The former Barcelona midfielder has hit form for Celtic ahead of Sunday's derby against Rangers at Parkhead.

Crosas is yet to play in an Old Firm contest since joining Celtic in July, but he has found the atmosphere even better than 'El Clasico' between his former club and Real Madrid.

The 21-year-old has been a fan of the Glasgow derby for a number of years but experiencing the game in the flesh "amazed" him.

And he is excited about the prospect of taking part after encouraging Celtic manager Gordon Strachan with his performances since returning from a 10-week absence with a hamstring problem.

"As a Barcelona supporter I always looked forward to Barcelona versus Real Madrid," Crosas told the Celtic View.

"It's always a big game for the Spanish people, even if you're a fan of another team. It's like Inter versus Milan or Celtic against Rangers.

"But I think this match might be the best, in terms of atmosphere and ambience.

"For me, it's amazing and I think that all the emotions you experience in one game like this, even as a spectator, are unbelievable.

"I didn't play in the two derbies this season. The first came when I wasn't ready and the second was after my injury.

"But now I think I am ready to play. I feel that I am playing well and I'm ready to help the team."

Crosas knows his possible participation will ensure friends will watch the Clydesdale Bank Premier League derby in Spain.

But he revealed that Spanish football fans always take an interest in the fixture between Scotland's biggest two clubs.

"I have spoken to my friends and family back home about this weekend's game but this is not new for them because when I was back home we used to watch the Celtic-Rangers game together," Crosas said.

"They are looking forward to the game as well, although it's true that when you experience the match on the park, in the stands or on the bench, it is completely different."

He added: "Celtic is a very symbolic club in Spain. Everybody feels that Celtic is a big club, not just in Europe but in the world, and people are sympathetic towards the club.

"Back home you would always know when this one game was coming up and I always watched these matches.

"When I was at Barcelona we played Rangers in the Champions League. The week before the game it was the derby and we watched Rangers win 3-0 at Ibrox. It wasn't a good day.

"We also watched the next one together, the one where Janski (Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink) scored in the last minute at Celtic Park.

"We watched the win at Celtic Park when Thomas Gravesen scored because that game was big news in Spain. Thomas had been at Real Madrid and a lot of Spanish people watched that match. But I have always enjoyed watching the derbies."