Source: Daily_Mail
James Beattie relishing first Old Firm clash since joining Rangers
James Beattie has been counting down the minutes to the first Old Firm derby of the season since the moment he arrived at Rangers in the summer.[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 Clydesdale Bank Premier League this weekend, and the visit of Valencia in the Champions League next Wednesday.[LNB] Good to Firm: Beattie can't wait for the Glasgow clash [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. 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 per cent 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.' The best in Europe: Manchester United linked with Rangers keeper McGregorSpain star Iniesta tips Scotland to join the Euro party after Hampden thrillerRangers keeper McGregor lands one-match ban for violent conduct RANGERS FC
