But Lennon insists the Hoops' strike-force will need to play to form if Gordon Strachan's side are to claim derby honours.

The defending Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions have had to contend with an increasing stream of criticism in recent weeks and travel to face Rangers three points behind Walter Smith's side and having played a game more.

However, the former Northern Ireland midfielder, in Glasgow to promote Braveheart's boxing show which will take place at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre hours hours after the crunch derby, told PA Sport that Celtic are ready to hit back if Scott McDonald, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Georgios Samaras play to their potential.

"Old Firm games shape the season and this one will decide which way the title is going to go," said Lennon, now playing for Wycombe.

"It is the most keenly-awaited Old Firm game for a long, long time and I have a wee fancy for Celtic.

"They are like a cornered animal at the minute and they can be a wee bit dangerous if you write them off to much.

"In my experience, if you can get the first goal in an Old Firm game it goes a long way in deciding where the game is going to go.

"It is very rare that the team who loses the first goal turns it around.

"McDonald, Vennegoor of Hesselink and Samaras, whichever two of those start, are going to have to lead the line well for Celtic to get any result.

"McDonald has had a great season since coming from Motherwell, I don't think anyone expected him to get the volume of goals that he has done and he has been a big bonus for Celtic.

"The other two have scored goals so their tails will be up as well.

"Celtic can't afford to lose the game.

"But if they can win or take a point then, psychologically, it would be great with the two home Old Firm games to come."

Lennon admits he would not be surprised to see stopper Bobo Balde appear in a Celtic shirt for the first time since the 3-0 win over Gretna last December.

The Irishman believes the addition of the Guinea international would help combat the power contained within the Ibrox squad.

"It wouldn't surprise me at all, he said.

"Walter Smith has brought a bit of physicality to Rangers.

"Maybe people thought they were a wee bit of a soft touch in recent years, especially in the centre of defence.

"That's why I say that Celtic's strikers will have to play very well.

"It is important for Celtic to start the game well and don't let Rangers bully them too much, because that's what they've done in the last few games."