Much has been made of the Hoops' impressive 14-game unbeaten run in the midst of which they convincingly beat their Old Firm rivals 2-0 in Govan in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Celtic fans have been thrilled by their side's recent form and even Rangers skipper Davie Weir claimed the SPL leaders were probably favourites to reach the quarter-finals but the Parkhead boss said: "I don't know because Rangers are at home and they are formidable opponents so I would say it's pretty even.

"Everyone will have their own opinions on who will be favourites but all I can do is keep everyone focused on winning the game.

"We are on a very good run and we have been playing pretty well against good opposition.

"I was pleased with the progress we were making but the win at Ibrox sort of emphasised the progress and the belief that we can go on and compete against the very best in the country.

"We have kicked on since then and the form has been of a high standard.

"But our feet are firmly on the ground and things can change very quickly.

"It's a different game again and it's all about what happens on the day."

Paddy McCourt recalled that few outside the Celtic camp believed the Hoops would win at Ibrox in January when a double from striker Georgios Samaras reflected the visitors' superiority.

"We went there as underdogs and I think only ourselves and the management staff thought we could win," the Hoops' midfielder said.

"I'm sure even most fans will admit that they didn't expect us to win that day.

"It was a great boost. I think it gave us all a big lift and we seemed to have kicked on since then.

"We are on a good run at the moment and hope we can keep it going on Sunday.

"But you never get complacent going in to this game. We don't go in to any game complacent and certainly not this one.

"It's going to be another tough game and I think it's pretty evenly matched."

Both clubs are set to meet in the Co-operative Insurance Cup final at Hampden on March 20 and will meet twice more in the SPL.

Moreover, there will be a replay should Sunday's lunchtime clash end in a draw but Lennon said: "It is just one of those permutations that come up now and again.

"Both clubs could have done without it. We would dearly love to get to the final of the Scottish Cup if we can.

"If it means beating Rangers along the way then that's what we will have to do.

"To go there at any time as a player, coach or manager and win is one that you remember and value and it will be no different on Sunday."

Only Sunday's winners can retain hopes of winning the domestic treble but Lennon was reluctant to look too far ahead.

"It (the treble) is important to the club but we are getting ahead of ourselves," the former Celtic skipper said. "It is hypothetical and I am not even thinking about that.

"We are just trying to make inroads in to every tournament that we can."

(reopens)

French defender Julien Baudet arrived today for a trial period at the Parkhead club.

The Seattle Sounders player, 32, started his career at Toulouse and has had spells at Oldham, Rotherham, Notts County, Crewe and Colorado Rapids.

Lennon said: "I just met him this morning. He is here for a few days' trial."