Exclusive: Michael Mols: Old Firm atmosphere was better than I expected - now Rangers stars have to shine against Celtic

The Dutchman arrived at Ibrox in the summer of 1999 as part of Dick Advocaat’s multi-million pound spending spree and returned to Holland having become a hero to the Light Blue legions.

Mols saw the Gers win three and draw one of the derby clashes during his first twelve months in Glasgow and then had to watch on as Advocaat’s side were humbled 6-2 at Parkhead.

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When he finally made his Old Firm bow, the striker helped Rangers get their revenge. His first goal against the Hoops was the fifth of the afternoon for the hosts as Celtic were beaten at Ibrox.

It was a day to remember for Mols and he would fall in love with Scotland’s showpiece event as the derby left its mark on a host of foreign stars.

Read more: Rangers keeper Matt Gilks can't wait for his first taste of the Old Firm atmosphere

Mols told SportTimes: “It was beyond my expectations to be honest. I loved it.

“It is the first thing people talk about when you arrive in Scotland, they all talk about the Old Firm game.

“Players dream of playing in these games. I have good memories and bad memories about the games.

“The best one was winning the CIS Cup against Celtic at Hampden when we won 2-1. That was a real high, but you always remember the lows as well because it is so disappointing when you lose those games.

“I didn’t mind going to Parkhead, I loved the atmosphere there and the Rangers fans were always great for the team.

“Whether it is a home game or an away game, it is all about the build-up and the tension.

“The supporters are so passionate and I loved playing in those games no matter where they were played.

“It was even better than I expected. You need to play in the game to understand it.

“It is unbelievable and the atmosphere and the occasion was beyond what I thought it would be. When people ask me about the Old Firm I tell them how great it was.”

Boss Mark Warburton added eleven players to his Ibrox ranks during the summer as he sets his sights on the Premiership title this term.

A number of Gers stars are set to make their derby debuts at Parkhead as they get the chance to sample the Old Firm atmosphere for the first time.

Rangers are a point adrift of Celtic at the top of the table after four league outings and Mols hopes Warburton and his players will have a reason to celebrate on Saturday.

He said: “The most important thing is that you win. When you see your supporters and you know what it means to them, you don’t want to let them down. When you win, you really enjoy it and it is such a great feeling.

“It is a big game for Rangers in terms of the league table but every game is important when you are at Rangers, especially the Old Firm games. You need to get a result.

“It will be difficult for Rangers and Celtic are top of the league. But anything can happen in those games.

“The players will know what it means for the club and the supporters and they will be determined to win it.

“Enjoy it, just enjoy it. It is a great game to be involved in, especially when you win.

“It is easy to get caught up in the game so you have to keep your head cool. If you get caught in incidents, it could cost the team.

“You have to play the game but keep your composure and keep eleven players on the pitch. I am sure the players will enjoy it this weekend.”