Max Aarons is excited for Rangers' Old Firm duels with Celtic after joining the Glasgow giants on a season-long loan deal from Bournemouth.

Aarons has become the Gers' second new signing ahead of 2025-26, after midfielder Lyall Cameron agreed a pre-contract deal with the club in February.

The right-back is the first arrival to be sanctioned by new head coach Russell Martin, however, after the former Southampton boss returned to the club he represented on loan in 2018 earlier this month.

Speaking to Rangers' official media channels, Aarons said: "I've watched the SPFL over the years, especially the Old Firm games.

"Any game with Rangers involved is a huge one and I can't wait to take in Ibrox, the fans, the whole thing.

"I definitely felt, walking through the doors, the weight of the shirt and what it means to everyone. The pressure of playing for a club this size is something that really excites me."

Aarons spent the second half of 2024-25 on loan at Valencia, though he only appeared four times in LaLiga before they opted against triggering a clause to sign him permanently.

After joining Bournemouth from Norwich City in 2023, he made 20 Premier League appearances during his debut campaign with the club in 2023-24, though he only played three times – starting once – for the Cherries last season.

Rangers' campaign gets under way on July 22, when they meet Panathinaikos in the first leg of a Champions League qualification second-round tie.