GIOVANNI van Bronckhorst has confirmed no Rangers players representing their country at the African Cup of Nations will be released until after the Old Firm match.

It's a major boost for Rangers after fears Joe Aribo, Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey would miss the Celtic match on January 2 due to international commitments.

But in his press conference today, Van Bronckhorst stated players will be available for the Old Firm match at Parkhead before jetting out to Cameroon for the tournament.

Van Bronckhorst stated: "Any players representing at the Africa Cup of Nations will be here for the Old Firm match before being released."

The Dutch manager admitted he feels like he's been at Rangers for three and a half months despite only being appointed on November 18.

And he saluted his players as he shared his "positive" experience in his short time so far at Ibrox.

He said: "For myself, it has been one month of working with the players to get to know them really well. For me personally, it has been very positive.

"When you arrive at a new job, especially during the season it is not easy but we have focused really well.

"It feels like three and a half months here already with all the games we have played, it is a schedule I am used to as a player and we have to focus on the next match."