Wednesday 7 September 2016 14:45, UK
Former Rangers striker Gordon Smith believes Philippe Senderos could be a key man against Celtic in the first Glasgow derby of the season on Saturday.
Senderos joined Mark Warburton's side on Deadline Day after a move to bring Aston Villa centre back Joleon Lescott to Ibrox broke down.
The 31-year-old, who won 57 caps for Switzerland during a career which saw him turn out for Arsenal, Fulham, Valencia and Grasshoppers, is expected to make his debut at Celtic Park, live on Sky Sports.
And Smith, who played over 100 times for Rangers during two spells in the 1970s and 80s, says he could have the same impact on the club as David Weir who spent five years at Ibrox after moving there as a 37-year-old in 2007.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, Smith, a former chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, said: "He is a very experienced player and sometimes if you bring in a player like that it can help.
"David Weir is a great example of that. He came into Rangers in the latter part of his career and did a fantastic job and Senderos may be able to do that kind of job too."
Celtic start the game as favourites, having made a 100% start to the season and sitting above their city rivals with a game in hand, but Smith insists form is not always the deciding factor in derby matches.
"You can't take anything for granted," he said. "You never know how it will go in these games.
"Even myself during my time playing against Celtic teams, it's the occasion that matters and how teams respond to the occasion as opposed to the opposition."
And former Scotland and Rangers goalkeeper Andy Goram agrees the game could be won or lost by the showing of the defenders on the pitch.
Both teams, who remain unbeaten after the first few weeks of the season, have already conceded four goals and Goram is convinced the shaky rearguards will ensure fans see plenty of goals at Celtic Park this weekend.
"You are only as good as what's in front of you," he said. "If you have rubbish in front of you then you are up against it and if you have good players in front of you you're OK. I can guarantee it won't be a nil-nil."
And Goram has highlighted Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths as the main concern for Rangers, who have opened up the campaign with two wins and two draws, while the champions have three victories from as many games.
Griffiths, who scored 40 goals last season, already has seven this term in helping his side to the top of the table and a place in the lucrative group stages of the Champions League.
"He has surpassed my expectations," said Goram. "I didn't think he would do well at Celtic when he first signed.
"I thought he would struggle but I tip my hat to him. What an amazing job he has done for Celtic."
