Rangers will cope with derby pressure says Mark Warburton
Friday 9 September 2016 17:14, UK
Rangers manager Mark Warburton insists he is not worried about his players dealing with the pressure of an Old Firm match.
Warburton added 11 new signings over the summer including former QPR trio Joey Barton, Niko Kranjcar and Clint Hill, who will start against Celtic on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 2 from 11.30am.
The 54-year-old is confident there are enough wise heads in the squad to deal with the intensity of a Glasgow derby.
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"There are some experienced heads in the dressing room with the likes of Kenny Miller and Lee Wallace, who have experienced these types of fixtures," Warburton told Sky Sports News HQ.
"We have that combination of senior players and young hungry players who recognise the importance of the fixture. You have to look forward to it.
"They are good professionals. They recognise it's about playing with their head and not their heart sometimes. They are astute in that respect.
"They know what has to be done. They have a responsibility on and off the pitch. So we are in good shape."
After four years in Scottish football's lower divisions, the appetite will be huge for his players to impress in the top flight and Warburton stressed calmness will be crucial.
"[Celtic boss] Brendan Rodgers will preach exactly the same. We understand the emotions and the significance of the game to so many people in Glasgow," he added.
"We have an important part to play. To play the game in the right manner and with the right discipline - fully committed of course, but to make sure we behave ourselves impeccably."
