Gers taking it a match at a time: Weir

December 30, 2009


Rangers captain David Weir says he won’t give this weekend’s game against Celtic a second thought until they take care of their match against Dundee United on Wednesday.

The Gers have stormed four points clear at the top of the table as the form team in the Scottish Premier League with five wins on the trot since their only defeat of the season against Aberdeen in November, scoring 19 goals along the way.

Their 4-1 demolition of Hibernian on Sunday, where they came back from going a goal behind in 12 seconds, signalled a statement of their intent in a week where they take on their three nearest challengers in the race for the title.

The second Old Firm derby of the season is on the horizon but veteran defender Weir says Wednesday’s clash with fourth-placed United at Ibrox is just as important as they bid to retain their championship crown.

“The league title isn’t won in December,” said the 39-year-old.

“All we have done is just given ourselves a chance. We’ve got a big week and the result against Hibs was a confidence booster. “After Aberdeen at the end of last month, we realised it just wasn’t good enough. We had a word, sorted a few things out and have won five games in succession since.

“It was a big disappointment, the manner in which we lost the opening goal to Hibs after 12 seconds, but we responded in the right way.

“The spirit in the side is good but the important thing is to keep a bit of momentum going. There are some very important games approaching and we have to be ready for them.

That means we have to get ourselves in the right frame of mind for the game against Dundee United.”

Walter Smith has been dealt a blow before the game with United with the news American winger DaMarcus Beasley has been ruled out for three weeks after injuring a thigh during training.

He will join fellow midfielders Kevin Thomson and Pedro Mendes on the sidelines for the visit of United, whose search for a new manager continues following the departure of Craig Levein to the national team.

However, there was better news for Smith as Maurice Edu returned to the first team as a sub in the defeat of Hibs on Sunday, his first appearance since May.

Rivals Celtic face a Kilmarnock side who haven’t won at home in their last four attempts.

Tony Mowbray’s side picked up a confidence boosting win over Hamilton at the weekend and the Hoops gaffer knows he can’t afford to fall any more points behind Rangers before the side’s clash at Parkhead on Sunday.

The manager will still be without Scott Brown and Shaun Maloney but Gary Caldwell returns after suspension as Celtic look to keep pace with the league leaders.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Motherwell make the trip to Tynecastle to take on Hearts without manager Jim Gannon, who was sacked on Monday after only six months in charge following his refusal to sign a contract with the Fir Park club.

St Johnstone have a tough task as they host Hibs, who were unbeaten in 12 matches before their loss to Rangers while strugglers Hamilton and St Mirren clash at New Douglas Park.

Fixtures (1945 GMT unless otherwise stated)

Wednesday

Hamilton v St Mirren

Hearts v Motherwell

Kilmarnock v Celtic

Rangers v Dundee United

St Johnstone v Hibernian

GLASGOW (AFP)

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Rangers teen Wilson out to impress

November 7, 2009


Rangers defender Danny Wilson is not taking his place in the side for granted ahead of Saturday’s Scottish Premier League clash with St Mirren after an impressive start to his Rangers career.

The 17-year-old hasn’t put a foot wrong since being asked to partner David Weir in the centre of the Gers defence after Madjid Bougherra and Lee McCulloch were ruled out with injury.

The teenager made his debut in a 3-1 League Cup win over Dundee and has since made his European bow in the Old Firm side’s 1-1 with Unirea Urziceni on Wednesday.

Bougherra expects to be fit enough to return when Rangers take on St Mirren this Saturday at Ibrox but Wilson’s early contributions will cast genuine doubt over whether the Algerian merits an instant comeback after injury.

The teenager insists he is taking nothing for granted but there’s no doubt he has given manager Walter Smith something to think long and hard about as Rangers aim to cut Celtic’s lead at the top of the table.

Wilson – who became the club’s youngest Euro debutant since Willie Henderson in 1961 – added: “I’m just taking things as they come.

