Fernandez excited for 'massive' Old Firm derby

1 week ago 2

Defender Emmanuel Fernandez "can't wait" to play in his first Old Firm derby when Rangers visit Celtic Park on Saturday.

The 24-year-old, who joined Rangers in the summer, was an unused substitute in the League Cup semi-final in November and the goalless draw with Celtic at Ibrox back in August.

But the centre-back has established himself in the centre of Danny Rohl's defence and scored in the 2-1 win over St Mirren at the weekend which moved the Ibrox club to within three points of Celtic going into Saturday's clash.

"We've just got to stay focused about ourselves, get to the weekend and deal with it," Fernandez said.

"I can't wait for it because I think it'll be my first derby and we've just got to go into the game with the mentality that we get three points and move on to the next.

"I couldn't be more grateful to be involved in that game.

"Obviously, it's a massive derby and I've just got to be excited and ready for it and focus in the game and see where that gets me.

"I don't think it will [faze me], personally, because I have played in front of a lot of people before and it's just about focus and belief in yourself.

"And you're still playing a football game at the end of the day and you've just got to focus on what's happening on the pitch."

Fernandez gave credit to set-piece coach Scott Fry after volleying in a Youssef Chermiti cross to put Rangers 2-0 up against St Mirren with his fourth goal of the season.

He said: "Scott has had a big help in me getting these goals. He always talks about second phases and what we need to do.

"I think both of our goals were from second phases, from a set-piece. It's difficult, because as I do keep winning it (in the air), people defend differently and maybe put two players on you.

"But I do back myself as long as I get the right movement and the delivery is good. I don't think many people stop me.

"So I'm enjoying the run and it's about continuing this run and keep going and getting three points as much as possible."

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