Celtic take on Rangers at Ibrox this weekend in what could prove to be a vital match in the context of their Scottish Premiership title challenge.
Last time out, the Bhoys thrashed Livingston 3-0 at the Tony Macaroni Arena, with a Jamie Brandon own goal followed up by Paulo Bernardo and Matt O’Riley’s efforts.
Once again, Nicolas Kuhn also performed to an efficient standard, taking three shots, creating another three opportunities, and winning seven out of his 12 contested ground duels [Fotmob].
The former Germany Under-20 international had a hand in our opening goal and has registered two strikes and two assists in his opening nine appearances [Transfermarkt].
Despite some early difficulties that revolved around Kuhn’s recovery from dental surgery, we are now starting to see why Brendan Rodgers paid £3 million to bring him to the club from Rapid Vienna in January.
Next up, fans will be keen to see the 24-year-old produce the goods against our arch-rivals this weekend, which will be a test of how far he has come over the last few weeks.
Hyunjun Yang and James Forrest have also put a compelling case forward to start in Govan; regardless, Kuhn looks to be the most likely amid his recent burst of form.
Nicolas Kuhn opens up on Glasgow Derby pressure at Celtic
Kuhn has experienced high-profile derbies before in his career, though the rivalry in Glasgow is a different kettle of fish for anyone who hasn’t experienced that enviromnent before.
Nevertheless, the 24-year-old is confident he will be able to stand up to the test, and has signalled his excitement ahead of what will be a potentially season-defining match for Celtic.
He stated [Cited via The Daily Record]: “Of course we have pressure but I have played already at Ajax and Bayern. They also want to win the league and every trophy there. I am looking forward to the game against Rangers a lot.
“I have heard a lot about the game already and now I am happy and hope to get a chance to play. My manager, he played for Rangers. Before I came here, he told me a lot about the match and how important it is to the people.”
Later on, Kuhn added regarding the potential of him starting at Ibrox: “I want to play every game but we have a really good team and everyone is challenging each other. So that is the most important thing for the team, that everyone who is behind is giving pressure to the other one.”
Celtic have what it takes to emerge victorious from Ibrox
Consistency has been our main bugbear in the Scottish Premiership; however, this team have a track record of turning up when it really matters, having won both derbies already this season.
Of course, this time around will probably be an even stiffer test, in light of what is at stake, though we are in a good place, with key men such as Cameron Carter-Vickers and Reo Hatate now back fit and available.
Callum McGregor also has a good chance of returning for our Ibrox showdown, which has all the makings of a mouthwatering encounter in Glasgow’s southside, one that we simply need to win.