Celtic star issues verdict on playing at Ibrox without away fans

Celtic star Benjamin Nygren won't change his approach to Sunday's Old Firm clash despite having no away fans in the stadium to cheer on the Hoops.

Sunday's Premier Sports Cup quarter-final clash at Ibrox will be the first Old Firm of the season, and therefore the first of the derby games that will not have any away fans in attendance due to an agreement between the two clubs and the authorities following the trouble at last season's Scottish Cup clash.

The away fan ban for the Old Firm games are not a formal punishment, although both teams were punished, but the clubs and authorities failed to find sufficient solutions to avoid further trouble, and so only home fans will be allowed, creating a rather strange atmosphere.

It certainly makes it tougher for the away team, who are going to have to play without any external support, but star attacking midfielder Nygren is not spending too much time worrying about the situation.

“I’ve always loved loud crowds," Nygren said on Celtic's YouTube. "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.”

He added: “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.”

Nygren should be fresh for this one, having been rested for Wednesday night's win over St Johnstone, coming off the bench later in the game.

The Sweden international has proven he is not a player Celtic can live without, and he will be a vital cog if the Bhoys are to pull off a big away win on Sunday.