Mark Warburton insists he will not buckle under pressure as the Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic approaches.
The Rangers manager refuted suggestions he will not be able to cope when the Glasgow rivals meet at Hampden on Sunday, April 17, live on Sky Sports.
Former City trader Warburton believes he has faced plenty of tough and tense situations both "in and out" of the game, to prepare him for the encounter at the national stadium.
"You can't turn round and say you are ready for it but I'm also somewhat bemused by people who say you won't be able to deal with it," said the former Brentford manager.
"The fact is we've dealt with it all season. It's another game of football. We understand the significance of it. It's a highly important game for the fans and it's a semi-final. I get all of that.
"But if you can't deal with that, don't be in the business. My background is one that's involved many pressurised situations in and out of football. If I can't deal with it, I shouldn't be doing the job, simple as that."
Warburton was responding to comments from former Celtic boss Neil Lennon, who said that "nothing will prepare Warburton for his first taste of the Glasgow derby."
Lennon also suggested Rangers lack the physicality to get the better of Ronny Deila's side, believing Celtic will be too strong on the day. But Warburton insists he does not fear being outmuscled.
"As with all pundits, they are entitled to their opinion," he added. "So whatever Neil or anyone else may think, that is down to them. I'm not going to criticise that.
"Football is a game of opinions and that's the beauty of the sport, it incites so much opinion. But the fact is that we are very confident in our side and how we have fared this season. Our physicality in our minds is not in question."
However, the match is not at the forefront of the Englishman's concerns at the moment, with Rangers tantalisingly close to securing their place in the Scottish Premiership.
A win at Raith on Saturday, coupled with a defeat for Hibernian at St Mirren would confirm Rangers as Scottish Championship winners, and seal the club's place in the top flight.
"Raith are on a very good run of form right now so we need to go there and deliver a performance, otherwise we'll get hurt," he said. "The focus is very much on what we do. What happens away from us we can't control but what we can control is our own performance.
"On Saturday and Tuesday (against Dumbarton), the lads have the opportunity to take the club back to the top tier of Scottish football, so they are well aware of the significance and the expectations of the fans, the desire to get Rangers back to where they need to be.
"They recognise the opportunity but they've got to enjoy it. We don't want to limp over the line. We want to finish in a convincing manner."