“I know there are more players in the squad who are capable of stepping back into the team.

“Just to have been given the nod for the couple of games I’ve played in so far has been excellent for me. I think I’ve done well so far but I need to keep trying as hard as I can when my chances come along. If I play I play and if I don’t, I won’t be too disheartened.”

Smith will be without injury victims Pedro Mendes, Maurice Edu and Kirk Broadfoot for the match against the Buddies, who have made a solid start to their league campaign.

On Sunday, league leaders Celtic are away to Falkirk where boss Tony Mowbray will be without midfielders Scott Brown and Shaun Maloney through injury.

But the boss has been boosted by the return of Marc-Antoine Fortune from injury after he made his come-back as a substitute in the 3-0 win over Kilmarnock last Saturday.

His eight-week absence limited Celtic’s striking options but Fortune looked sharp and dangerous when he came on as a second-half substitute.

“It’s easy to look back and say that we’ve missed Marc but you always miss good players when they are out,” Mowbray said. “He adds something different to the team.

“When he was fit and available at the start of the season, the team was generally scoring goals. He gives us a different dimension to the qualities of Scott McDonald and Georgios Samaras.

“Those two players have worked very hard for us, but Marc’s work with his back to goal can give us a platform. We will look to utilise him and the other strikers as the season goes on. They all have a part to play, but I was delighted with Marc’s return.”

Hibernian could join Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premier League if they triumph against Hearts in the Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle on Saturday.

John Hughes’ side are 12 points ahead of their city rivals, who sit in eighth position in the table but the Jambos have home advantage.

In Saturday’s other games Aberdeen take on St Johnstone at Pittodrie, Hamilton take on high-flying Motherwell in the Lanarkshire derby and Kilmarnock host Dundee United.

Fixtures (1500 GMT unless otherwise stated)

Saturday

Aberdeen v St Johnstone

Hamilton v Motherwell

Hearts v Hibernian

Kilmarnock v Dundee United

Rangers v St Mirren

Sunday

Falkirk v Celtic (AFP

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Unirea destroy Rangers Champions League hopes

October 21, 2009


Rangers Champions League hopes are all but over after two own goals and a missed penalty consigned them to a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Romanian minnows Unirea Urziceni at Ibrox.

The result, identical to the home defeat they suffered at the hands of Sevilla in their last game, leaves the Scottish champions firmly rooted to the bottom of Group G.

Things could have been so different for Walter Smith’s men who had a dream start when Pedro Mendes’ shot deflected off Ricardo Gomes to give Rangers the lead after 80 seconds.

Rangers dominated possession but Unirea levelled with their first shot of the game when Marius Bilasco tapped in after 32 minutes before Steven Davis missed a penalty for the home side.

But a second-half collapse saw Dan Petrescu’s side stroll to victory with own goals from substitute Kyle Lafferty and Lee McCulloch before a Pablo Brandan free-kick finished the scoring.

Rangers were dealt a blow before kick-off when Madjid Bougherrra was ruled out with a knee injury leaving McCulloch to partner David Weir in the centre of defence.

Smith had said he wanted a strong start and his side duly delivered when a deflected Mendes strike gave Rangers the lead within 80 seconds.

Jerome Rothen floated a corner to the edge of the penalty box where Mendes took a touch before firing in a shot which took a wicked deflection off Gomes and looped over the head of stand-in keeper Daniel Tudor.

Portuguese playmaker Mendes was again involved in the 11th minute when his free-kick from the left was headed just over the bar by Kenny Miller.

Rangers were dominating proceedings and Petrescu was quick to make a tactical change with Marius Onofras replacing Epaminonda Nicu.

Almost immediately a half-cleared corner presented Unirea with a chance when the ball fell to Tiberiu Balan 10 yards out but he sliced his volley wide.

