LUCA LOVES THE RIVALRY

THE RENFREWSHIRE DERBY

LUCA GASPAROTTO has crossed swords with Celtic while coming through the youth ranks at Rangers, but he insists Morton’s rivalry with St Mirren has given him a real taste of derby football. The 20-year-old, who is on loan from the Ibrox club, endured a baptism of fire at Cappielow earlier this season, with his home debut coming against the Buddies on a fraught Friday night in front of a raucous sell-out crowd. He said: ‘The Old Firm games are something you think about when you sign for Rangers. I played in a few of them at youth level, but it’s not the same as the real thing. ‘The games against St Mirren have been a real taste of the atmosphere you get in a derby at senior level. It’s a huge game to start the New Year.’ Meanwhile, St Mirren have appointed David Farrell as their new assistant manager.