by Our Sports Desk

STUART ARMSTRONG has put Rangers to the sword in a Scottish Cup semi-final once before and said yesterday that he would love to repeat the feat for Celtic on Sunday.

The midfield playmaker was part of the Dundee United side which claimed a 3-1 victory over Gers at “neutral” Ibrox two years ago.

The 24-year-old struck the opening goal to send the Tangerines on their way to a final showdown with St Johnstone.

Ultimately, there was only disappointment at Parkhead as the Perth men claimed the trophy in the showpiece showdown.

But Armstrong says the experience of taking on the Light Blues in the last-four crunch tie will be invaluable to him, especially considering the fact he has never even been to an Old Firm match, far less played in one.

The former Scotland Under-21 skipper said: “I was cup-tied for last year’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Inverness but played the year before for United against Rangers at Ibrox.

“That was a great game for us. I scored and it was an all-round great day. If we could experience those sort of emotions again this weekend it would be great.

“It’s useful that you have experienced these kind of big games before, those pressurised games. This one will be slightly different but again the stadium will be full, so it’s nice I’ve had that experience before.”

Rangers boss Mark Warburton has tried to downplay the significance of the Hampden clash by telling his players to approach the match like they would any other game.

But Armstrong countered: “I don’t think you can treat it like any other game because it’s not. It’s a big tie, a chance to get to the final. It’s Celtic against Rangers.”