Scott Arfield knew what he was letting himself in for when he moved back to Scotland.
But there is still nothing, he says, that prepares you for the biggest game in football. Or for the expectation in Glasgow which can break players and managers.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has set about closing the gap on Celtic and has another chance to underline his progress in the Old Firm derby at Ibrox tomorrow.
Livingston-born Arfield, 30, has given an insight into Gerrard, and the passion in Glasgow.
And the ex-Burnley midfielder has explained how he has become such a huge hit north of the border this season.
Arfield said: “In my opinion it’s the best game in the world. In terms of history and magnitude, it’s out on its own. Many people in England say bad things about Scottish football and, in particular, the number of times you play the same opposition.
“But the best thing about it is that you get this game four times a season. And to get the chance to play this game four times is magnificent.
“It’s the game you look for, the noise levels, the rivalry, it’s the best. For any football fan who has not experienced it, you absolutely have to do so.”
Arfield is currently enjoying the best spell of his career, attracting interest from the Premier League.
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He clearly enjoys working under Gerrard and there is a firm belief that the Liverpool legend will soon get Rangers back challenging for trophies.
“He was obviously one of the greatest players and as soon as I heard he was getting the job I couldn’t get up here fast enough,” said Arfield. “My deal had already been agreed and he just had to sanction it and give it the go-ahead.
“He’s been there and done it. You look at him and you know you’ve got a manager who has seen it all. When the going gets tough, he’s going to be there for you.
“He’s got an aura about him. When he talks, everybody listens. That’s the greatest quality any manager can have. He commands the dressing room and, when he speaks, his voice demands everyone listens to him.
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“I think we have (closed the gap on Celtic). But it does take time. We want to have a right good go again next season. If you look at the signings we made in January – Jermain Defoe (above) and Steven Davis – that’s the calibre of players to improve the squad, and I think we’re in a good position to take it on next year.”
Arfield has already played in three Old Firm games – winning one, losing two – and the rivalry is something that he has thrived on while others have struggled under the spotlight. His character shines through in his determination to get Rangers back to the top.
Arfield added: “I’m at the stage in my career where I can handle the pressures on the field and the pressure off the field, which is a massive thing. If you can handle the off-the-field pressures then you can handle everything.
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“You see so many players come up here with more ability and it just doesn’t work out for one reason or another. It can get a bit hectic. But if you can deal with that side of it then you’ll really enjoy it.
“It’s a personality thing. If you can handle it then there’s no better place in the world. This is definitely the happiest I’ve been in my career for a long time.
“The demand and expectation is what you have to handle. You’ve got two huge clubs in the same city so you can never get away from the demand and expectation. Our fans have been brought up on success and trophies. The expectation and demand for that is not just in the long term, they want it here and now. If you can’t do it on the pitch then you quickly get told.
“But I absolutely love that. I really enjoy that pressure and intensity.
“You’ve also got an opportunity to change that on a daily basis. That’s the greatest thing for me.”
