Rangers striker Fashion Sakala has branded Celtic "the other mob" ahead of the Viaplay Cup final.

The Glasgow rivals meet at Hampden in the showpiece final on Sunday.

And in previewing the fixture, Sakala has amped up the intensity with his reference to Celtic.

Sakala - who was appearing at a players' press conference this afternoon - said:  "Obviously, I know how important the game is when you play the other mob.

"I believe it is all about the badge, and I don't really think about my individual performance, the most important thing is about the win for the fans, and the club and the good performance from the players.

"I think it's a very important game for the club and the fans, and we are going to give everything to fight for the win and to get the trophy. The impact I brought into the last game was good for the squad but I'm looking for more great performances.”

It comes after Michael Beale had been criticised over referring to Celtic as "the other team" earlier this season.

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The Ibrox boss had been accused of disrespect but was quick to clarify his comments insisting: "I don’t like that. It’s not what I am."

Clarifying his remarks after the allegations of disrespect, Beale said: “The other day I used a term ‘other team’.

"I’m new back into the country but I didn’t get where I am being disrespectful to anybody.

"I was asked a question about being nine points behind and my answer was ‘well, we have to win and the other team has to lose some’. That wasn’t in any way disrespectful. I want to cut that short.

“I’ve got no issue with naming the other team’s name - Celtic, Aberdeen, Hibs, whoever - and no way am I ever going to be disrespectful. I don’t like that. It’s not what I am.

"It was a very innocent comment that was taken too far. I’m a coach that respects. I came back to this league because I enjoy it."

Glasgow Times:

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