Cult Rangers hero now understands why Ally McCoist gave him a steer as he makes Celtic guarantee

Vladimir Weiss is under no illusions.

It has been 13 years since he last kicked a ball in Glasgow. But given the fact he was representing the blue half of the city, he knows it means one thing. That he’ll get a less than hospitable welcome from Celtic fans at Parkhead on Wednesday. Weiss will be 35 in November and at the end of this season he’ll hang up his boots.

It seems like a lifetime ago that he arrived at Ibrox on loan as a shaven-headed, 21-year-old winger to play for Walter Smith’s Rangers. He helped them win the 2010/11 title and set up an Old Firm winner for Nikica Jelavic at Hampden to secure the League Cup as well. Hoops supporters will remember him all right. But he’s ready for whatever reception he gets.

Because when he turns up as captain of Slovakian outfit Slovan Bratislava, it will be part of a dream campaign for Weiss. When the draw for the new-look Champions League was made he had two wishes. Both were granted. A return visit to Glasgow and a home clash against the club where he started his career – Premier League champs Manchester City.

So whether the Celtic support gives him a hard time or not, the midfielder will savour every second. In an exclusive interview with MailSport , Weiss said: “This was one of the draws I wished for, along with Manchester City. It’s my last year of playing so it’s like a dream. Everything that’s happening – between qualifying for the Champions League and now this draw – it seems like it’s not real at times.

“But I’m looking forward to coming back to Glasgow. In the past I’ve had a little bit of stick from Celtic fans but that’s just my character. Listen, I love Rangers. But I have nothing against Celtic or their supporters. It was just a moment in my career that I