New Celtic signing Josip Juranovic admits he would have happily played in goals to make his debut in last week’s Old Firm derby.
The Croatian international was asked to take on an unfamiliar left back role by Ange Postecoglou after Greg Taylor suffered a shoulder injury against AZ Alkmaar.
Juranovic was desperate for a taste of the Scottish Premeirship ’s biggest fixture, although it didn’t go as planned with the Hoops going down 1-0 to Rangers thanks to a Filip Helander header.
Regardless, Juranovic savoured his Celtic debut before securing a valuable point with Croatia as they drew with Russia in their midweek World Cup qualifier.
"It was a wonderful feeling to play in a game between Celtic and Rangers though.
Asked how the Glasgow version compared Croatia’s biggest derby however, and Juranovic was wisely diplomatic.
"It's a hard question which game is bigger, especially as it's difficult to compare anything with Hajduk's full Stadion Poljud,” he replied.
"The only thing that was strange to me was that I had to play as a left back.
"The manager wanted me to play there as he only had one young player left who was capable of playing that position due to injuries.
"I happily agreed with him because I wanted to make an impact in the derby.
"If there were no goalkeepers and he wanted me to play there, I would if I had to!
"Then I played in Russia and we collected a great point in a hostile atmosphere. I think we are in a good position in the qualifying group.
"I really enjoyed playing with Dejan Lovren and we have a great understanding. We talk about movements, he warns me when to leave the space. He is one of the leaders of our team and we all have to listen to him."
