McGeady found the Hampden surface difficult in the semi-final against United

Celtic winger Aiden McGeady has promised to be on form in Sunday's Co-operative Insurance Cup final.

McGeady admits he was not at his best in the semi-final victory over Dundee United because of the poor surface.

However, he says he can return to his natural game against Rangers now that the Hampden turf has been replaced.

"I'm glad to hear the pitch at Hampden has been re-laid," said McGeady. "In the Dundee United semi-final, I had a bit of a nightmare."

McGeady is also keen to start Sunday's final, which would be his first taste of the League Cup showpiece.

"You want to play in as many games as you can and win as many trophies as possible," said the Republic of Ireland international.

"It doesn't get any bigger than a cup final against Rangers."

It's a smashing occasion and everybody's looking forward to it Celtic manager Goron Strachan

Meanwhile, Celtic defender Stephen McManus is looking forward to leading out the squad in his first Old Firm cup final as club captain.

McManus was involved in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers 10 years ago as a member of ground staff, aged just 16, when he worked as a boot boy.

"I remember the occasion well because I was working at the game," said McManus.

"I had to take care of everything, cleaning boots, water bottles, hanging up the strips and laying out the socks. I did everything.

"I think I cleaned everyone's boots. I remember being told I couldn't polish over the Mitre sign on David Hannah's boots. I was really careful about that.

"But I'll tell you I loved it - I took pride in what I did - it was a great experience and I learned a lot."

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan agrees that there is a special atmosphere about the big matches against Rangers.

Strachan has guided Celtic to success in both domestic cup competitions, but neither he nor Walter Smith have led their teams in an Old Firm final.

"I'm looking forward to this - it's a smashing occasion and everybody's looking forward to it," said Strachan.

"We hope we can give them a good game, a winning game for us.

"We will both put out teams to play decent football, but we will also be putting out teams that will hopefully put enough pressure on the other team to stop them playing decent football. That's the conundrum you've got."

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