Greek midfielder Dimitrios Kourbelis shows he can handle the Old Firm derby heat amid links to both Rangers and Celtic.
The 29-year-old Panathinaikos star played 88 minutes as the Greek Super League side played out a 0-0 draw against Athens’ rivals AEK, with Kourbelis’ replacement Enis Cokaj being sent off.
It might not have have been the Eternal Derby – which Kourbelis has also had a long history of playing in – but the midfielder has once again proven he knows what it takes to compete in the ferocity of a big derby.
Both Rangers and Celtic have been linked with a move for the midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window, with Kourbelis’ contract ticking down in Greece.
Being the club’s captain, Greek international midfielder Kourbelis is viewed as an important member of the Panathinaikos squad, and according to Greek outlet SDNA there are ongoing talks to extend the deal.
But the addition of Rangers and Celtic into the equation will be an interesting one for the player and his representatives ahead of a busy window at Ibrox in particular.
Dimitrios Kourbelis links come ahead of big Rangers summer
Rangers look set for a summer of change with several key players out of contract and the Ibrox support demanding a proper evolution in the playing squad.
The club look set to come up short against Old Firm rivals Celtic once again and if fresh blood is not breathed into the side this summer the knives will be out.
Whilst we have doubts about the suitability of Dimitrios Kourbelis for Rangers, the midfielder is an international player who is clearly no stranger to the bite of derby clash.
Given Rangers’ record in recent Old Firm clashes, it’s something we might take notice of heading into the final months of the player’s contract.
Meanwhile, there’s been a u-turn in reports on Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos.