Neil Lennon will have one eye on next Tuesday's Old Firm derby against Rangers when he picks his Celtic side to play Motherwell today.

The Hoops have failed to beat Rangers this season and the chances of Celtic's interim boss getting the post on a permanent basis would undoubtedly be boosted by victory over the Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions at Parkhead.

Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist claims the Ibrox side will be freshened up for their game against Dundee United at Tannadice which hints at both Old Firm clubs placing the usual importance on the fixture despite it offering only bragging rights to the fans.

Lennon wants to extend his winning run in the SPL to six games against Craig Brown's men but will have to do without defenders Glenn Loovens and Thomas Rogne, with only the former having a chance of being ready for Tuesday.

The former Northern Ireland midfielder will also take that into consideration when he picks his starting XI to take on Motherwell.

“Obviously I want to keep the momentum going but I don't want too many injuries or to take too many chances with some players,” Lennon said.

“Obviously I am going to put my strongest team out against Rangers but I will put out a pretty strong team against Motherwell.

“A couple of the boys who played last week will be unavailable so I am going to use the squad as best I can.

“Some of them had a good run-out on Wednesday night (in the friendly against AZ Alkmaar) and will be at the forefront of my mind.

“Any victory in the SPL is important. Victory over Rangers will not be any more important but if we beat Motherwell and Rangers I will enjoy both of them.

“We will try to get the six points from two games but we will not think about Rangers until the final whistle against Motherwell.”