Pedro’s staying Firm ’n’ focused

RANGERS boss Pedro Caixinha does not care about becoming the first boss in Scotland to outwit Brendan Rodgers this season.

He just wants to see Rangers keep their hopes of landing a first major trophy since 2011 alive, by toppling Celtic in today’s Scottish Cup semi-final.

The rampant Hoops are again the overwhelming favourites after a so-far undefeated domestic campaign – and victory this weekend will leave them just 90 minutes away from completing a Treble for the first time since 2001.

Yet Caixinha declared: “I’m not worried about [becoming the first team to beat Celtic]. And I also don’t think they are so obsessed with that.

“Everybody is talking about us stopping them winning a Treble – but I don’t care about it.

“I’m just focusing on my team.

“By the end of the game, you will have one team who wins it.

“We are preparing for it to be our side who does it. Even if it’s 90 minutes, 120 minutes or by penalties.”

Caixinha was appointed as Mark Warburton’s successor 24 hours before last month’s Old Firm showdown at Celtic Park.

But he let caretaker boss Graeme Murty take charge of the team one last time as he decided to assess his new squad from the Parkhead directors’ box.

However, the big calls will now be down to the Portuguese coach as he prepares for his derby debut – and the 46-year-old (above) is relishing the opportunity.

“I’ve had derbies in Mexico, Portugal, Greece, Romania and with national teams,” Caixinha said. “I like those type of matches and I like matches which are more about the strategic side of the game.”

Rodgers expects his side will be at full strength and admits he turned his attention to today’s tie as soon as Celtic clinched the Premiership title three weeks ago.

Rodgers said: “After we won the league, yes we wanted to win every single game but there was also a big focus to arrive in the best condition we could and physically we’re in a great condition with everybody fit, fighting and ready to go.”