Miller and Sasa Papac combined well on the left to allow the Bosnian to send a low cross into the box which Steven Naismith could only get the slightest of touches on as it trundled wide.

Unirea levelled things in the 33rd minute. A quickly taken free-kick was played to Brandan who skipped past Steven Whittaker to send a low ball across the face of goal for Bilasco to tap in.

Rangers were handed the chance to regain the lead five minutes later when they were awarded a penalty after David Weir’s header from a Rothen cross hit the hand of Bruno Fernandes.

Davis stepped up but the Northern Irishman’s soft effort low to the left was turned out for a corner by Tudor.

Things got worse for Rangers at the start of the second-half when Unirea took the lead in the 48th minute.

Fernandes’ back-heel from Bilasco’s corner glanced off substitute Lafferty to hit the post and go in with Allan McGregor helpless.

The Rangers defence were posted missing a minute later when Balan was presented with a chance but they were relieved when he sent his shot wide.

However the home side’s problems mounted in the 59th minute when Balan’s curling free-kick from the left was headed past his own keeper by McCulloch for yet another own goal.

Rangers’ misery was compounded just six minutes later when Rothen conceded a free-kick 30 yards out.

Iulian Apostol rolled it into the path of Argentine Brandan, who thumped a low, powerful drive past McGregor into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

Smith brought Nacho Novo on as Rangers chased the impossible but there was to be no miracle comeback with Unirea threatening to add to their lead.

GLASGOW (AFP)

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Ten-man Rangers draw at Kilmarnock

September 19, 2009


Rangers held on for a goalless draw at Kilmarnock on Saturday after Pedro Mendes and boss Walter Smith were sent off.

Portuguese midfielder Mendes saw red for two bookings before half-time and Ibrox manager Smith was sent to the stands for protesting too aggressively against the decision.

But despite playing for 45 minutes with 10 men, the Scottish champions – who have now drawn their last two league matches – were able to withstand severe Kilmarnock pressure to maintain their unbeaten record.

Their cause was helped when Killie’s Manuel Pascali was dismissed for a second booking nine minutes from full-time.

Veteran defender David Weir returned to the Rangers line-up after he missing the midweek Champions League draw in Stuttgart through injury, while midfielder Lee McCulloch was deployed at centre-half in place of the suspended Madjid Bougherra.

Kilmarnock had the first sight of goal when Craig Bryson picked out Conor Sammon, but the big striker’s close-range effort was kept out by Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

Mendes then picked up a harsh yellow card for clipping the heels of Bryson as Rangers struggling to get going.

There was a lack of cohesion about their play which was summed up when Steven Naismith shot wildly over after John Fleck’s free-kick rebounded into his path.

Naismith wasted a much better chance moments later when a point-blank shot was blocked by the legs of Kilmarnock goalkeeper Mark Brown.

With half-time fast approaching, Naismith was threatening again, this time running on to a Steven Davis ball only to be denied by Brown, who raced off his line to claim.

The game erupted two minutes from the interval when Mendes picked up a second yellow card for another foul on Bryson and Smith was sent to the stand for his reaction in the dug-out.

Danny Invincibile wasted a golden opportunity to open the scoring soon after the break when his close-range header was blocked by McGregor. Invincibile pounced on the rebound but hooked his shot over the crossbar.

The hosts were turning the screw now and only the woodwork denied Jamie Hamill, when his swerving effort crashed off the inside of the post and back into play.

With nine minutes to go, Kilmarnock were also reduced to ten men when Pascali picked up a second yellow card for a foul on Davis.

But Killie could still have snatched a winner at the last when McGregor did well to parry a close-range volley from Sammon.

KILMARNOCK, Scotland (AFP)

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Bougherra strike gives Rangers point in Stuttgart

September 17, 2009


Algeria defender Madjid Bougherra hit a superb second-half equaliser to give Rangers a point and seal a 1-1 draw against Stuttgart in the Champions League Group G match on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old struck with less than 15 minutes remaining to give Walter Smith’s side a valuable away point and deny Stuttgart boss Markus Babbel a winning start on his European debut as a coach.

