Rangers told players are already 'scared' of Celtic new boy ahead of derby

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Rangers have been told defenders are already “scared” of Celtic new boy Haissem Hassan ahead of the Old Firm derby today.

The two heavyweights of Scottish football will renew their rivalry when they face off in a League Cup quarter-final tie at Ibrox Stadium.

Hassan is poised to make his Old Firm bow after joining Celtic from Spanish side Real Oviedo for a fee that could rise to €10.4million (£9m) in August.

The Egypt international, 24, has started the last four games for the Bhoys and recorded the assist for Mika Baur’s winner at St. Johnstone on Wednesday.

Such has been Hassan’s promising start to life at Celtic that team-mate James Forrest believes opposition defenders are already wary of him.

In quotes carried by Scottish outlet The Herald, Forrest said: “I think he's (Hassan) been really good. I just think he's such a threat.

“He's really sharp, really quick and his dribbling's really good.

“He can go both ways. You've seen it already in the first few games that he's a real threat and he'll cause problems.

“You can see defenders are scared of him and I think he's just going to keep getting better and better especially once he gets his first goal.”

Celtic boss Martin O’Neill said Hassan needed time to find match sharpness after arriving from Oviedo when the Premiership season had already started.

The winger began life in Scotland with cameo appearances against Dundee United and LASK in the League Cup and Champions League play-offs respectively.

And after registering his first goal contribution against St. Johnstone in midweek, Forrest believes there is more to come from Hassan.

“He looks like a top talent,” added Forrest. “He's done really well, and just hopefully he can keep doing what he's done.

“He looks to be positive and take his man on all the time. I think this season everyone will enjoy watching him and playing with him.”

Goalkeeper Pandur in fine form for Rangers

However, Rangers head into the derby in good spirits themselves after winning their last four games under manager Derek McInnes.

The Govan club have beaten Aberdeen, Falkirk, Motherwell and St. Mirren in succession, with new goalkeeper Ivor Pandur keeping three clean sheets.

Pandur joined Rangers from Premier League side Hull City for €7m (£6m) in June, with the Croatia international signing a four-year contract through to 2030.

After making a huge save to deny St. Mirren a share of the spoils at Ibrox on Wednesday, Pandur quickly turned his attention to the clash against Celtic.

“It's a game, we want to win it,” said Pandur. “We will give our best. We know we play against a tough opponent. It's a derby and I think everybody is excited and looking forward to it.”

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