Rangers defender Borna Barisic has branded John Kennedy's claims that Celtic are still the best team in Scotland as a "joke".
The Old Firm rivals meet in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup on Sunday.
Barisic believes the comments made by Celtic's interim boss are disrespectful to the newly crowned Premiership champions.
"I didn't hear the comments but I read the interview beforehand and I think that is the biggest joke I heard this year," the Croatia international said of Kennedy's remarks.
"They didn't win against us in three games and we are 20 points in front of them, so it is disrespectful a little bit to us. That's my comment on that.
"You need to be in life always realistic. If someone is better and if someone is 20 points in front of you, you just don't talk like that. It is disrespectful for all the things we do this season.
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