“In the second half, we threw away the plan and were chasing the game,” said a disappointed Babbel.

“The first half was good and we must go back to that.

“There we controlled events and worked hard to create chances to score.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t create a second important goal which would have killed the game off.

“We must control the game better and not just react to events.”

The home side lost 3-1 at German league leaders Hamburg on Saturday and were without injury victims Ludovic Magnin and Alexander Hleb, but they took an early lead after dominating their Scottish visitors early on.

Rangers were missing striker Kyle Lafferty, who was injured while on international duty with Northern Ireland, and defender David Weir failed to recover from an ankle knock sustained in Saturday’s draw with Motherwell.

The Scots struggled to find their form in the game’s opening stages and Stuttgart striker Cacau forced Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor into a diving save as early as the sixth minute as the home side kept up the pressure.

The Germans’ breakthrough came on 18 minutes when Rangers defender Sasa Papac slipped and Cacau, seizing the opportunity, sprinted at goal and squared the ball for Russian midfielder Pavel Pogrebynak to drill his shot home.

The Russian netted again just before the break, but his effort was ruled off-side as Stuttgart held a 1-0 lead going into the break.

With the Scottish giants failing to threaten the home side’s goal, it looked as though Stuttgart were cruising to an opening Champions League win until Rangers equalised with a superb piece of individual skill.

Bougherra exchanged passes with midfielder Jerome Rothen outside the penalty area, then the Algeria defender burst into the box, held off two defenders and unleashed a fierce drive past Stuttgart goalkeeper Jens Lehmann on 77 minutes.

In the next round of matches, Stuttgart face Romanian side Unirea Urziceni on Tuesday September 29 while Rangers host Sevilla – who beat the Romanians 2-0 on Wednesday – at Ibrox the same night.

STUTTGART, Germany (AFP)

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Tartan Army can roar us to Dutch win, says Burley

September 6, 2009


Scotland boss George Burley believes the Tartan Army can roar his team to victory over mighty Holland on Wednesday and keep their World Cup dreams alive.

Scotland stayed in contention for a play-off place with a 2-0 win over Macedonia on Saturday thanks to second-half goals from Scott Brown and James McFadden.

The Scots head into their final game of Group Nine against the Dutch knowing a win would secure second spot and a chance of a two-legged tie against another European runner-up.

The Netherlands have already secured their place at South Africa 2010 with a 100 per cent record in the group so far.

Burley knows a win against the nation ranked third in the world will be a massive task but hopes the Tartan Army of fans can roar his side to victory at Hampden.

“We are looking to win the game – simple as that,” Burley said.

“We have a belief we can take the three points. We know what a fantastic team Holland are. But we have fifty-odd thousand fans behind us and we are desperate not to let them down.

“So we won’t be pensive about it. We’ll be nice and positive and try and stop them playing and try and win the game.”

But his Macedonian opposite number Mirsad Jonuz didn’t share Burley’s optimism.

“They have no chance at all with such a performance like today, especially the first-half,” Jonuz said. “It is very hard to be lucky twice.”

On Saturday, Brown headed Scotland into the lead to score his first international goal. He took a heavy knock in the first-half and will be a doubt for the game against the Dutch.

But Burley said he was hopeful Brown would make it and defended the Celtic midfielder for his part in the first-half melee caused by the player’s refusal to return the ball to the Macedonians from a drop-ball after one of their players was injured.

“I don’t think it was Scott who was causing the problems. I think it was about six or seven of their players ran over to him and tried to push him,” said Burley.

“He never got involved with anything in the second-half and showed what a good professional he is. I think initially I could see him pointing to the keeper and he wanted to kick it back to give them the ball.

“But the referee wanted a bounce ball and if it is a bounce ball you try and win the ball so I don’t see the problem.”

