Vanja Dragojevic has played in Belgrade’s notoriously intense ‘Eternal Derby’ but has been told that “maybe the biggest derby on earth” will take place when Celtic visit Ibrox next month.

The 20-year-old midfielder scored his first goal for Rangers since joining the Light Blues from Partisan Belgrade in Sunday’s 5-1 Premier Sports Cup win over St Mirren, Derek McInnes’s first victory as Gers boss at the fifth time of asking.

Rangers were subsequently paired with Celtic in the quarter-final draw with the game taking place on the weekend of September 12/13, a week before the two sides meet at Parkhead in the William Hill Premiership.

Dragovic has played against Red Star Belgrade in Serbia’s fiercest fixture but is excited about the prospect of sampling Scotland’s biggest game.

placeholder image — Rangers' Vanja Dragojevic celebrates scoring against St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup at Ibrox. (Photo by Steve Welsh/PA Wire)

Ahead of Thursday’s Europa Conference League play-off first leg tie against Jablonec at Ibrox, he said: “We’re really happy that this will happen (Celtic cup tie).

“It’s too far away to think about because we have a game on Thursday, we will focus on that. But when I spoke with lots of players before I came here, everyone said this is maybe the biggest derby on earth. And maybe the craziest one – in a positive way. So I’m really happy that I have the privilege to be part of it and maybe play in it.

“I played in three or four Belgrade derbies. It was really hard and fired up. In Serbia, it’s not just about the football. It’s really about much more than this. But I like this. I’m really happy here and I want to have the privilege to play in this one (Old Firm).

“I enjoy it here. This is a great country, with great people. I’m surprised how warm the people are here. When I came to the club it was so easy to adapt. Everyone in the city is so nice. I’m feeling really happy here. I’m looking forward to doing everything I can for this club.”

Dragojevic lit up Ibrox with a stunning volley from 20 yards after 18 minutes to add to striker Ryan Naderi’s early opener.

However, Saints’ Chris Mochrie reduced the deficit on the half-hour mark but two goals in two minutes after the break from Djeidi Gassama and debutant James Penrice sealed the win and, after Gers keeper Ivor Pandur saved a twice-taken penalty from midfielder Killian Phillips, substitute Ross McCausland made it five.

Dragojevic revealed his stunning strike from a headed clearance was his best goal of his career so far but was more pleased to help Rangers get their first win of the season.

He said: “There was a great atmosphere, the fans were great. It was incredible. But the most important thing was that I helped the team to win. We needed a win like this because we had a tough time in the last few games. We didn’t get what we deserved.

“We did everything good on the training pitch to be better every day. But in the games, it’s been tough for us. Maybe we needed more confidence. Sunday’s game has given us this.”