Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers should include Marvin Compper in the starting lineup against Graeme Murty’s Glasgow Rangers at Ibrox in the Old Firm derby.
Graeme Murty’s Rangers will take on Brendan Rodgers’s Celtic at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday afternoon.
The 32-year-old central defender made his debut for the Hoops only last weekend, having struggled with injury since his move from RB Leipzig in the January transfer window for a fee reported by BBC Sport to be worth £1 million.
“In games like this I think the most important thing is that you have the right temperament,” Compper told The Glasgow Evening Times. “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.”
Compper was probably blowing his own trumpet, but Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers would be wise to at least consider him for a place in the starting lineup against Rangers this weekend.
True, the Old Firm derby is one of the biggest matches in the world, but Compper has extensive experience of playing in big games in bigger and better leagues, such as Serie A and the Bundesliga.
True, some would be concerned about the German centre-back’s lack of playing time in recent weeks, but as the 32-year-old himself points out, his experience of playing big matches and the ability to handle the pressure should convince Rodgers to include him in the starting lineup against Rangers.
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