ON-LOAN Celt Jeremy Toljan has revealed Sunday’s Premiership encounter with the visitors from Ibrox will be a career highlight – whether or not he gets the opportunity to play.
The Borussia Dortmund right-back is eager to get involved in the midst of the action in the game that can see the champions go THIRTEEN points ahead at the top of the Premiership and go al long way to sealing the eighth successive title.
However, Toljan, who has made 10 appearances since he arrived on his temporary transfer from the Bundesliga giants in January, is just thrilled to be part of the fixture in any shape or form.
The former German Under-21 international, speaking to this week’s Celtic View, said: “Before I came to Celtic, I was very aware of the Celtic versus Rangers fixture.
“This game is talked about and discussed and analysed all over the world. Everyone knows it’s one of the biggest derbies in club football and it’s a highlight for me.
“I really can’t wait to feel the atmosphere, especially at home, I think that will be great. Hopefully, we can win this game, no matter if I start or not, and hopefully extend our lead at the top of the table to 13 points.
“The gap at the top certainly helps. You can go into the game very comfortable, but even though we don’t need to win, we WANT to win and we want to win convincingly, that’s for sure!
“Our league lead allows us to go into the game with a little more comfort, and allows us to play our game.
“As for our recent last-minute wins, it’s a good sign that we always have that belief. Since I’ve come into the squad, I always feel we can score, no matter what time in the game, and this is very good for the team overall.
“Against Kilmarnock, against Hearts and against Dundee, we always believed until the end and it doesn’t matter if you score in the first minute or the last minute, we have to win the games.
“Every game is so difficult in this league. You always have to fight for it and it’s a great sign that we’re able to do that.”
Neil Lennon should have a choice between Toljan and Swedish international Mikael Lustig for the encounter against Steven Gerrard’s Ibrox side.
The interim manager has also been boosted by the return of long-term crock Anthony Ralston who made his first team return in the 3-0 win over Motherwell in December after being out for almost a year.
The Scotland Under-21 defender marked his comeback with the opening goal in the victory.
After a season on injury woes, it now looks as though the Hoops are getting the troops back for that final push over the finishing line with the unprecedented treble treble within touching distance.
