REFEREE Dougie McDonald has welcomed his handling of the Co-operative Insurance Cup Final between the Old Firm as the ultimate honour.

The Edinburgh official will be the man in the middle as Celtic take on Rangers for the first domestic piece of silverware at Hampden Park on March 15.

McDonald was told the news as he prepares to be fourth official at Stuttgart's Uefa Cup clash with Zenit St Petersburg in Germany tonight.

And he admits the appointment has given him a huge boost. He said: "You always hope you're in with a shout for these games and this is the ultimate honour.

"In Scotland, the Old Firm games and the cup finals are the biggest in the eyes of the public.

"Not many referees are lucky enough to do an Old Firm game. Not many are lucky enough to do a cup final. So to get an Old Firm cup final is fantastic.

"I did the Hearts-Gretna Scottish Cup Final in 2006 and the CIS Insurance Cup Final in 2007 between Hibs and Kilmarnock and they were very enjoyable.

"I'm very happy to get this. It's recognistion that an element of trust has been placed on you and that, as I say, is the ultimate honour."

McDonald sent off both Daniel Cousin and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink in Rangers' 4-2 win over Celtic at Parkhead at the start of the season.

Meanwhile, the refereeing appointments for the Scottish Cup quarter-final clashes next month have been announced.

Charlie Richmond will take charge as St Mirren entertain Celtic at New St Mirren Park on Saturday, March 7, and Iain Brines will be the man in the middle at Ibrox the following day when Rangers take on Hamilton Accies.

Craig Thomson will referee Dunfermline v Aberdeen and Steve Conroy will take charge of Caley Thistle v Falkirk.