McFadden scored the second after a mazy run starting in his own half ended with him rounding Jane Nikoloski to score and help ease the pressure on Burley.

However, the Birmingham City star picked up a booking and will sit out the match against the Dutch due to suspension. His manager said his loss would be a massive blow and was annoyed they couldn’t appeal his booking.

“I thought James in the second-half was unbelievable at times,” Burley said.

“I didn’t realise he was booked. I don’t know where his involvement came in. Whether it was a case of mistaken identity I don’t know. But seemingly there is no procedure to appeal a yellow card at all so there is nothing we can do.

“It is a whole squad that is important to you so other players can come in and fill his boots.”

Suspensions and injuries meant Burley recalled veteran David Weir to the starting line-up for Saturday’s game where he partnered Stephen McManus, who was playing his first competitive game since May.

The pair brought much needed stability to the Scottish defence after the disastrous 4-0 defeat by Norway in their previous qualifying match.

With Gary Caldwell available for the game against the Netherlands on Wednesday the manager has a selection headache.

GLASGOW (AFP)

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Burley gambles on Kyle for final throw of dice

August 25, 2009


Beleaguered Scotland boss George Burley defended his decision to hand Kevin Kyle a shock recall to the international set-up after rewarding the Kilmarnock striker for his freescoring recent form.

The 28-year-old forward, who last appeared for his country in 2004 during Berti Vogts’ ill-fated spell in charge, has been included in a 25-man squad for make-or-break World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and the Netherlands next month.

Scotland must win their last two qualifiers to have any chance of snatching second place in group nine — which the Dutch have already won — and reaching next year’s finals in South Africa via the play-offs.

Burley, who is widely expected to be sacked if Scotland fail to get the wins they need, has also handed recalls to veteran Rangers defender David Weir, Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon and injured Celtic defender Stephen McManus.

He insisted that former Sunderland and Coventry hitman Kyle, who comes in at the expense of the injured Ross McCormack, would give Scotland something they have been lacking of late.

“Kevin gives us that physical prescence, he scored eight in nine at the end of last season. He had a knock in pre-season but came back and scored two goals on the first game of the season.

“He is strong and aggressive and can score goals. We don’t have that type of player and that’s the reason we brought him in. I’ve taken advice on him as well. Kevin is a bit different and that’s something you might look to start or bring on as a sub in the last ten minutes if you’re looking to get the ball into the box early.”

While Kyle is not assured of a starting place, Burley confirmed that Gordon, who made his first competitive start in four months in Sunderland’s 4-1 League Cup win over Norwich on Monday, and Weir will both start against Macedonia on September 5.

Weir, 39, was dropped from the squad that was beaten 4-0 in Norway last month but with Gary Caldwell suspended for the clash against Macedonia as a result of the red card he received in Oslo and doubts over the fitness of Steven Caldwell and McManus, Burley said he had no choice but to bring him back to the fold.

He added: “I’ve been in touch with Davie ever since I’ve been the manager. He has played in some of the games but he’s coming on 40 and it’s a big ask for a player of his age to play international football. He is a model professional and one I’ve always admired, but you are always trying to introduce other players.

“I wouldn’t pick him unless I was going to play him. We felt that if I wasn’t going to play him it would be better if he was preparing with his club. He will be in the starting line-up for this game. International football is a big jump from the SPL. We have a number of centre-halves not 100 percent fit, Gary Caldwell is suspended, so David comes into the equation.”

Provided he stays fit, Weir will become Scotland’s oldest outfield player since Jimmy McMenemy in 1920.

Burley dodged questions about his own future but it seems increasingly likely that he will be dismissed if he fails to take Scotland to at least the play-offs to give them a crack of competing in a major tournament for the first time since the World Cup in 1998.

“Macedonia are level on points with us and have a lot of talent,” he said.

