Scott McDonald: "I Never Dread Playing Against Rangers"

Last updated : 06 May 2009 By Clydebuilt

Scott McDonald has reached many a milestone in his Celtic career to date, and now he has reached the fifty goal mark for the Hoops he is looking forward to facing Rangers at Ibrox.

McDonalds wonder goal was the difference between the two sides the last time at Ibrox and maybe McDonalds only regret going into this game is that Kirk Clubfoot is not playing

"For me, the derby is something to look forward to," These games are always quite enjoyable. I never dread playing against Rangers.

"Why should you? It's going to be one of the biggest games of the season against your biggest rivals. It's arguably the biggest game in the world, in terms of competitiveness.

"I can't wait. I'm really looking forward to it and hopefully we can come out on top. The pressure is something we just have to handle."

He said: "People might say there is more pressure on us this Saturday because we are leading at the moment, but I don't know about that. Was there any less pressure last season when we played Rangers back-to-back in April?

"Think back to those derbies and everything was on the line. There were no second chances then. It was win or bust. We had to win just to be in with a shot of the title and even then, there were no guarantees.

"There is always pressure when you play for Celtic against Rangers. In recent times, we have had a good record against them and hopefully that continues this weekend."

Meanwhile Paddy McCourt, who has been shining so much in the reserves Willie McStay has afforded him a free role, has stated that he is ready, fit and able to face Rangers if the manager gives him the call.

It's a boost for me to see the fans turn out like they did for the reserve game last week at Ibrox and sing my name," McCourt told The Scottish Daily Express.

"Now I'm keen to break into the first team and put in the sort of performances I've been coming up with in the reserves.

"I hope I can come on and make an impact."

He added: "To get the chance at Ibrox would be unbelievable. Hopefully the boss will put his trust in me and give me a chance on the bench on Saturday.

"He did that at Aberdeen with the thought that if things are tight I might be able to come on and change things and I hope he still thinks that for the Rangers game.

"I'll leave that one up for the manager. He had the experience and knows how to win the league, having done it for the last three years.

"If he thinks I can produce or be of help to the team, I'm there and ready to go."

You can imagine the type of reception young Paddy will get if he is to face the Hordes of Hades, I am sure that he will thrive if called upon as his displays in the reserves have been electrifying.

Yours in Celtic

Clydebuilt