Atmosphere at Old Firm made the hairs on my neck stand up
SAYS JAMIE MACKIE
FORMER Scotland striker Jamie Mackie admits it will be a dream come true to return to Ibrox with Oxford United tomorrow — two months after being blown away by the Old Firm atmosphere in Govan.
With England’s League One season having already finished, the 33-year-old headed north to see goals from James Tavernier and Scott Arfield secure a 2-0 win for Rangers against Celtic on May 12.
Now Mackie is hoping to be involved for Oxford in their friendly meeting with Steven Gerrard’s side 48 hours before the Glasgow giants kick off their Europa League campaign in Gibraltar against St Joseph’s on Tuesday night.
‘I went to Ibrox last season to watch Rangers play Celtic,’ he said. ‘I took my little boy up because I had heard so much about it being a massive fixture.
‘One of the things I’d love to do when I finish playing is go to as many games like that as I can because you don’t get that opportunity when you are playing every Saturday.
‘Rangers v Celtic was one of those games and everything you have heard about the atmosphere, you double it when you experience it.
‘The hairs on the back of my neck were up and now,
when my little boy comes to any other game, he says: “It’s not that loud here, Dad”. ‘Games don’t come much bigger. I loved it and never thought I would get to play at Ibrox but it’s funny how things work out. ‘Rangers will be right at it because they play in Europe soon, so it will be a big test for our boys. ‘We are a young squad and it may only be a pre-season game but for some of the lads it may be their only opportunity to play there. ‘But we like a challenge and I am sure it will be a great day for all the Oxford fans travelling up.’
Mackie was first called up for Scotland by Craig Levein in 2010 and went on to earn nine caps, scoring two goals, against Cyprus away and the Faroe Islands at Hampden.
Facing world champions Spain in Mount Florida — a thrilling match the Scots narrowly lost 3-2 — remains one of the highlights of the former Queens Park Rangers and Nottingham Forest forward’s career.
‘I qualified through my dad’s dad and was extremely proud to play for Scotland,’ he said. ‘I played in some big games and I loved the experience.
‘We played Spain in a World Cup qualifier and it was disappointing not to qualify in the end. But I gained a lot of experience and it was massive for me and that side of the family.’
Meanwhile, sources close to Alfredo Morelos last night dismissed a suggestion that English Premier League side Crystal Palace have been in touch with Rangers about buying the 30-goal striker.
A Spanish language Scottish football website had claimed Morelos’ agent had told the Ibrox club the Eagles are interested in snapping up the 23-year-old.
Midfielder Ross McCrorie has joined Portsmouth on loan until the end of the campaign.
The 21-year-old will spend the campaign at Fratton Park as Pompey bid for promotion to the SkyBet Championship. Portsmouth have an option to buy at the end of the loan.