Striker says draw was not warning

Celtic striker Moussa Dembele claims their recent draw with Rangers was no “warning” ahead of the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals.

The Ladbrokes Premiership champions were denied a fourth win over their Glasgow rivals this season when Clint Hill notched a late equaliser at Celtic Park last month.

But Dembele insists Celtic, who have drawn three of their last six league games, know they have to be at their best every week.

“The last result wasn’t a warning to us,” the France Under-21 international told the Celtic View. “We know that we have to play at 100% if we want to beat any side, not just Rangers – it could be Aberdeen or any team.

“We drew against Partick Thistle too, but that doesn’t mean it’s a warning. It just means we have to make sure we are 100% at it in every game.”

Celtic are two Hampden victories away from winning the treble and the striker is determined to get over the line.

“We are very motivated to add to our silverware this season,” he said. “This is the last trophy to complete the domestic set. We need it if we want to have the season we set out to have.

“There are still games to be played but we’ll do our best and we’ll give everything.”

Five of Dembele’s 32 goals this season have come against Rangers and one of them came at Hampden, when his late effort sealed a Betfred Cup final place.

Moussa Dembele says Celtic must play at 100% to beat any side.