EVENING TIMES sportswriters Ronnie Cully and Thomas Jordan debate the big Old Firm issues ahead of Sunday's Co-operative Insurance League Cup Final.

PAUL HARTLEY today revealed all the Celtic players have put the blinkers on ahead of the Co-operative Insurance League Cup Final at Hampden on Sunday.

The experienced midfielder does not believe anyone at Parkhead is looking back to last weekend's Scottish Cup defeat by St Mirren - or ahead to the final 10 SPL games which will determine this season's championship.

Hartley reckons they are all very much in the final zone, with their focus only on securing the first trophy of the season when they line up against Rangers.

The 31-year-old midfielder is in contention for a recall to the side.

But Hartley is more concerned about helping the club to another piece of silverware than adding to his own medal collection and said: "This is a final and you have a trophy to play for. Last weekend's result is done. We were disappointed, but we have to move on and focus on the next game, the final.

"The spirit has been excellent all week and we are all up for up it."

Hartley was a key player in the run which brought Celtic the championship last season, the result of a seven-game winning burst which was kick-started with victory over Rangers.

When asked if he believes the team that triumphs on Sunday will have a psychological advantage going into the final lap of this season's title race, he admitted: "Only time will tell. This is just about winning the cup.

"There is silverware at the end of this game, and that's what we're desperate to get our hands on."

Hartley stands by the heavily-criticised Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Georgios Samaras to rediscover the goal touch and help fire Celtic to glory.

And he revealed that faith is shared by everyone at the club. He said: "You don't become bad players overnight.

"They're going through a difficult spell, but that's what happens to all strikers, midfielders, defenders and goalkeepers.

"It happens throughout the season and throughout your career and I'm sure the two lads will bounce back.

"They train well every single day and their spirit is still there. It only takes a goal and they are back on form again."

Hartley believes a single goal could decide the final, and would not be surprised if it went all the way to penalties.

"It will be a tight affair," he said. "On the day sometimes you just need a little bit of luck, a wee bit of magic."

Hartley has his fingers crossed he will be invited to do his bit and said: "The manager knows he can rely on me."