It’s the biggest goal he has EVER scored in his career. But Robin Propper admits he feared he’d missed his chance to become an Old Firm hero.
The Dutch defender hit Rangers ’ second in their 3-0 derby win over Celtic at Ibrox on Thursday. His rare strike gave Philippe Clement’s side the cushion they needed to go on and secure a memorable victory. But Propper was concerned he’d made a mess of his finish that flew past Kasper Schmeichel and nestled just inside Celtic’s far post. The 31-year-old claimed it was the most important goal of his life and was delighted to help Clement’s men get one over their city rivals.
He’s just glad it crept in from close range and ensured there was no way back for Brendan Rodgers’ side. After a difficult start to life in Glasgow, Propper hopes it can be a launchpad to him becoming a key player for Gers. The former FC Twente defender said: “That was the biggest goal I’ve ever scored because it was in an Old Firm game and I’ve never experienced that before.
“But I was a little bit worried that it wasn’t going in. I had to make sure it wasn’t going to hit the post so I tried to hit it across the goal and luckily it went in the net.
“I know it’s a huge thing to score in an Old Firm game. It’s a big moment for me. When I first came here I had to adjust and get my place in the squad and the changing room.
“This is a different style of football for me so I have to adjust to that. I need time and I have the time. I’m trying my best to adjust.
“In some games I’ve done really well, especially in Europe and a game like Thursday. I hope this goal against Celtic can be a little thing to keep me going and become better than I’ve been so far.
“To get over that bridge and make it 2-0, it was a big feeling because then you know it’s really hard for them to come back. It was a big moment in the game but still you have to be focused for the rest of it. You still have to win your duels and be compact. In the end you just wait for the final whistle to be happy.”
Rangers’ defence was decimated by injuries going into the derby, with keeper Jack Butland, skipper James Tavernier, John Souttar and Leon Balogun all missing out.
When Propper arrived in the summer for around £1.5million, the word from Holland was that Clement had brought a leader to Glasgow. Ibrox supporters hoped he’d be a natural replacement for Connor Goldson, who had been a huge vocal influence in the dressing room before being sold to Aris Limassol.
In Thursday’s derby clash it felt like Propper finally showed all those qualities in Rangers’ makeshift rearguard. With Dujon Sterling, Ridvan Yilmaz and Jefte next to him, he had defenders aged 25, 23 and 21 respectively.
Propper was happy to take on the role of an experienced head alongside them – but says he’ll always try to be a leader on the pitch irrespective of who he’s playing with. He said: “We were missing a lot of experienced players in defence who are usually always playing for us.
“So we had to be extra focused. We had other players coming in and they did really well. For me, it’s the same whether I’m playing with Dujon, Leon or Tav at the back.
“I just try to play my own game and we help each other. Personally, it didn’t make that much difference. I just try to do the same in every game. I’ve worked hard to be a leader at the back already here.
“But of course, with Tav, John and Leon we have a lot of voices. I’m there as well and we try to help each other out during games.
“On Thursday we had less experience in the back four so maybe people heard me a bit more than usual. But I’ve tried to do that in the other games as well.”
Rangers were dominant against the champions at Ibrox and could have won by even more goals. Propper’s strike, along with Ianis Hagi’s opener and Danilo’s clincher near the end, gave Clement his first Old Firm victory. The Dutchman was pleased with their attacking display.
But he also took great satisfaction from how they limited Rodgers’ men to so few chances in front of goal. He said: “Thursday was a great feeling and we were so happy with the three points.
“It was a really good game for us, we played very well. Our defence was good, we attacked well and created a lot of chances.
“We also only gave away one or two opportunities to Celtic, including their offside goal. That was it. So it was a really good feeling to do that in such a big game.”