitch and those who will benefit through the work of Celtic FC Foundation.”