Celtic No.2 John Kennedy has reflected back on his infamous coming together with Michael Beale.

At the end of 2019, the pair were involved in a row on the touchline as Rangers beat Celtic at Parkhead.

Kennedy was assistant manager to Neil Lennon at the time, while Beale, now Rangers manager, was first team coach to Steven Gerrard.

The duo exchanged some heated words as Beale was sent to the stands during the 2-1 win for the visitors.

Now, this weekend, Kennedy and Beale will be at close quarters yet again during the Viaplay Cup final at Hampden.

However, Kennedy insists there was nothing in the fallout all those years ago, as he revealed they've not spoken since Beale returned to Scotland in November.

He said: “I’ve come across Michael a couple of times at various coaching things, we’ve crossed paths many times over the years.

“I’ve not spoken to him since he came back to Scotland. As I said, we’ve crossed paths doing badges and stuff but we never really had any relationship outside that.

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"I was only speaking to the referee back then (in 2019), it wasn’t much to be honest.”

The Celtic assistant manager can sense the same hunger for victory within this group of players that he has experienced at various successful junctures in his playing and coaching career at the club.

He added: "You can feel it when you are part of these things. You get a sense every day the team are on it and really hungry. They have a real intent and focus. I’ve seen that through all of those eras.

“I remember it in Brendan’s team. They had the bit between their teeth and a huge hunger to succeed and to continually succeed.

“We’ve got a group now who have had a small taste of success, in terms of what the club has achieved over the years.

“They’ve got a taste for it, and they are hungry for more. When you have that in a group it’s very strong.

“The manager uses it psychologically all the time. He’s very good on that side of things and motivating players.

“We certainly feel at the moment we are building towards something special.  But we can’t take our eyes off the ball.”