Cologne's English talent Mikey Moore ready for Rhine derby debut against Borussia Mönchengladbach
In-form England U20 captain Mikey Moore cannot wait to get a first taste of the Rhine derby as the Cologne midfielder gears up for Sunday’s home game against Borussia Mönchengladbach (kick-off: 3.30pm CEST).
Tony Woodcock has long held iconic status in Cologne as the first Englishman to play for the club across two stints between 1979 and 1988, adding lustre to his reputation with a brace of goals in derbies against the Foals.
If any of the three English players in the current Cologne squad, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Reigan Heskey or Moore, find the net on Matchday 6, they will earn themselves their own piece of Rhine Derby folklore, having already set a Bundesliga record this season.
Moore looks to be the biggest threat after an impressive international break during which he scored twice and set up another in leading his country’s U20 side to wins over Italy, France and Germany.
“I had a great time. We won all three games and I got a couple of goals. But I’m happy to be back,” said the 19-year-old, who is fully aware of the size of the game coming up. “Everyone has spoken a lot about how important this match is. I’m really looking forward to it.”
With Thijs Dallinga and Ragnar Ache both suffering injuries during a friendly with Viktoria Köln during the international window, Cologne could do with Moore registering his first goal involvement of the season in what would be his fourth Bundesliga appearance.
“I read the news while I was away. It’s a big loss,” said Moore, who moved to Germany on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer. “We now have to share the responsibility for goals across several shoulders.”
The youngster has current form on his side and has already shown his ability to handle the pressure of a big derby day in his fledgling career.
He scored once and went unbeaten in three Old Firm league derbies with Celtic while on loan at Rangers in Scotland last season and has featured in North London derbies against Arsenal while with his parent club.
“I’ve already played in a few big derbies - that will help me,” he explained before expressing his determination to improve Cologne’s tally of four points from their opening four league matches.
“I had a good chat with (coach) René (Wagner). He has a lot of faith in me. We players now have to repay that faith with good performances.”
