Stuart McCall: Rangers derby debutants can't afford to freeze in the Old Firm battle

Boss Mark Warburton is set to hand bows to a number of Gers stars when they face Brendan Rodgers’ side this afternoon.

The likes of Philippe Senderos, Joey Barton and Niko Kranjcar could start in the East End as Rangers set their sights on top spot in the Premiership standings.

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McCall enjoyed a string of Old Firm successes during his glittering Gers career and the former Ibrox midfielder knows Warburton’s side will need to cope with the unique atmosphere of the Glasgow showdown.

He said: “It is something that you have got to relish. If you fear it, then you freeze.

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“You have to go and relish it and the games couldn’t come quick enough for me.

“Even the build-up to the game and on your way to the ground, you have got to take everything in.

“My first one was at Parkhead and for the first ten minutes I was open mouthed looking around the stadium. Rangers at the time had the Rangers end and it was probably the biggest away support you could get – 15,000 before the seats came in.

“I remember putting Mark Hateley through. He went through from the halfway line and scored and it was like a delayed reaction.

“The next minute there was the noise from the other end. Big Mark ran the length of the field.

“A lot of lads are making their debuts as always. People will point to Joey Barton and Brown and they will be at it straight away, I am sure, and the middle of the park is always an important area.

“But it is key that you keep eleven men on the park and you don’t let your emotions and your feelings get in the way of what you are there to do. You play with fire in your belly but ice in your head.”