Rangers’ newest ace Amad Diallo offered key Old Firm advice
One of football’s most anticipated games is just hours away as Rangers travel to Celtic Park to take on their old rivals in the Old Firm derby tonight.
Amad Diallo, one of the Gers’ late January signings, hasn’t played in a game anywhere near this intense in his career but he is expected to start the big game.
The 19-year-old, on loan from Manchester United, has been given some helpful advice from former United player Paddy Crerand who knows all about the Old Firm.
“It’s a great opportunity for him, this,” Crerand said, speaking to manutd.com.
“The pressure of a Celtic v Rangers match is incredible. There is nothing like it anywhere.
“You don’t know what it means unless you’re living in Glasgow. It’s bigger than Man City v Man United and maybe even Liverpool and Manchester United.
“The hatred between the fans isn’t nice. It’s got a nastiness to it sometimes, but as a player, it’s great to play in those games. The atmosphere in the stadium is just fantastic.
“I watched Amad’s first game at the weekend as it was on television and he certainly started off well. He’ll soon understand what this game means to the people of Glasgow and being part of that experience will be a great lesson.”
Massive hurdle
More often than not, this game can make or break young talent coming through at both clubs and Diallo will be no different.
His performance tonight won’t make or break his career at Manchester United, but it could define how he is seen by the Ibrox faithful.
A match-winning display will see him become an instant icon at Rangers whereas if he gets bullied by a physical Celtic side, he could be cast aside in favour of alternative options.
The signs though are encouraging for Gers fans as Diallo has previous in making his mark on the big stage.
In one of his first-ever appearances for United, the Ivorian scored a sensational backwards header against AC Milan in the Europa League round of 16 which helped the Red Devils edge past the Italian giants.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be praying that Diallo does it again when the world’s eyes are on him at Celtic Park.
In other Rangers news, this club captain van Bronckhorst was chasing in January will leave his club in the summer for free.