Stephen Welsh and Ewan Henderson are set to lock horns in a fierce rivalry in the Belgian top flight this weekend.
The pair came through the Celtic academy together and went on to feature for the first team.
Welsh is currently on loan at KV Mechelen from the Parkhead side, while Henderson joined Beerschot from Hibernian on a permanent basis last summer.
Their respective teams face off against each other this weekend in a local rivalry.
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Speaking ahead of the clash, Welsh admitted the pair will put their relationship aside at kick-off: "Our friendship is separate from that match," he said (Record).
"We are professionals, and it is an important match for both teams.
"The quality of our team is so high that it is actually strange that we are so low in the table. A bit of rivalry adds a bit of spice to a game, but this will be nothing like Celtic vs Rangers. You go into the stadium, and you can’t hear anything because of the overwhelming noise.
"You can’t even hear yourself talk. In my case, it helps me focus even more."
Although Welsh hasn't played as much as he'd have liked since moving to Belgium, Henderson has been a regular for his team this season, making 24 appearances across all competitions and picking up two assists along the way.
Similarly to his fellow Scot and old Celtic teammate, the 24-year-old says he and Welsh won't be mates on Sunday: "Of course, there is a bit of a rivalry between us, just because we are good friends," he said.
"But I think we will step onto the pitch on Sunday and not be friends for 90 minutes.
"I didn't know about the rivalry between the two clubs to be honest, I mainly know the derby between Royal Antwerp and Beerschot.
"I've never played in such a fierce game [as Celtic vs Rangers]. Breaking through to the club of our hearts with Stephen was actually quite crazy when you think about it. It’s something you dream of as a kid."
The rivalry between Welsh and Henderson's respective teams heightened between 2017 and 2019 after a match-fixing scandal.
