By James Matthews, Scotland Correspondent
One of football's oldest rivalries resumed today when Celtic played Rangers for the first time in three years.
Glasgow's "Old Firm" faced each other in the Scottish League Cup semi-final at the city's Hampden Park stadium.
It was the first Old Firm derby since Rangers were liquidated in 2012 and re-admitted to Scotland's league set-up in the bottom tier.
The story of the Ibrox club has been one of a football giant's demise, brought on by years of overspending, spiralling debts, tax battles and a series of continuing management struggles.
Its financial situation remains precarious and the club is currently being run on loans by the Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley.
He is one of a number of businessman circling Rangers as the fight continues over the future ownership of the club.
It is a far cry from the glory days of nine Scottish league titles in a row, a UEFA Cup final seven years ago, regular Champions League football and a dressing-room that boasted a galaxy of stars such as Paul Gascoigne, Brian Laudrup and Ronald De Boer.
Craig Whyte, the man who bought Rangers in 2011 for £1 from Sir David Murray, is currently facing court charges including the fraudulent takeover of a football club.
Rangers are currently second place in Scotland's Championship, Scottish football's second tier.
Police Scotland have not said they expect trouble to arise around the fixture, but have made it clear they are prepared.
Extra officers have been deployed on the streets of Glasgow.
Chief Superintendent Andy Bates, the event commander, said in a statement: "It is our job to ensure that supporters get to and from the game safely and that there is minimum disruption to those who live, work and socialise in the city centre and in and around the stadium.
"This is an intelligence-led operation with officers deployed to identify and engage with potential trouble makers and disrupt their activities.
"There will be a highly visible police presence to ensure the safety of people attending the games and visiting the city and to deal quickly with any disorder."
The occasion enabled rival fans to re-engage in pre-match baiting.
Celtic supporters took out a full-page advert in a Sunday newspaper stating that Rangers are a new club following their liquidation, and that the Old Firm derby is dead.
The advert was criticised by Rangers supporters as being liable to increase tensions in Glasgow ahead of the fixture.
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