Livingston midfielder Stephen Kelly believes he’s in a better place with the Lions as he prepares for a return to Ibrox for the first time since leaving Rangers.
The 22-year-old ditched Glasgow for West Lothian at the end of the summer transfer window after failing to break into the Rangers first team.
He insists he’s trying to treat it like any other game but even he admits it may not be that simple.
Kelly starred for the Lions in Saturday’s 1-0 win over St Johnstone after being handed his first start for the club and he’s hopeful he can keep a hold of the jersey as he prepares for an Ibrox return.
He commented: “When it comes to 3 o’clock, if I’m playing or on the bench, it will just be 11 against 11.
“Everyone knows the size of the Old Firm, I was at one of them for a long time, but I’ll just try and focus on it as another game.
“There might be a wee bit extra added on to it. I know a lot of people there so it might be strange but I will just try and focus on the game.”
The Port Glasgow kid made just three appearances for Rangers as well as having loan stints at Ayr United, Ross County and English fourth tier outfit Salford City.
He knew in the summer, though, it was time to move on from Rangers and admits he was so far out of the picture that he doesn’t really miss anything as he looks to kickstart his career.
He said: “It’s good to feel wanted and that’s a confidence boost. So far I’ve enjoyed it at Livingston.
“There were too many Saturdays when I was sitting watching the scores so to be involved, whether it be
starting or coming on from the bench, that’s the main thing for me. I need to get back out playing.”
He added: “I don’t think I miss anything about Rangers. The size of the club is massive and there’s European football as well but because I was never in the 18 or 23 picked for a matchday it’s hard to feel that you were part of it.”
Lions boss David Martindale confirmed full-back Cristian Montano is expected to be fit after being replaced at half-time against St Johnstone and admitted the trip to Glasgow may call for a change in his tactical approach.
He said: “I’m a big believer in there being a way in and out of the team. The guys have been brilliant in recent games although we need to be a bit smarter at both ends.
“Games like Rangers at Ibrox are ones where that maybe goes out the window a wee bit and you have to look at things more from a tactical point of view, which might mean a change in shape or folk dropping out who have actually earned their place in the team.”
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