Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata has explained that he was surprised when a passport official mentioned the Old Firm clash as he was heading through an airport.
He told the Daily Record:
“I got stopped at the airport by the people taking my passport and they said: ‘Oh, you play for Celtic? Be ready for that game. I was surprised at that because at the time we still had four games to get through before we were due to play Rangers. I don’t think we should put any pressure on ourselves because we have had a long season but it is a good chance to end the campaign well.”
Belgian centre back Boyata was signed from Manchester City last summer for £1.5m and he said that his only experience of the Old Firm clash came five years ago when watching his friend and team mate, Vladimir Weiss, playing the match whilst on loan at Rangers:
“When I signed I was told the derby, Celtic against Rangers, is the biggest game you could ever have especially in terms of the atmosphere. I don’t know that much about the derby. But I have seen the games on TV. I remember watching Vladimir play in the matches against Celtic and he also sat in the stand with the Rangers fans when he wasn’t in the squad. I know a bit about the game but not that much.”
Boyata has been a regular in defence this season appearing 41 times in all competitions and scoring six times.
The 25 year old has been part of the meanest defence in the Scottish Premiership this season conceding 25 goals in 33 games.
Celtic face rivals Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi-final on Sunday afternoon.
Rangers have already sewn up the Scottish Championship before the derby while Celtic are close to sealing a fifth consecutive Premiership title opening up an eight point lead over Aberdeen.
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