Paulo Bernardo claims Rangers are not certain to be Celtic’s biggest challengers in the title race this season.
The reigning champions have the opportunity to open a five-point lead over their Old Firm rivals if they win the first derby of the season at Celtic Park today.
Portuguese midfielder Bernardo admits they are determined to inflict an early psychological blow on Rangers but feels Celtic also need to be wary of a potential threat from elsewhere as they target a fourth consecutive Premiership crown.
The 22-year-old has pointed to an impressive start to the campaign from Aberdeen under new manager Jimmy Thelin as evidence Celtic cannot afford to focus solely on their traditional Glasgow rivals.
Paulo Bernardo scored an Old Firm winner against Rangers last season
Bernardo completed a permanent switch to Celtic this summer after a successful loan
Celtic midfielder Bernardo is eager for another slice of Old Firm experience
‘Yeah, for sure, it can be a statement if we win against Rangers,’ said Bernardo. ‘We will move further ahead of them at the top of the table.
‘But remember, Aberdeen are at the top, too. There are not only two teams in the league.
‘Of course, Rangers is a big club here in Scotland, but we are still playing for only three points.
‘So we have to approach every game the same way. It can be Rangers, it can be Hearts, it can be Hibernian, they are all worth three points.
‘At the same time, we know that in this one we will be playing against a very good opponent.
‘Yes, these points could be crucial, but if we don’t win the other games, these points will mean nothing for us. We need to have consistency during the season.’
Bernardo made a dream Old Firm debut during his loan spell at Celtic last season when he scored the opening goal in their 2-1 victory at Parkhead in December.
He also had a major contribution in Celtic’s Scottish Cup final triumph against Rangers at Hampden in May when his shot was spilled by goalkeeper Jack Butland to allow Adam Idah to grab that dramatic 90th-minute winner.
And the Portuguese is keen to create fresh Old Firm memories after making a permanent £3.4million switch from Benfica this summer.
‘The derby is a very good game, the best we have here, so I am very happy to get the chance to play in them,’ he added.
‘I got messages from back home after scoring in my first one last season. That was great.
‘It was my first game against Rangers and I know how big the game is. So I was very happy with that moment, even more with the win.
‘People talked about that one, but now I have to make them talk about the next
one because every goal against Rangers is special.
‘Although I have great memories of the fixture, this is a different match. It is another season and we need to do it again.’