Cornelius joined Rangers on loan from Marseille just before the transfer deadline and has been welcomed to his new city

10:13, 04 Sep 2025Updated 19:42, 04 Sep 2025

Derek Cornelius

Incoming Rangers Derek Cornelius has revealed he got a welcome to Glasgow insight from Celtic star Alistair Johnston as his Canadian countryman crossed the divide to welcome a pal.

But he understands they will be sworn enemies from now on. The 27-year-old defender joined Rangers on loan from Marseille just before the transfer deadline and he is on international duty with Canada now, ahead of Friday night’s friendly in Bucharest against Romania.

He is an international colleague of Hoops full back Johnston, who is currently injured and expected to be out for a couple of months with a hamstring injury. And Cornelius has revealed he received a call from Johnston when he signed for Rangers.

He said: “He just gave me a little bit of insight on what to expect. We can be friends here in the international camp with Canada, but in Glasgow, we’re enemies. Like, don’t look at me. But it’s nice to know another Canadian is in the same city as you, even if he’s playing for the wrong club.”

And Cornelius admitted it’s been a whirlwind few days after playing his farewell game for Marseille before signing for Rangers.

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He said: “It’s been kind of hectic. And I’ve not had so much sleep. Everything was set and ready to go for me to join Rangers. I wasn’t even sure I was going to travel with the team for Marseille’s last game at Lyon. But I ended up coming on as a first half substitute and then had to dash to the airport to fly to Glasgow during the night. I’ve heard so many good things about the team, the city, the atmosphere, the support. I’m just happy to experience it.”

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