MARCELO SARACCHI hopes Brendan Rodgers pitches him into the Celtic squad for the first derby of the season at Ibrox tomorrow.
The Uruguayan left-back became the champions’ NINTH signing of the summer when he agreed a season-long loan from Boca Juniors.
Saracchi is likely to be the main back-up to Kieran Tierney with Japanese recruit Hayato Inamura seen as one for the future. Greg Taylor, of course, quit the club at the completion on his contract at the end of last season to move to Greek outfit PAOK.
And the 27-year-old international defender is obviously a player with no fear as he relishes making his debut in a no-holds-barred all-Glasgow confrontation with a High Noon kick-off.
Saracchi said: “The pressure of playing for a big club is something that I thrive on. It doesn’t hinder me, it’s the opposite.
“I look forward to it and I think it pushes me to be better.”
Saracchi has already sampled the Parkhead atmosphere when he played for RB Leipzig in a Europa League tie in 2018 and, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “I’m delighted to be here. I’ve met all the boys and my overriding emotion is just of excitement.
“I’ve known for a little while that I was coming, so there’s a lot of excitement there and I can’t wait to get started, get out and get playing, and I’m looking forward to it.
“I remember the fans at Celtic Park. They were amazing and the stadium had a great atmosphere.”
Boss Rodgers added: “I’m really pleased we have been able to bring Marcelo to the club.
“He is someone who has great ability, a very solid defender, but, also, as an attacking full-back, he can make a real impact for us going forward.
“Having played in Argentina’s Primera Division for a number of years, Marcelo has a very good level of experience within a strong football environment, so I believe he will be an important, quality addition to our squad.”
