Mikey Moore has spoken positively about his Old Firm experiences while preparing for the Rhine derby between FC Köln and Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday.
The 19-year-old England Under-20 cap, on loan at Köln from Tottenham Hotspur, spent last season on loan at Rangers.
From early struggles to shining bright with his undoubted talent, the time spent in the pressure cooker that is football in Glasgow will be invaluable for Moore’s development.
The next stage of his journey is underway in North Rhine-Westphalia, with FC Köln providing the Bundesliga platform for the teenager.
Mikey Moore relishing latest derby experience
During the spell in Glasgow, Mikey Moore scored in two Old Firm matches against Celtic, both at Parkhead
He has reflected on those experiences ahead of the Rhine derby this weekend.
“I obviously had a special experience last year, scoring in one of the biggest derbies in the world. It was an unbelievable experience with some great fans.
“Yeah, I’ve played in that, and I think it’s going to help me go into games like this, because I’m used to playing under that type of pressure.
On the upcoming Rhine derby specifically, he has made it clear that he knows what to expect:
“When I first joined, everyone said this is the big one… I’ve been told about how big this is for people, so I’m excited to get going.
“He also said he would be ‘more than happy’ to score his first goal for Köln in the match, describing Sunday as “100 per cent the right time” for it.
Mikey Moore has emphasised that the intensity of the Old Firm has left him well-prepared for the pressure and atmosphere of the North Rhine derby.
It won’t faze him. If anything, it will bring out the best in the Londoner.
Moore made his mark on the Old Firm fixture last season. Don’t be surprised if he does something similar again in Sunday’s Bundesliga clash.
