Benjamin Nygren says he is ready to embrace the hostile atmosphere at Ibrox on Sunday despite Celtic having no away supporters inside the stadium.
The lack of Celtic fans has been one of the main talking points ahead of the game, but Nygren insists it will not change how he approaches the occasion.
Asked whether the home crowd could become a factor, the midfielder said: (Celtic FC YouTube), “I’ve always loved loud crowds.
“I’ve always loved playing at home and away in my career so far.
“I just see it as energy within the stadium.
“I just bring in the energy and that’s how I think of it.”
Nygren’s approach is a positive one.
Rather than viewing more than 50,000 Rangers supporters as something to fear, he believes the atmosphere can be used as fuel once the game gets underway.
He said: “To be honest, when you’re in the game you just try to focus on the game.
“Of course our fans are so important for us and we love their support.
“Now it is what it is. We cannot do anything about it.
“We just have to focus on the game and let them celebrate outside of the stadium.”
Celtic go into Sunday’s tie with confidence after a strong start to the season, while Nygren believes the team has continued to improve.
He said: “I think we have a lot of confidence as a team and I think we’ve been looking better and better.
“We’ve been training a lot and trying to fix some small things.
“We feel good.”
That mindset could be important in a one-sided stadium.
If Celtic can settle early, keep possession and frustrate the home crowd, the noise inside Ibrox could quickly become pressure on Rangers instead.
Nygren certainly does not sound intimidated by what is waiting for him. He is looking forward to it.
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