Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell reckons Rangers and Celtic are driving each other to their relentless form in the Scottish Premiership this season.
But he insists clubs should relish the chance to be the ones who can put an end to their incredible runs in the top flight.
The Steelmen welcome Michael Beale's Rangers to Fir Park on Saturday with the Ibrox club yet to lose in 13 league games under the new boss, who replaced Gio van Bronckhorst in November.
The only time Rangers haven't managed a Premiership win in that period was in a 2-2 draw with their greatest rivals in January.
Across Glasgow, Celtic are on an even better run with 20 wins from their last 21 games helping them to a nine-point lead over Rangers at the top of the table.
Kettlewell is preparing for his toughest test since taking the reins at Fir Park and knows his four-game unbeaten start will come under severe pressure, as 'Well haven't beaten Rangers at home in the top flight since December 2002.
And the 38-year-old, who will take his side to Celtic Park next month, insists both clubs are pushing each other to levels not seen in years.
Kettlewell said: "The standards and their levels are incredible. I think one of the biggest differences that I have picked up on in the period I have been out [of the game], and you analyse and look at all clubs, is their relentless nature in games.
"I feel at times clubs have played against Rangers and Celtic in the past when they have been very good teams.
"They have been able to create chances against you, they've dominated a lot of the ball - and that is stuff we still see - but I feel that now there is a real intent and purpose to score a goal every single time they come forward.
"Maybe in the past - and this isn't being disrespectful, it is just down to different managers and different approaches - they kept the ball off you and you could maybe coax your way through games.
"Whereas now, I feel there is a relentless nature to go and put another one past you and I think that is because the gap between the two clubs has got closer in recent times, where they are pushing each other on.
"Rangers and Celtic are really pushing each other on. I understand that Celtic have that gap at the top of the table, but Rangers will not be coming here and letting up in any way.
"They know they need to come and make up ground because the demands of their football club is that you win every game and you make up ground on your biggest rivals.
"I think that is the scenario that is driving the relentless nature that both clubs have.",
Motherwell go into the clash off the back of climbing away from the foot of the Premiership table with wins over St Mirren, Hearts and Ross County since Kettlewell came in and a draw away to Kilmarnock.
Asked if the gap between the Old Firm and other clubs in the league was demoralising, February manager of the month Kettlewell refuted that suggestion and insisted teams should embrace the challenge.
He added: "No, I think you've got to enjoy it. You need to go and put your marker down and see if you can be the club that can take points off of them.
"I think we are seeing, as the weeks go by, that is coming few and far between.
"But you want to be the next club that do that.
"You are always looking for a goal or a milestone that hasn't happened for a long stretch or has never happened before.
"That is my motivation as an individual.
"But I think for the players, we've got guys who haven't played against Rangers so how do you go and get a result against them? That is a big milestone in your career."
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