Todd Cantwell has opened up on the importance of sending a message out to Celtic at end of last season.
Ange Postecoglou's Hoops were dominant domestically and sailed to a historic treble, with their rivals Rangers going the campaign without landing any silverware.
With this in mind, Cantwell admits it was hugely important for Rangers to grab three points in dominant fashion in the final derby clash of the season to send a message ahead of the new campaign.
He told Tubes and Ange Golf Life: "It was mental. Unfortunately they got the better of us in the semi-final of the cup and in the league at theirs. We needed to play well at home and one for the fans, but also send a message for next year. We managed to do that and win 3-0.
"That's certainly the intention, yeah. We've got targets set by the manager, set by the players and we've got our own standards as well. They're all aligned for a successful year."
On the atmosphere on matchday and in the build up, Cantwell continued: "It's mental to be honest.
"Hearing about it and being in it are two different things. being there and being engrossed in the atmosphere is quite incredible. The word electrifying comes to mind. In games like that, it means so much to so many people at both ends and you can really feel that when you're down there.
"Two or three weeks before, they (the media) are asking you questions about it. As a new lad, sometimes you can get tripped up by the media on that. It's only two games in and they're talking about that already.
"It's a big rivalry, there's no hiding that. More times than others, it's us two going at all the trophies and the league. To play in those games, it's got huge importance. Everyone at the club who's been there for a while are making sure you're aware of that, let's say."
