Kirk Broadfoot has played with such consistency since breaking into the Rangers side that the position of right-back seems to have become his own.

The former St Mirren captain, who was widely expected to serve as a deputy centre-back after signing last summer, has instead slotted into the position vacated by Alan Hutton after his January transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.

Providing a useful outlet in attack, as well as offering a dependable presence in defence, Broadfoot has played a key role in helping his team maintain their excellent domestic form and qualify for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup.

However, he believes his biggest test may come this weekend, should he experience his first Old Firm derby and, in particular, the tricky proposition of attempting to shackle Aiden McGeady.

The 21-year-old Irishman is likely to be identified by Walter Smith, the Rangers manager, as Celtic's major threat and Broadfoot, it would seem, will have the task of shackling the nimble-footed winger.

He told Rangers' website: "Celtic have a lot of good players such as Aiden McGeady, who has been a stand-out this season.

"If I am playing I will more than likely be marking him so I will need to be at the top of my game. I have come up against him a couple of times for St Mirren and he is obviously a quality player.

"He is very tricky, fast and direct so it will be a tough test but one I will relish. As a player you want to come up against the best and he has proved that he is up there."

Regardless of the prospect of a direct confrontation with McGeady, Broadfoot is determined to savour his first experience of the frenetic derby atmosphere.

He said: "Hopefully I will be picked for Saturday, it would be a massive thing for me to be involved in my first Old Firm game.

"It is one of the biggest derby matches in the world and as a player you dream of playing on that stage.

"In saying that, it will only be a good experience if we win and we know that it will be a very difficult game."