Rangers hero Barry Ferguson reckons Neil Lennon's Celtic are a more dangerous outfit to Gers than the side Brendan Rodgers put together during his time as Hoops boss.

Ferguson's former employers will square-off against their fierce rivals in December's Betfred Cup final and the ex-midfielder believes Celts are a scarier prospect under Lennon.

He has also hailed Lennon's troops as mentally stronger - and he says they'll be in a hurry to score goals rather than play a waiting game like Rodgers' men may have - because that's how Lennon sets his teams up.

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He told the Daily Record: "People listening will probably think that’s a silly comment but I don’t think it is. I think they are more dangerous under Neil Lennon.

"They’re a bit mentally stronger - they are up against a stronger Rangers team - and I just think they are a more dangerous opponent under Neil Lennon. I do. They have a game-plan to go and attack teams.

"The philosophy under Brendan Rodgers was a bit more patient. Under Neil Lennon, they are in a hurry to get goals and that’s the way his Hibs team was too.

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"Celtic are similar to that Hibs team. I wouldn’t say they are gung-ho but they have the intent to go forward and break at pace.

"They are always going to be a dangerous opponent for Rangers - just look at the players they’ve got. 

"They’ve got players that have been through it and won things and are dangerous. So have Rangers.

"That’s why I’m getting excited leading up to this final."