Rangers’ Ryan Kent predicting Old Firm fireworks

The Rangers ace has thrived on the powder-keg derby atmosphere during his time in Glasgow but it will be a different picture as the Old Firm line-up for their first ever behind-closed-doors clash.

But even with the terraces lying empty, Kent expects a full-blooded affair.

The Light Blues winger, who has netted on his last two Parkhead visits, said: “Obviously it is going to be a bit different to what it has been before. I think the fans make this fixture and it is one of the biggest derbies in the world because of the fans.

“Regardless of the fans being there, I expect the intensity and the aggressiveness in the game to still be there.

“The Old Firm is a game where you want to feel the way that the fans are feeling, you want to show the love for the game that the fans have.

“This fixture is special up here and that is passed on to the players so when you step out onto the pitch in these games you feel that buzz and excitement and you want to go and put on a performance and get a result.”

Kent struggled to justify his £7million price tag last season but this year the former Liverpool ace has started in menacing fashion, contributing five goals and five assists so far.

“I think in terms of my output in the games, in terms of numbers, it is the best position I have been in since I have been at Rangers,” said Kent. “There is probably pressure on both teams, their fans want them to go on and achieve (10-in-a-row) and our fans are expecting us to stop it.”

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