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Rangers midfielder Niko Kranjcar ready for Old Firm derby debut

Burnley's Andre Gray in action with Rangers' Niko Kranjcar (REUTERS)
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The Croatian midfielder scored a stunning goal against Linfield a week before the clash with rivals Celtic at Parkhead.

Ranger's Niko Kranjcar in action with Burnley's Scott Arfield

Rangers midfielder Niko Kranjcar is set to make his competitive debut for the club in the hotly awaited Old Firm derby against Celtic next weekend.

The 32-year-old has been nursing a groin injury which he now looks to have overcome as he netted a superb long-range goal in the 7-0 friendly win over Linfield this weekend.

Rangers manager Mark Warburton also praised the former Tottenham man’s performance ahead of the landmark clash against their city rivals.

Rangers manager Mark Warburton celebrates at the end of the match

It will be the first time the teams have met in the top flight since Rangers’ 2012 liquidation which saw them relegated to the fourth tier of Scottish football.

But with three promotions in four years, the Gers have finally made their way back to the top and now face Celtic in what is one of the most anticipated matches of recent times.

Scotland's Scott Brown (L) and Croatia's Niko Kranjcar in action

And for Kranjcar, you cannot think of a more intense game in which to make your competitive debut for the club.

As always the atmosphere will be electric as Celtic look to avenge their Scottish Cup semi-final defeat earlier in the year while Rangers look to mark their return to the top flight with a crucial win at Celtic Park.

General view of Celtic Park

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