CHARLIE Adam has twice played in front of 50,000-plus crowds in the Old Firm derby this season – but the thought of a Blackpool-Preston showdown leaves him just as excited.
The on-loan Rangers man has spent the week talking to his team-mates about past encounters, and has learned all about Wes Hoolahan's cheeky penalty chip which secured a famous Deepdale victory last season.
And now he can't wait to get on the pitch and see for himself what all the fuss is about.
"I know what derbies are like. They are massive and a real big thing. You are trying to get bragging rights," said Adam.
"The thing about Rangers and Celtic is that it's the same city so it is a big game. But this is a big game as well. Every derby is big.
"It will be great for Blackpool fans to go there and I reckon we will take the full complement of 6,000 supporters, which will be terrific.
"Speaking to the lads who played last year, they've told me about Wes chipping his penalty down the middle.
"The lads say it was an unbelievable experience and that's the thing about derby games – there is always going to be a hero for either side.
>> Derby day tickets going fast"Hopefully it's one of our boys on Saturday and it doesn't matter who it is who scores as long as we win the game.
"Hopefully I'll have the opportunity to play and we can get the right result."
Adam played in Rangers' 4-2 win at Celtic's Parkhead at the start of the campaign and also started the reverse fixture at Ibrox in December, which Rangers lost 1-0.
"What are Old Firm games like? They are quick," replied the 23-year-old.
"The fans are singing for 90 minutes non-stop and there's a bit of hatred in it.
"It is fantastic. It is a great derby, probably the best derby in the world that I've seen or watched on the TV.
"To play in it, in front of 60,000 people, is just a fantastic occasion. As a player it is the type of game you want to be involved in. And as a fan if you have the chance to experience it, you should.
"But any derby is a privilege to play in and I am really looking forward to Saturday.
"The most important thing is for our players to make sure they don't go missing. You need to stand up and be counted.
"But we are good enough and tough enough to do that.
"Everybody is looking forward to it and if we get a result it will be a major boost for the Monday game against Reading.
"It is going to be difficult but if we pick up the right result at Preston, Monday's match at Bloomfield Road should take care of itself."
For the full story, see Wednesday's Gazette.
