Two more key men from the international set-up, opposing skippers Stephen McManus and Barry Ferguson, had to be separated by team-mates as tempers boiled over.

But Miller, who made more than 150 appearances for Celtic, believes such behaviour is a by-product of the passion involved in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title race between two old rivals.

The former Clyde boss said: “I think at the end of last week’s game there were a lot of negatives put out about it.

“But it’s something as a player I like to see, and I’m sure the managers agree because it shows the players care about things, whether it’s handbags at dawn after the game.

“But both sets of players are passionate about winning the game and winning the league. A bit of passion comes into it and I don’t mind that reaction after the game.”

The pair meet again on Sunday at Parkhead with the bad blood further fuelled by the controversy over the SPL fixture list.

Both sides of the Old Firm have complained about the SPL’s provisional plans to extend the season by four days if Rangers reach the UEFA Cup final.

And Miller, who scored the winning goal of the 1989 Old Firm Scottish Cup final, knows Celtic boss Gordon Strachan and Rangers manager Walter Smith will demand total commitment.

“Celtic have got to have the bottle to win the last five games,” said Miller, who was promoting Setanta’s coverage of the game.

“Rangers, with their injuries and suspensions, are down to the bare bones and with their schedule they have a mountain to climb.

“But I’m sure Walter Smith will try to get a response out of the players to put on a performance.

“It’s all down to bottle. Both managers will have the same pre-match talk. It’s a must-win situation for both managers.”