Celtic hero Stiliyan Petrov has maintained that Celtic v Rangers is the best derby in the world.

The former Bulgaria international stated that his Hoops team-mate Henrik Larsson used to rate Real Madrid v Barcelona highly. However, the ex-midfielder feels that there is only one contender for the title of the best derby.

Larsson himself has talked up the fixture between the two Glasgow giants in the past, previously stating that "nothing compares" to the derby in Glasgow. 

And Petrov went on to detail exactly what makes the match so special.

Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, he said: "For me, Celtic-Rangers is still the best derby in the world. Henrik Larsson used to talk about Barcelona-Real Madrid but for me it is between the two teams in Glasgow.

"Every final is huge and both clubs will be desperate to win it on February 26. Rangers are in a difficult position because they are chasing Celtic in the league.

"When these two teams meet, it doesn’t matter who has been playing well or who hasn’t, the game becomes a different animal.

"The build-up in the week ahead of the game is something special, it’s totally different and you can feel the nervousness build.

"If you are playing against Aberdeen, Hibs or Hearts, you know that you should have that extra quality but Celtic against Rangers, anything can happen.

"You can’t look back at last season or what has happened in the games this season. It’s all about the moment."

READ MORE: How Giorgos Giakoumakis should be remembered at Celtic

Meanwhile, Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley has explained why tennis star Novak Djokovic and NBA hero LeBron James are two of the athletes he admires most in professional sports.

The 22-year-old, who has provided 10 assists for the Scottish champions this season, pinpointed both men's mental strength as one of the reasons they have been successful in their respective fields.

And the former Fulham playmaker has detailed why he finds each of them inspirational.

He said: "Novak Djokovic is someone I really enjoy hearing speak. He speaks a lot about mindfulness.

“He’s been so many match points down but he just seems to look the same all the time.

“I think it comes from the number of times he’s been in those big situations. The top athletes are very good at that.

"LeBron James is another who is always very focused and stays as present as he can. If he’s not then it’ll distract him from what he needs to do.”