Rangers additions will relish Celtic test, says Kenny Miller

By Allan Valente

Image: Rangers' Kenny Miller says it is 'hard to explain' the Old Firm atmosphere to new signings

Kenny Miller admits it is "hard to explain" the intensity of playing in the Old Firm atmosphere but is confident Rangers have recruited players who will relish the occasion.

Rangers travel to Celtic Park on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 2 HD, after a sluggish start to the Premiership season but having enjoyed a dominant 7-0 friendly win over Linfield which saw Miller score four, along with goals from Niko Kranjcar, Rob Kiernan and Joe Garner.

Mark Warburton's side beat Celtic in the Scottish Cup last year but added 11 new players over the summer and, while some may not have taken in an Old Firm derby, Miller says there is enough experience among the recruits to help them thrive at Parkhead.

Rangers warmed up for next weekend's Old Firm game against Celtic with a 7-0 win over Linfield

"It's a game you have to look forward to. I'm sure the lads who have signed - younger lads, the more experienced lads - these are the games they've signed to play in," he said.

"They've signed to play, hopefully, in a successful team but these are the games that stand out in any Scottish football calendar so I'm sure everybody's looking forward to it.

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"It's hard to prepare people for the game. You can try and pass on the experiences you've had and maybe let them know what the atmosphere is going to be like. But until you sample that right before that whistle's blown for kick-off, it's hard to explain.

"We had a good wee build-up to it last year, obviously getting the cup semi. A lot of the lads have experienced it, which will stand us in good stead for this game.

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Image: Rangers players celebrate their penalty shoot-out win over Celtic last season

"The newer lads who have come in - particularly the experienced heads - have played in some huge games all over the world, whether it be international football, European football or domestic football. Hopefully that should stand us in good stead."

Warburton said Rangers were looking forward to the match on Saturday but was keen to stress that it was one league game as part of a long campaign.

Image: Mark Warburton says new recruits like Joey Barton will relish the Old Firm derby

"[As] part of our recruitment, we had to get players on board who would relish these type of games," he said. "It's still three points - you don't get five points in an Old Firm game and we're aware of the fact it's the next league game.

"But the significance isn't lost and the players have to enjoy it. It's a good occasion and the first Old Firm game for a while at one or two venues. We're looking forward to it very much."

Watch Sky Sports' derby day extravaganza on Sep 10 - Man Utd v Man City and Celtic v Rangers - as part of our three months half price offer.

Image: Miller says new signings bring their own experience ahead of the Old Firm clash
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