Boyata expects more Old Firm madness

Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata has described the Old Firm experience as “crazy” ahead of the visit of Rangers on Sunday.

The Hoops can clinch their seventh successive Ladbrokes Premiership title against their city rivals, who have failed to beat Brendan Rodgers’ side in 10 Glasgow derbies since the Northern Irishman took over the Parkhead club in 2016.

The 27-year-old Belgium international, who joined the Hoops on a four-year contract from Manchester City in 2015, said: “It is crazy.

“For me, coming from abroad and not knowing the history, at first when I heard about it I thought it was just a derby game like I would see in Manchester but it is definitely not.

“It is much crazier. But it is a game you want to play in. When you are on the pitch it is unbelievable.

“For the moment we have been on the good side of it so it is a moment we have always enjoyed.

“As a player you can see how it feels for the people around us and it is good to be there.”

The authorities tried to avoid scheduling a post-split fixture which could see Celtic clinch the title against their city rivals.

However, the Hoops’ 2-1 defeat by Hibernian at Easter Road last week has led to exactly that scenario.

Rodgers, nominated for the PFA Scotland manager of the year award along with Kilmarnock’s Steve Clarke, Neil Lennon of Hibernian and St Mirren’s Jack Ross, said: “It clearly wasn’t overly thought out because last week they sent us to probably the most in-form team that is playing – away to Hibs.

“But the way it goes up here, the last five games are going to be tough games, no matter who you play.

“We just want to win it as early as we can. We have four opportunities to win and we hope to take it on the next one.

“It’s nice is if you can win it in front of our own supporters.

“Last year we won it away at Hearts but if we can do it at home, in front of our own supporters, that will be special.”

The Northern Irishman will assess the fitness of striker Moussa Dembele and midfielder Stuart Armstrong ahead of the game.

Dedryck Boyata.