Former Celtic midfielder Alan Thompson believes Rangers player Joey Barton is in danger of being wound up when the teams meet on Saturday.

Barton has made several public comments about Celtic and their players since making his summer move to Ibrox and as a veteran of Glasgow derbies, Thompson said he would be better doing his talking on the pitch and avoiding any potential flashpoints.

Asked Barton could potentially be wound up on Saturday, Thompson said: "Joey could, yeah.

"I know Joey well, worked with him at Newcastle.

"He does do a lot of talking but if I could give him any advice it would be to go and do it on the pitch. Don't do it off the pitch because he's a good footballer.

"[Celtic players] might try to capitalise on that with Joey or Rangers players might try to get at Scott Brown but Brown has been there, seen it and done it.

"Joey is an experienced player, he's been around the block but just don't get involved and play the game."

Thompson was speaking from experience, having been sent off in his first Old Firm match, and said that the run-up to the game played a part in him acting rashly.

"You just get involved in the hype during the week building up to it and you see the red mist," he said. "I wouldn't recommend it.

"It wasn't just my first game, it was a couple after that. You get caught up in the occasion, you get involved with one or two individuals.

"You mistime a silly tackle and it costs you and costs the team, costs the club and costs you points.

"Just play the game and don't get involved in the occasion and all the hype around it. It's fairly hypocritical of me to say that but get on with it and enjoy the occasion.

"Don't ruin it by sitting in the dressing room for part of the game."