Arne Engels couldn't help but smile when asked about his interaction with Philippe Clement ahead of his Celtic debut against Rangers.

The £11m summer signing spoke with Ibrox manager Clement ahead of the derby showdown on Sunday.

Engels was pictured smiling with fellow countryman Clement hours before kick-off where Celtic would sweep aside Rangers 3-0.

Arne Engels and Philippe Clement at Celtic ParkArne Engels and Philippe Clement at Celtic Park (Image: Steve Welsh)

After being called up by Belgium, Engels was quizzed on the interaction - and whether Clement wished he was on the Rangers bench rather than Celtic.

One journalist asked: "Did he [Clement] say he would have preferred to have you sitting on his bench?"

Engels responded: "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."


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Engels stepped off the bench in the second half for Celtic and was taken aback by the atmosphere as he hailed the "incredible" supporters.

"It's different (to playing for Augsburg), playing at a top-table club and fighting for trophies," he said of moving to Celtic.

"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."