Malky Mackay insists the correct mental approach is key if Ross County are to claim a result against Rangers at Ibrox this weekend.
County are searching for their first win over the Gers, having drawn four of their 21 meetings with the Glasgow side.
The Staggies pushed Celtic all the way at Parkhead in November, taking the lead in the second half before going down 2-1 to the champions.
Mackay insists the mindset of his players will go a long way to determining if they can claim an upset.
He said: “Sometimes playing the Old Firm heads can be beaten before you’re out of the tunnel.
“You have to make sure that really steely and determined mentality is there for you in front of 50,000 people, their 12th man.
“There has to be a calmness as well, and a belief that you deserve to be on that stage. It is man v man, not a badge or jersey you’re playing against.
“That’s the best way to go and play against the Old Firm.”
Staggies need to be on song at Ibrox
The Staggies narrowly lost out 1-0 when the sides last met at Victoria Park in December, with John Lundstram netting the decisive goal.
Mackay insists his side must produce a top performance in order to stand any chance, adding: “It is an interesting place to be, standing in the shoes of the manager in the other dugout.
“At Ibrox or Parkhead it can be very daunting if either of those clubs are on their day.
“If Rangers are on their day, it doesn’t matter what the opposition will do.
“If they are slightly off their day, and we have everyone hitting seven or eight out of 10, then we have a chance. That’s me being realistic.
“We’ve run both sides of the Old Firm close at times since I’ve been here and had a couple of okay results. It is about how you handle it.”
Beale has put stamp on Gers
Mackay has been impressed by the impact made by Michael Beale, who remains unbeaten since taking the Gers job in December.
He added: “It is going to be a tough game for us, undoubtedly. Michael Beale has come back in and started to get the team going the way he wants it.
“I’ve seen a distinct change in Rangers between Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Michael, just little things I can see being done differently.
“There’s little traits and habits in their shape and patterns of play that are different from Giovanni.
“I know him well and he is a good guy. I’m delighted he got the job, actually.
“I’m looking forward to it – I love going down to play against Celtic or Rangers.
“I know how hard and tough it can be, but you want to play and manage against the best players and managers, clubs, in front of 50,000 people, test yourself against teams who play the best in Europe.
“I genuinely don’t see why you wouldn’t want that.”
Mackay will not include new signing Gwion Edwards in his squad following his loan move from Wigan Athletic.
The Staggies have midfielder Nohan Kenneh available again however after he was ineligible to face parent club Hibernian on Tuesday.
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