Ibrox veterans can’t wait for derby

FROM Milan to Manchester, London to Le Classique in France, Mark Warburton’s veteran summer signings bring to Rangers a wealth of experience gained in some of the biggest rivalry games in European football.

Yet Niko Kranjcar, Joey Barton and Philippe Senderos have been busy telling their new boss how they can barely contain their excitement ahead of the Old Firm derby. Their wish will come true on Saturday lunchtime.

Warburton (right) said: ‘Philippe has said that, for all the games he’s played in, cup finals, North London derbies, Milan derbies: he can’t wait.

‘For all that Joey has done, he’s said he can’t wait. Niko played in the massive Hajduk Split-Dinamo Zagreb game and he openly tells you he can’t wait.

‘But what the players have to do is not be overcome by it. Relish the responsibility and, if they do that, we’ll be OK. I think any pro would relish that environment. It’s a big stadium, it’s a big crowd. The intensity that comes with a derby of that magnitude.

‘I’ve been to Celtic Park with the NextGen tournament and for Barcelona games. It’s a great cathedral of football. If they don’t enjoy it and don’t look forward to these types of games, then we’ve recruited badly and our system has gone wrong.’

The rush of recruitment in this close season has contributed to a few gelling issues in the opening month of the league campaign. Rangers have fallen behind Celtic early despite playing one game more. However, Warburton stressed that a second look at the most recent setback, a 1-1 draw at Kilmarnock, tells him Rangers remain on the right track as they adjust to the top flight.

‘We are bedding in 11 new players of different experiences and levels in terms of age and whatever else,’ said Warburton. ‘You’ve got Niko, Joey, now Philippe coming in. You’ve got Jordan Rossiter, Josh Windass and Matt Crooks at the other end of the spectrum. Then there are some in between.

‘We’re happy with what we’re seeing. I watched the Kilmarnock game and thought it was our worst first half since I’d been at the club. I go home, watch it at midnight. You know what, for the first 15 minutes we were decent.

‘The margins are really fine. Ten points out of 12 we would’ve been very pleased.’