The Swedish defender spoke to Afton Bladet in his home country (12 March) about his first experiences of the Old Firm rivalry, focusing on the tight victory on 3 September as a key highlight of his debut season in Glasgow.

Kyogo Furuhashi’s goal decided the game at Ibrox to leave the Gers four points off the pace in the SPFL during Michael Beale’s disastrous start to the season, after Don Robertson disallowed a Kemar Roofe goal for an apparent foul on Lagerbielke by Cyriel Dessers in the build up.

Lagerbielke said, translated to English: “It’s a big club I’ve joined and I feel that I’m developing every day. Then I got to experience a derby when we beat Rangers away.

“There were no away supporters at that match, so we had no supporters in place. So when we scored, it was dead quiet in the arena. It was pretty sick considering the pressure there was until our goal.

“It’s probably the biggest match I’ve experienced in my career, although the decisive goal in the Champions League was also a great feeling.

“It [the rivalry] bubbles constantly. There are certain areas you shouldn’t walk around here in Glasgow if you play for Celtic. Then there is a hateful atmosphere between the teams and you notice it.”

Cyriel Dessers controversially penalised for Rangers for challenge on Celtic man

Rangers may end up getting the last laugh this season with Philippe Clement having overseen an impressive turnaround in fortunes since his arrival.

The Belgian has the Light Blues top of the SPFL by two points but he still doesn’t have an Old Firm victory under his belt.

That is arguably the only major requirement the Ibrox boss hasn’t yet achieved, and one that ultimately derailed the reign of his predecessor after Beale won just one meeting between the two sides after last season’s title was already gone.

There has been no shortage of controversy in the two league clashes so far this term, with Roofe’s disallowed strike, and Willie Collum’s quick dismissal of Rangers penalty claims at Parkhead after the 2-1 loss on 30 December, dominating discussions in the aftermath each time.

Brendan Rodgers is due to next bring his side to Ibrox on 7 April for what could be a crucial decider in the title race, where the onus will be on Clement to ensure he breaks his duck against the Hoops.

This article was originally posted here