Donati undaunted as opening day clash at Ibrox looms

MASSIMO Donati is convinced his big-game experience will help him handle the pressure of a return to Ibrox.

The ex-Celtic midfielder marked his Accies debut with a classy goal as the Premiership side bounced back from their shock defeat at Ayr.

Donati is on course for a showdown with Rangers on the opening day of the league season and the 35-year-old, who has graced some of European football’s biggest stages, believes he will take the occasion in his stride.

He said: “We have got two games before that one and we have to do well in them before we think about the game against Rangers.

“We know it’ll be a hard game but we go there to try and do our best.

“I have got maybe 500 games experience on my shoulders so I don’t problem.”

Donati gave a midfield masterclass to leave Saints floundering and, after goals from Ali Crawford and Dougie Imrie, he produced a moment of quality to cap a memorable debut.

The Italian, delighted to have launched his Accies career in style, said: “I play the ball, I like to be in the action and have touches of the ball.

“It’s always a good moment think it’ll be a when you score whether it is here or Glasgow or in Milan.”

Rangers boss Mark Warburton and assistant Davie Weir, watching from the main stand, must have been impressed with Donati’s display and Buddies boss Alex Rae certainly was.

Rae, whose side were second best throughout, said: “He looked like a superstar – he could go for £100 million, never mind Pogba! That’s how good he actually looked at times.”

Accies went in front after 16 minutes when Grant Gillespie picked out the run of Crawford and the midfielder poked the ball home from close range.

The lead was doubled in the 52nd minute by former Buddie Imrie whose powerful half-volley from 12 yards left travelling keeper Jamie Langfield with no chance. Donati completed the scoring in the 70th minute, showing his quality with a wellplaced 25-yard effort. Rangers v Stranraer, 19:45 Forfar v East Fife, Peterhead v Dundee, Dunfermline v Inverness CT