Juninho lifted by Old Firm atmosphere

New Celtic signing Juninho paid tribute to the Parkhead atmosphere after playing a starring role in the 1-0 Old Firm derby win over Rangers on his debut.

Alan Thompson scored the winner five minutes before the end of the Bank of Scotland Premier League match with a tremendous drive.

But the Brazilian international made a sparkling entrance on his debut.

Juninho told Setanta Sport: “The performance was great and so was the atmosphere. It was great to win and the fans deserved that.

“Everybody talks about the Old Firm game but you want to win.

“It was a hard game for the whole of 90 minutes, no rest.

“I have been in England and I’m used to tackles and physical games, it won’t be different here.”

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill confirmed Newcastle had made enquiries about defender Bobo Balde but insists the former Toulouse man is going nowhere.

He said: “They (Newcastle) made inquiries about him but we don’t anything to happen, Bobo is too important for us and we are a couple of hours away from the transfer deadline.

“Today, in terms of numbers, we need to build the squad up because we are a bit stretched.”

Rangers boss Alex McLeish was disappointed after the defeat but is already trying to tie up a move for midfielder Hakan Yakin, who is in talks with the Ibrox club.

The Light Blues’ boss said: “He is over to speak to Rangers, so there has got to be a chance.

“But I don’t like to commit myself until everything is done and dusted.”

But McLeish has warned clubs interested in defender Jean-Alain Boumsong that the Light Blues will not allow the player to leave without a fight.

Chelsea and Newcastle have both reportedly expressed an interest but Boumsong’s departure will not be welcomed by anyone at the Glasgow club.

McLeish added: “I wouldn’t think anybody concerned with Rangers would like that to happen.

“He is a quality player and it is that right he has attracted interest from people with money but they better have a lot.”