The former Celtic man gears up to face Mark Warburton’s Glasgow Rangers at Ibrox
Hamilton defender Mikey Devlin has claimed to Herald Scotland that Massimo Donati still has a soft spot for Celtic and believes the veteran will be unfazed by Rangers fans’ reception towards him on Saturday.
The Scottish Premiership kicks off this weekend and newly-promoted Rangers host Hamilton in what will be their first game back in the top flight since 2012.
There is likely to be an excellent atmosphere at Ibrox, but the Gers fans are unlikely to forget to single out Donati after the veteran Italian midfielder spent two years at Rangers’ bitter rivals Celtic until 2009.
It is a long time since the 35-year-old represented Celtic, but those on the blue half of the Old Firm divide will not forget and Donati could, and perhaps should, be bracing himself for a hostile reception.
Nevertheless, Devlin says that his new team-mate – who joined from Bari this summer – will not be bothered by whatever Rangers supporters have in store for him at Ibrox.
“That won’t faze Massimo,” Devlin said to Herald Scotland when asked about a possible hostile reception.
“He will thrive on that. Celtic is still close to his heart. He had a great time there and I think he will look forward to playing at Ibrox and also at Parkhead.”
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