Celtic legend Martin O'Neill has accused Rangers of being "paranoid" ahead of the Scottish Cup semi-final between the two sides.

The former Hoops boss, who won three league titles during his time in charge of the Parkhead side, also shot down calls that there is a "conspiracy" against the Hoops as a result of the post-split fixtures.

Ange Postecoglou had previously stated that he would have liked the Scottish champions to have one of their first two games at home after it was confirmed Celtic would play Hearts at Tynecastle on Matchday 32 and then make the trip to Ibrox after that.

O'Neill also touched on recent grumblings Rangers have had after Alfredo Morelos had a goal chopped off in the last derby.

He said: "Celtic start off after the break with two away games, hmm, do you feel as if there is a conspiracy theory there

"I left paranoia behind some time ago, it must be starting again! It was good to see from a Celtic viewpoint that Rangers are now taking it on after that disallowed goal.

"It's really great, something I never would have thought would happen. It is what it is, if you are going to win a league I don't think it matters what week it happens to be."

READ MORE: Chris Sutton slates Rangers boss Michael Beale ahead of Celtic clash

O'Neill also addressed has addressed comparisons drawn between Kyogo Furuhashi and Hoops legend Henrik Larsson.

The Japan international has scored 29 goals for the Scottish champions so far this season, leading to some beginning to compare the two.

And while he thinks the forward has been a great addition to the Parkhead squad, the Northern Irishman feels Kyogo still has a way to go before he is at the level of the former Champions League winner.

He said: "Henrik Larsson scored a lot of goals. Firstly he scored them in Scotland and there might have been a bit of derision about that but then he scored then he scored them in Europe.

"One of his greatest games ever was in the UEFA Cup final when he scored two goals against a side that went on to win the Champions League.

"So what does he do after that? He goes to Barcelona. I know it was difficult breaking in and being a starter in that side with all the great players around him.

"He makes the difference in the European Cup final and then he goes on aged 33 or 34 and scores goals at Manchester United.

"That is the sort of thing that Kyogo, hopefully in the course of his career, could end up achieving and that would be great but that is a long way away.

"I am sure the manager (Postecoglou) is delighted with him as I was with Larsson."