Celtic star asked if Rangers boss wanted him in his squad as star delivers quip over an Ibrox transfer

Celtic star Arne Engels has been left joking over a conversation he had with Philippe Clement ahead of beating his Rangers side on Sunday.

The Belgian midfielder is with his national team on international duty, fresh off the back of sealing a move from Augsburg to Celtic on deadline day. He then debuted in a 3-0 win over Rangers, but pre-match, he had time for a chat with Ibrox boss Clement.

It is something that has been picked up by the Belgian press, with the pair having been together at Club Brugge at the same time when Engels was an upcoming prospect. Engels was put up for press ahead of Belgium’s match with Israel in the Nations League, and one reporter asked: "Did he (Clement) say he would have preferred to have you sitting on his bench?"

That transfer question sparked a a quick-witted response from the midfielder. He replied: "I don't know, but I think so... It's not for me to say. I am now a Celtic player and I am immensely proud of that."

Engels went on to say: "It's different (to playing for Augsburg), playing at a top-table club and fighting for trophies. The new format of the Champions League was very nice to make that choice, to show myself at the highest level.

"The fans are great, from what I have experienced in the match against Rangers, it was incredible. "Being there and seeing how much the fans get behind the team was really beautiful to experience."