MORITZ BAUER played just 13 games for Celtic in his loan spell in Glasgow in 2019; but he'll never forget his debut.
The then Stoke full-back signed on a loan deal at Parkhead under Neil Lennon and was thrown in for his debut in a win over Rangers at Ibrox.
It was the last time Celtic claimed victory at the home of their rivals when Odsonne Edouard and Jonny Hayes netted in September 2019.
Bauer climbed off the bench for the final 25 minutes at Ibrox and insists he remains proud of the accomplishment to this day.
He told the Scottish Sun: “I think you could say it was the best possible first game for me for Celtic.
“Celtic v Rangers is one of the biggest games in football in general.
“It’s the attention on it, it’s the importance of it — you can feel the vibes in the stadium and the city.
“The Old Firm derby is one of the most traditional games and I was very lucky to play in it. You are buzzing if you can get away from Ibrox with a win.
“When Celtic said they wanted to sign me I was aware my first game could be against Rangers.
“So, to play Rangers at Ibrox was incredible. Everything happened so quickly that week, I didn’t have too much time to think about it.
“From arriving at the stadium on the bus and then checking out the pitch you could feel the intensity. It’s difficult to properly describe."
On being part of the last winning Celtic side at Ibrox, he added: "To be a part of that still makes me feel proud."
Celtic head into today's match knowing they could double their gap at the top to six points, or lose their points-lead if they fall to defeat.
Ange Postecoglou has insisted he's heading to Ibrox to win as he ruled out playing for a draw to conserve a lead in the league standings.
And Bauer recalls the feeling of the match being more than enough to psyche up the players as he lifted the lid on Lennon's pre-match comments.
He added: “I remember the coach before the game only said about one sentence — he didn’t have to say much more, everyone knew the importance of the game and what was at stake."
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