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Packie Bonner says he feels sorry for Shane Duffy for having to make his Old Firm debut in an empty stadium.
The legendary Irish goalkeeper played in 60 derbies for the Glasgow giants, a number that only Billy McNeill, Paul McStay and Roy Aitken could beat.
This is a first for Ireland captain Duffy, and Bonner admits it’s a shame the man from Derry can’t experience the atmosphere he so enjoyed during his 16-year Hoops career.
“Listen, the experience is amazing when it’s packed, at home especially in front of your own crowd, it’s just amazing,” Bonner said.
“Everything is special and not having that probably takes a bit off Shane.
“But it’s still a huge game, a game that everyone is watching, so I think he will enjoy the game even under these circumstances.”
Duffy will experience something Bonner never did when playing on empty ground, but the former Ireland number one had his own unique occasion in 1994 when he played at Ibrox with only Rangers fans allowed.
“Going to Ibrox was always a challenge, but I always loved it; in fact, sometimes I preferred to play there over Parkhead because the expectations were low,” said the Hoops legend.
“We had to go to the Lions’ den, and if I did it right, there was no better place to deliver them.”
A weak Celtic drew 1-1 that day, and Bonner admits he would be happy about the same this afternoon.
He said: “I think if the Rangers are ever going to challenge, they have to get a win in this game.
“They are confident, they play decent football and no home crowd and Celtic lack so many players, now is the time for them to get that result.”
“If they don’t do it now and if Celtic get a draw then it’s a good day for Celtic and I think they will start with that.
“It is a very, very important game from a psychological point of view. That will determine for me if the Rangers can really fight for the title. “
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