Celtic trail Rangers by three points in the SPL, and have played one more match than their Glasgow rivals.

As a result, McCoist expects Gordon Strachan's side will be ravenous for an Ibrox victory which would improve their chances of a third successive SPL title.

"Celtic will be so 'up' for this game, it will be unbelievable," McCoist told Rangers World.

"They've dropped a few points behind us.

"They dropped a couple of points at home to Dundee United. So we know they'll come and give everything they have.

"But from our point of view we've been on a good roll in the league. We have played some good football, some average football but winning games, so the most important thing for us on Saturday is we do get the three points.

"I've no doubt in my mind the players will be ready for the game because we've all been looking forward to this one."

Rangers have already triumphed in the CIS Insurance Cup, and have high hopes of more UEFA Cup and Scottish Cup success, while for Celtic the SPL is their only target.

The hectic run of games for SPL leaders Rangers as they compete for the three remaining trophies means they can only take a short-term view.

McCoist said: "We're in a situation just now with all our games where we really can only focus on the next match, then put it to bed - hopefully with a victory - and look to the next one. That's all we're doing at the moment."