KOKI MIZUNO today reflected on his first taste of an Old Firm game - and admitted he can only improve for the experience.

The 23-year-old midfielder was handed a start at Ibrox after Shunsuke Nakamura fell victim to a virus on Friday.

Naka is expected to be fit to play against Dundee United this weekend. But Mizuno - who was taken off after 61 minutes - hopes his starring performance against Falkirk eight days ago, not his bit-part against Rangers, will be enough to keep him involved in manager Gordon Strachan's plans.

Already looking forward to the next Old Firm game at Parkhead on February 15, Mizuno said: "I knew it was one of the biggest games in the world and I wanted to do well.

"But it was very difficult because the game itself was very physical and we played many long balls to begin with.

"Maybe now I have one experience, the next time I can play slightly better."

Cheering Mizuno and Co from the stand at Ibrox was new Celtic signing Niall McGinn.

The man bought from Derry City will report for training at the end of this week and knows he is joining a group very much in form.

He said: "It was great to be in there among the supporters. I was jumping about and cheering with everyone else when Scott McDonald scored the goal, and what a great goal it was, too. Hopefully I will do the same one day."

McGinn was with his agent and was made to feel right at home when recognised by the fans around them.

He said: "It was good to see the other side of it, to get a feeling for the supporters and see what an Old Firm game really means to the Celtic fans.

"It gave me an extra lift and the inspiration to do well when I come over to begin my Celtic career."