Philippe Clement admits the dearth of Rangers supporters for his first Outdated Agency derby is “a pity for soccer”.
The Belgian, unbeaten in 16 video games since arriving at Ibrox in October, is ready for his first conflict towards the Gentle Blues’ arch rivals, however as a consequence of an ongoing dispute between the 2 Glasgow giants regarding away tickets once they meet one another, there will probably be no Gers supporters at Celtic Park on Saturday.
Clement is “curious” as to how his first sport towards the Hoops will pan out, even with no away followers in attendance though he admits that state of affairs is disappointing.
“In our hearts they are going to be there,” stated the Gers boss, who revealed defender Connor Goldson has educated, with the opportunity of some others from his prolonged damage checklist additionally being accessible.
“It’s a pity for soccer. It’s all the time higher to have two sides, it creates a sure ambiance.
“It’s a pity for soccer, however it’s choices made above my head, with understanding rather more issues than I do know.
“I attempt to management the controllable, the issues I can do, the issues we have to do as a crew, with my workers and gamers and the remaining will not be necessary. We aren’t centered on that, we’re centered on the soccer.
“In the long run it’s all the time selected the pitch between these 4 white traces and 11 towards 11 – I hope.
“Folks can yell and shout no matter they like, however so long as they aren’t operating on the pitch, it’s OK with me.”
Goldson got here off late towards Motherwell at Fir Park on Christmas Eve with a groin damage whereas Rangers have been already with out Nico Raskin, Tom Lawrence, Ryan Jack, Borna Barisic, Ben Davies, John Lundstram, Kemar Roofe, Jose Cifuentes and Danilo with numerous accidents.
Requested about key centre-back Goldson, Clement, whose facet are 5 factors behind cinch Premiership leaders Celtic with two video games in hand, stated: “He educated so we are going to assess this afternoon and tomorrow. However he did practice as we speak.
“There was additionally a few others. I’ll make my choices tomorrow. I can’t reply as we speak as a result of some educated and I don’t know if there will probably be a response.”