ANGE POSTECOGLOU is anticipating a "different experince" in the Scottish Cup showdown between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden.

The match will see tickets split 50/50 at Hampden, unlike the small away allocations when matches are played at Ibrox or Celtic Park.

Celtic were backed by a 700-strong away fanbase at Ibrox last weekend in the first away allocation for a Glasgow derby clash in recent seasons after Covid saw visiting sections closed.

Postecoglou is expecting the match at Hampden to have a different feel as a result of the split - and urged his players to "embrace" it.

He told the Celtic View: “It’s going to be a different experience, a bit of a unique one, and again, something to embrace and experience.

'It’s what we all want to be involved in. We want to be involved in these kind of games where, at the end of it, hopefully you’re making memories that will last beyond your own lifetimes.

“So, that’s the opportunity which exists and that’s the one we’re looking forward to.”

And while Celtic hold the bragging rights in the derby, Postecoglou is not expecting the recent victory to have any effect on the Cup tie.

He added: “Because it’s a cup semi-final, irrespective of previous form or previous encounters with the same team, it just becomes irrelevant.

“There’s always an edge to these games. You only have to remember the League Cup semi-final against St Johnstone – a super tight game. James Forrest comes on and wins it for us.

“Those kind of games, irrespective of form, irrespective of league position, irrespective of previous games, they’re tight, they’re tense, they’re physical, they’ve got everything you need and that’s what makes them such memorable affairs, and we’ll be prepared for it.”