Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago
Match

Mikey Moore absolutely buzzing with confirmed Celtic news ahead of Old Firm clash

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Mikey Moore will be grinning from ear to ear after the latest news emerging from Celtic ahead of the Old Firm derby.

Wilfried Nancy remains under serious pressure at Celtic Park, most recently overseeing a 2-0 defeat to Motherwell, while the Gers have moved within six points of the top of the table.

After replacing Russell Martin, Danny Rohl is preparing for the January transfer window at Ibrox, but up first is a season-defining clash against the Hoops on Saturday, 3 January.

Celtic were victorious in the most recent meeting, winning 3-1 in the Scottish Cup semi-final to reach the final at Hampden Park, where they would eventually lose to St Mirren.

It is difficult to predict exactly what the outcome of this Old Firm derby will be.

Mikey Moore is growing into his role at Rangers. (Credit: xJamiexJohnstonx)
Mikey Moore is growing into his role at Rangers. (Credit: xJamiexJohnstonx)

Mikey Moore ready for the Old Firm derby at Celtic Park

One player who has flourished under Rohl is Moore, who has notched two goals and two assists since arriving on loan from Tottenham, and has completed a U-turn on his time in Scotland.

He has been superb in recent weeks, and with the Hoops up next, supporters will be expecting a huge performance from the youngster, who ran the Motherwell defence ragged last time out.

On the left flank, he likely would have been up against 27-year-old Anthony Ralston, but that could totally change before the two sides face each other at Celtic Park.

Celtic have confirmed the signing of Julian Araujo on loan from Bournemouth, moving up to Scotland until the end of the season. Luckily for Moore, he is going to be involved in the matchday squad.

Celtic confirm the signing of Bournemouth's Julian Araujo

Should Araujo be thrown straight into the starting lineup, and seeing Nancy's choices so far, that does not seem entirely out of the question, Rangers' winger would have an absolute field day.

The 24-year-old has struggled in the Premier League for the Cherries, picking up a number of cards, and last season, ranking in the bottom 19th and ninth percentiles for tackles and duels won [FotMob].

He was also dribbled past seven times in 12 appearances, ranking in the bottom sixth percentile for interceptions, and also the bottom 26th percentile for recoveries.

It has been an awful time in England for the right-back, and should he come up against Moore, there is likely to be only one winner from that clash. It could have a huge impact on the game as well.

Rangers
Celtic
Mikey Moore
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