Rangers manager Philippe Clement has shut down Chris Sutton's claim that Brendan Rodgers got "under his skin" with a Celtic remark last week.
The Ibrox boss had called out a 'disrespectful' comment from Rodgers who suggested Celtic would "have fun" in the derby fixture on Saturday.
Clement was less than impressed by the remark and responded directly in a press conference - but now he has been quizzed on pundit Sutton's theory that Rodgers is winning the mind games.
The former Celtic striker had waded into the tiff, stating: "Brendan has got under his skin. When he first came in he was always calm and composed but he is feeling the pressure.
"I don't know why Brendan has said it. It would have been tongue in cheek, but it is better to do your talking at the end of the season."
Asked whether Sutton's claim held any weight, Clement said: "No. To have a comment on every comment that is happening in this town, then I don't have many hours that I can sleep but then it's finished with sleeping. It is of no use.
"It is just what I thought at that moment. Finished."
READ MORE: Major Rangers injury doubt for crucial Celtic clash
Pushed on the matter, Clement said: "What? I said finished. I gave my comment about what I thought it in that moment about it."
Discussing the upcoming derby clash at Parkhead - with Celtic three points ahead in the league - Rodgers had said: “Take nothing for granted, keep our composure, we have a lot of work to do in the week, get our plan ready. And then next Saturday we can have a bit of fun.”
Clement responded: “It’s not really respectful towards my team. I will never say things like that about an opponent. But okay, we will see.
"I heard yesterday they are going to have fun. So we are going to have fun also.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here