Hoops skipper Scott Brown is looking forward to Celtic’s first visit to Ibrox since Rangers went into liquidation in 2012, although the midfielder couldn’t resist aiming a cheeky barb across the city.

“It’s been enjoyable when they’ve not been here but you always want to go to Ibrox and beat second-placed in the league,” he smiled.

Celtic hold a whopping 16-point lead over Rangers – a gap that could stretch to so much as 22 points if the Parkhead side win tomorrow and then win their game in hand.

It has alleviated any pressure on Brendan Rodgers side and Brown is keen to use the game to underline Celtic’s superiority.

Read more: Brendan Rodgers tells Celtic players to 'fight for the shirt' ahead of Old Firm clash

“It is always going to be a hard task going to Ibrox, no matter how many points you are clear or are chasing,” he said.

“It’s always a hard place to go but we have to go and believe in our own ability and play our own game.

“There is a lot of pressure on them as they are a few points behind.

“But you still want to go there, get the three points and make it a good night for the fans.

“Can we be more relaxed? Yeah, I think you have to believe in yourself.

“We know we are a good team and if we go there and turn up on the day, we can create chances and score goals.

“It’s about how we play on the day.

Read more: Brendan Rodgers tells Celtic players to 'fight for the shirt' ahead of Old Firm clash

“We want to continue the run for as long as we possibly can. It’s going to be hard going to Ibrox but we have to just believe in ourselves and try to get the three points.

“We are a few points clear and we have to go there and enjoy the occasion.

“It’s fantastic going back to Ibrox but we have a few days to get ourselves ready and focused on Rangers.

“It’s been a few years since I’ve been there with Celtic. To be fair, I went with Scotland and got applauded for once. “I might get applauded again…”

Brown firmly endeared himself to the Celtic support during a Scottish Cup tie at Ibrox when he netted a fine goal to draw the Parkhead side level – and get one over El-Hadji Diouf in the process.

“It was up with the best goals I have scored for Celtic, especially since we were down to 10 men,” he reflected.

“Rangers were a good strong, physical team back then and for us to come back in the second half and score was big for us.

Read more: Brendan Rodgers tells Celtic players to 'fight for the shirt' ahead of Old Firm clash

“If fell on to my left foot and luckily enough, I found the back of the net.

“It was a great occasion as we had to dig deep with 10 men and believe in ourselves.

“We created chances, scored a goal and enjoyed the day.

“Was it a pivotal moment in my Celtic career? Yeah, I’d say so.

“No matter who we are playing, I enjoy playing with a smile on my face and winning leagues.

“I want to continue doing that.”