Benji Nygren is quickly becoming a fan favourite at Celtic — and supporters will be pleased to see the Swede looking calm and composed ahead of the biggest fixture of the season so far.
The 24-year-old forward, who has wasted no time establishing himself as Celtic’s top scorer since his summer arrival, was spotted in a well-known Glasgow spot playing a few frames of snooker this week. The midfielder pictured at the Q club in Glasgow, all smiles as the hoys get ready for battle.
With the Glasgow Derby looming large at Ibrox, Nygren appeared relaxed, taking it easy and soaking up the atmosphere of the city before what will be his first taste of the white-hot rivalry.
Nygren’s early form has been one of the bright sparks of Celtic’s campaign. His eye for goal and movement in the final third have made him a central figure in Brendan Rodgers’ plans, and he is expected to play a key role on Sunday as Celtic look to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
REUTERS/Pavel Mikheyev
- Transfer fee: Joined Celtic in a deal worth around £1.7m
- Swedish international: Represented his country at senior level.
- Versatile midfielder: Can play in the centre or right wing.
- Derby debut: This weekend marks his first Glasgow Derby.
- First choice: Has displaced Celtic’s record signing Arne Engels.
The sight of the Hoops’ top scorer looking settled in his new surroundings will reassure fans ahead of the Derby. The pressure of this fixture is unlike anything else in Scottish football — a clash that grips the city, splits households, and sets the tone for the months ahead. For Nygren, it will be a crash course in what it truly means to play for Celtic.
Celtic head into the showdown at Ibrox six points clear of Rangers, knowing that victory would put them in a commanding position before the international break. Rodgers’ men have already faced scrutiny for their embarrassing European exit, but domestically, they’ve kept their focus, and another Derby win would be a massive statement.
For Nygren, who has already hit the ground running in green and white, Sunday is the chance to underline his growing importance to this Celtic side. If he can carry his composed snooker-hall demeanour onto the pitch at Ibrox, he could play a decisive role in one of the defining fixtures of the season.
