‘I want to play’ – 22-year-old ready to start in Rangers clash v Celtic

Rangers striker Jason Cummings has revealed he “cannot wait” to play in his first Old Firm clash – and admitted he feels that comes “more alive” in big games.

The striker grabbed a hat-trick in Sunday’s Scottish Cup win over Falkirk and hopes he has done enough to convince manager Graeme Murty to unleash him against Brendan Rodgers’ side at Ibrox this weekend.

Cummings joined the Gers on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest in January and could play in three Old Firm’s before the season ends with a trip to Celtic Park still to come as well as a Hampden semi-final next month.

The 22-year-old said he wanted to tell his grandchildren that he played in an Old Firm and admitted big games “bring out the best” in him.

“It is a game I cannot wait to be a part of to be honest. I’m all excited and you hear a lot of stories and all the history,” Cummings said, as quoted by the Evening Times.

“It’s a massive occasion and something I want to be a part of. I want to tell my grandchildren I played in a game like that so, yeah, I want to play.

“I feel it suits it when it’s a bigger occasion, I feel I come more alive.

“I don’t know if it’s a motivation thing, when you’re going to lesser teams you’re less motivated or whenever, but the big games seem to bring out the best in me. So I thrive off that.”

Cummings has scored five times for the Light Blues in ten appearances and has an agreement in place to make his switch permanent in the summer.

A win for Graeme Murty’s side against their bitter rivals would see them close the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership to three points.

Football Insider verdict:

Cummings has shown before at Hibs that he does thrive in big games and there are few, if any, that come close to an Old Firm clash nevermind this Old Firm clash. The 22-year-old could be a huge asset for the Gers against Brendan Rodgers’ side at Ibrox and you can be absolutely sure the striker will be bursting a gut to be the centre of attention in what is the biggest game between the two sides in a long, long time. With the Gers in great form, the striker will fancy himself to grab a goal if he gets his chance to impress.

In other Rangers news, this Premier League playmaker wanted a future at Ibrox in 2011 and this summer is his chance to realise that dream.

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