– Kennedy defiant ahead of Old Firm Cup tie
“I thought it sent a message that the gap is not as big as everybody thinks it is.
“But ultimately it does come down to results, so we want to take that one step further.
“Then that sets us up in terms of changing the narrative, rather than just looking at the league table alone. “On our day, we know that with more consistency and improvements, we will still very much be up there and challenging, and winning trophies.
“It has been a difficult season for everyone with the way it has gone, especially for the fans who can’t attend games.
“This is an opportunity to hopefully bring back a bit of pride to the club and the team.
“It will be a tough game next weekend as we know, but we are more than capable of going and winning that game, and progressing in the Cup.”
With Celtic having won the held-back 2020 Scottish Cup Final in December, success would give the Hoops players a shot at the extraordinary feat of picking up two medals in the same competition in the space of six months.
Said midfielder David Turnbull: “I really didn’t expect the Cup from last season to get held back to this campaign. “But it meant I was lucky enough to be involved in our win.
“That was my first trophy as a professional footballer, and it would be great to be involved in another.
“Maybe not in extra time! It was exciting for people watching, but it was nervy for those playing in it.
“Once we got it over the line, it was a great feeling and I was just happy to have been involved in it.
“At a club like Celtic, there is a built-in drive to be winning trophies year in, year out.”
Turnbull has a personal reason for wanting to shine in the derby.
He still harbours hopes of forcing his way into Scotland manager Steve Clarke’s squad for the Euros.
“The Scotland manager has said if I continue my club form, my chance is not far away,” said Turnbull.
“So I just have to keep working hard to show him if given the chance, I will be ready.”