Celtic v Rangers: Mark Warburton says players will relish Celtic Park atmosphere
Friday 9 September 2016 17:20, UK
Rangers manager Mark Warburton believes he has added players to his squad who will relish the atmosphere of Saturday's Glasgow derby at Celtic Park.
Warburton drafted in 11 new faces over the summer and up to half of those could start against the Scottish champions, live on Sky Sports 2 from 11.30am.
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Big-game players Clint Hill, Joey Barton, Nico Kranjcar and Philippe Senderos are among the new arrivals and Warburton has total faith in their ability to handle the pressure against their table-topping city rivals.
Facing the media for the final time before the match, Warburton, who led his side to an extra-time victory over the Hoops in the Scottish Cup last season, said: "You can never underestimate the significance of this game.
"We recognise the importance of it as it's one of the biggest derbies in world football and it's one that we will look forward to.
"Of course we would look forward to it. Where would you rather play: in front of 5,000, or 60,000 here or 50,000 at Ibrox?
"Undoubtedly we are looking forward to the occasion and we have signed players who will relish this type of fixture, absolutely, but don't lose sight of the fact that it is just another three points.
"It has to be that way. It's not five points or seven points. There's no point winning on Saturday and losing the following two games. So it's about making sure it's one game at a time and recognising it's just another three points."
Warburton is looking to feed off the experience of the penalty shoot-out win at Hampden in April against Ronny Deila's side.
"That game I learned about the passion and about the media build-up the week before. Kick-off is almost a relief from all the media aspect of it," he said.
"Before that game I read we were going to be beaten by three or four minimum, one very wise pundit said. But they are paid to give their opinions. That is what the game is all about so you respect that.
"If you read the bookies' odds for this game, then there is no point us really turning up, which is fine
"But amid all the comments from ex-managers and ex-players, it's about us. It's about Rangers and doing what we do.
"If we go in there and we're brave and we get on the football and we move it quickly and do what we do well we will be fine. If we don't and we're sloppy, then we will have a tough afternoon.
"That said, the significance of this game to the city must never be forgotten for both sets of fans. Fans around the world look at this fixture and we are aware of that.
"We are aware of the responsibility we have as players and staff and the players will relish it. I have no doubt about that."
