Beattie can't wait for Old Firm debut

15 October 2010 07:03
James Beattie has been counting down the minutes to the first Old Firm derby of the season since the moment he arrived at Rangers.[LNB] And the former Stoke striker is desperate to be involved when the Scottish champions travel to Celtic Park later this month.[LNB]Beattie knows full focus must be given to important games against Motherwell in the SPL this weekend, and the visit of Valencia in the Champions League next Wednesday.[LNB]But he believes he is not alone in anticipating the first clash of the campaign with rivals Celtic on October 24.[LNB]"It's been talked about since I signed," said Beattie.[LNB]"It's probably the first fixture the Rangers and Celtic fans look for.[LNB]"It's a long time into the season and everybody has been looking forward to it since the fixtures were announced.[LNB]"As we approach the game, people are talking about it more and more.[LNB]"There is a massive hype surrounding the Old Firm games and I would love to be involved in the first one and obviously get a good result.[LNB]"It's something that has been drilled into me since I arrived in Glasgow."[LNB]Beattie has only been north of the border for a few months but believes his time at Rangers so far has already dispelled any fears about the standard of the SPL.[LNB]"There is a lot said down south about the standard not being as good," said the 32-year-old.[LNB]"But I think the players have to come up here and taste it and experience the standard for themselves. I haven't been disappointed with it.[LNB]"There are two runaway teams at the moment but it's a cup final for every team who plays us. They all tend to up their game against Rangers and Celtic, and that's what we have found."[LNB]Rangers will bid to maintain their 100% record in the SPL when Motherwell visit Ibrox tomorrow.[LNB]And Beattie has no concerns about back-to-back defeats against Czech Republic and Spain having too much of an effect on the Scotland players within the ranks.[LNB]He said: "Any player who is involved internationally is privileged.[LNB]"But when they come back into a facility like this and see their friends, they need to be professional and switch on to thinking about Motherwell on Saturday.[LNB]"They obviously talk about the games but we have a great team spirit and pull together for each other.[LNB]"The lads have come in this morning [Thursday] and they are all smiling and happy to be back."

Source: Team_Talk