Celtic new bhoy Marvin Compper has insisted that his ability to think and keep his cool makes him an ideal fit for this Sunday’s game against Rangers at Ibrox.
The defender finally made his debut for the club during Saturday’s 3-0 win over Morton and having got himself into the team he is keen to stay there.
And his experience in high-pressure situations is what makes Compper believe he is suited to going straight into the head of the game against Rangers.
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“In games like this I think the most important thing is that you have the right temperament,” he said. “I have played in very similar games and some intense German derby games.
“I am a calm player under pressure. And most players will tell you that in games like this it is about your ability to think and use your head. You have to be able to concentrate and not be distracted by what might be going on round about you. It is not so much about your match fitness, although that is important, but also in your awareness of what is happening.
“That is where having the right kind of experience comes in and I think I have that. But it is the decision of the manager.
Read more: All eyes on Rangers as Celtic see Morton off comfortably
“Everyone wants to play. We will see what happens next weekend but with a good week of training then I hope I am involved in some way but the most important thing is that the team wins the game and takes the points.”
Compper was relieved to finally get his debut out of the way after struggling with two calf injuries since his arrival in January.
The 32-year-old was sidelined almost immediately after coming into the club and he has admitted that he is delighted to finally get himself onto the pitch.
“It isn’t a great situation when you come to a new club and can’t play,” he said. “But it is behind me now.
“It was good to get 80 minutes into my legs on Saturday. Obviously it will take a little bit of time for me to find my full level of fitness but I am quite naturally fit. It will not take too long for me to get match fit and hopefully then the Celtic fans can see the best of me.
“I have settled well into the club. I have enjoyed training and now it is just about keeping the focus on the last few months of the season. This is when the games are so important and everyone at the club wants to work hard to make sure that there is a lot of success when the season reaches an end.
“Hopefully I can have a big part to play in that.”
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