Ibrox side Glasgow Rangers host their bitter Old Firm rivals later this month.
Bruno Alves has revealed to Herald Scotland that he has been getting advice from ex-Rangers man and compatriot Pedro Mendes ahead of the Gers’ Old Firm clash with Celtic this month.
Rangers renew hostilites with their bitter Glasgow rivals on September 23 at Ibrox.
It was a very one-sided rivalry last season as Celtic won five of their six meetings in all competitions, scoring 16 goals in the process.
But Pedro Caixinha’s side – who beat Dundee 4-1 on Saturday – are bang in form and could go into the clash with a three-match winning streak if they beat Partick next week.
Mendes knows a thing or two about the hostility involved in Celtic games, having enjoyed a two-year stint at Ibrox until 2010, and the big Portugal defender says he is ready for such a big occasion.
He told Herald Scotland: “Of course myself and Pedro have spoken about the Old Firm game.
“He told me about his playing time here and the importance of the Celtic game for the fans. But I think I am ready. I have the experience of derby games.”
Rangers is the latest stop in what’s been a well-travelled career for the 35-year-old, and the upside of that is Alves has experienced a number of different rivalries in the past.
The former Fenerbahce man, who has faced Galatasaray, has also represented Porto and Zenit St Petersburg during his lengthy career, so he should handle the occasion okay.
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