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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Dessers fires warning to Celtic fans and insists he'll thrive in hostile atmosphere

Cyriel Dessers has warned Celtic supporters he'll thrive under the pressure of playing in a stadium where "everybody is against you".

The Rangers striker, 29, is eagerly anticipating tomorrow's derby clash and reckons he can perform despite no away allocation for the match at Celtic Park.

While the Nigerian international would prefer to have the backing of a band of travelling supporters, he remains confident his side can upset the home support.

"I expect an intense afternoon but I actually like it," said Dessers.

"We actually played a couple of weeks ago in Seville and I like these nights when everybody is against you.

"I think our team likes it as well. Of course, Rangers has a good experience with the European away games as well so we are looking forward to it."

Dessers is laser-focussed on a result against the hostile atmosphere at Parkhead but paused to admit he is dreaming of a future derby day with away supporters at Celtic Park.

Admitting there is little the players can do about the ongoing away fan lockout situation, Dessers commented: "I think that's a pity because these are moments you want to share with your fans and hopefully these become positive memories if you win these games.

"It is like it is. We, the football players, we cannot change a lot about it, that's something for other departments in our club.

"I hope in the future to play an Old Firm at their house with our fans there but for tomorrow we just focus on our job and what we have to do."

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