SCOTTISH LEAGUE: lex McLeish has demanded discipline and cool heads from his players ahead of their League Cup semi-final tie against Celtic at Hampden Park tonight.

The Ibrox boss knows a win in the semi-final clash is vital if they are to prevent the Parkhead side notching up their sixth successive Old Firm win and, more importantly, halt Celtic's aspirations of claiming the Treble two years running.

But past derbies between the Glasgow giants have proved to be fiery affairs and the last seven games, over this season and last term, have produced seven red cards and 40 yellow.

The meeting between the two sides at the same stage of the same competition last term proved to be a particularly tempestuous affair. Lubo Moravcik, Michael Mols and Claudio Reyna were all sent off and 10 players were cautioned.

McLeish knows his first Old Firm derby is going to be difficult enough against a Celtic side who have already carved out a 13-point lead at the top of the table.

And he is adamant that Rangers must at least end the game at Hampden Park with 11 players on the pitch. He said: "You always want discipline in the big games - it's hard enough playing 11 against 11 without having anybody in trouble.

"Both sets of players will be aware of that factor. It's a big game and they'll obviously want to show the passion."

Aside from long-term injury victims, McLeish has a clean bill of health ahead of the game and Ronald de Boer returns to the side after being rested for Saturday's game against Dundee.

The Rangers manager is expecting the Dutchman to be a key player against Celtic. But he insists all his players must perform on the night if the Govan side are to progress to the final of the competition.

He added: "I won't single anybody out for this match - everybody has to be a key man. It's a huge game and we need everybody playing to the best of their ability but I can confirm that Ronald de Boer comes back into the side.

"His form has been great but the thing that has impressed me more from a team point of view is Ronald's work-rate.

"That has been a real plus for us. Ronald has a great ability on the ball but people have asked 'Can he defend? Can he chase back'. I think he's proved in the games since I've arrived at the club that he can do that."

Meanwhile, Moravcik yesterday confirmed he will quit Celtic at the end of the season, but is ready to play on with former Celtic boss Dr Jozef Venglos in Japan.

The mercurial playmaker has delayed his Parkhead departure once before to help the club's pursuit of back-to-back Trebles this season.

Manager Martin O'Neill has refused to rule out another change of heart this time, but the 36-year-old has reiterated his desire to quit in May. "Yes, I am definitely going to leave," said Moravcik.

O'Neill, who yesterday hit Bobo Balde with a fine after the player was caught on camera on Saturday catching Hibernian defender Paul Fenwick in the face, could also have Chris Sutton, Didier Agathe, Joos Valgaeren and Stilian Petrov in contention after injuries while Alan Thompson is back from suspension.

Striker Sutton and winger Agathe played in a practice game yesterday while Belgian Valgaeren and midfielder Petrov look to shake off ankle injuries.