“I am sure it will be very close and if things go for us then hopefully we can take the three points into the Holland game. My focus is for Scotland and I will do my best for my country, nothing else matters Will I keep my job? Who knows, but I will do my best to get the results. This is for my country and I will do my best.”

GLASGOW (AFP)

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Scotland boss leaves out Gordon for Norway clash

August 4, 2009


Scotland coach George Burley has left Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon out of his squad for next week’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Norway.

Gordon has been struggling to recover from a knee injury after undergoing surgery at the start of May and he is still not fit enough to feature in such an important match.

Burley is already without Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor, whose Scotland career is over following his drunken behaviour on international duty last season.

Gordon’s absence leaves Burley with three inexperienced goalkeepers at this level in Neil Alexander, David Marshall and Jamie Langfield.

Scotland are currently joint second in Group Nine with seven points from five matches. A win over bottom team Norway would keep Burley’s men in pole position to clinch a play-off place ahead of Macedonia.

As expected, James McFadden returns to the squad for the first time since November, while there are also recalls for Celtic midfielder Shaun Maloney, Burnley defender Steven Caldwell, Preston full-back Callum Davidson and Rangers striker Steven Naismith.

Celtic midfielder Scott Brown is included, despite only recently returning from injury, but there is no place for veteran Rangers defender David Weir, Cardiff midfielder Gavin Rae or Derby’s Gary Teale.

Stephen McManus, James Morrison, Gary Naysmith, Kirk Broadfoot and Chris Iwelumo were all omitted due to injury.

There are ongoing discussions with Manchester United regarding the early release of Darren Fletcher, with Burley keen for him to miss Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Chelsea.

Scotland squad for World Cup qualifier against Norway in Oslo on August 12:

Neil Alexander (Rangers), Jamie Langfield (Aberdeen), David Marshall (Cardiff); Darren Barr (Falkirk), Christophe Berra (Wolves), Gary Caldwell (Celtic), Stephen Caldwell (Burnley), Callum Davidson (Preston), Alan Hutton (Tottenham), Jamie McAllister (Bristol City), Steven Whittaker (Rangers); Graham Alexander (Burnley), Scott Brown (Celtic), Kris Commons (Derby), Darren Fletcher (Manchester United), Paul Hartley (Bristol City), Shaun Maloney (Celtic), James McFadden (Birmingham); David Clarkson (Bristol City), Steven Fletcher (Burnley), Ross McCormack (Cardiff), Kenny Miller (Rangers), Steven Naismith (Rangers).

GLASGOW (AFP)

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Instant impact Novo fires Rangers to double

May 30, 2009


GLASGOW (AFP) – Super sub Nacho Novo was the hero for Rangers after his sensational strike just seconds after coming on saw them to a 1-0 Scottish Cup Final win over Falkirk that secured a domestic double.

The Spaniard blasted in from 30 yards a mere 36 seconds after coming on as a second-half substitute at a sun-soaked Hampden here on Saturday, as the Gers added the cup to the Scottish Premier League title.

Falkirk, who only narrowly survived relegation from the top flight, came close to forcing extra time when Steve Lovell’s late effort crashed back off the post with the goalkeeper beaten, but it was the Ibrox giants who held on to lift the Cup for the 33rd time.

“If I’m honest, I couldn’t even see it. It passed so quickly,” Novo told BBC Radio Scotland of his decisive goal.

Walter Smith, the Rangers manager, added: “It was always going to be a difficult match for us today, the way Falkirk set out their team.”

Bairns boss John Hughes paid tribute to his side for pushing Rangers all the way.

“All credit to them, they gave it a go,” he said. “I think you know that with the fans staying behind. I’m so proud of them, I really am.”

Rangers’ regular central midfield pairing of Pedro Mendes and Maurice Edu failed late fitness tests, allowing Barry Ferguson to make his first start since March 21.

He was partnered by Lee McCulloch, also making a rare appearance, and the former Wigan player was involved in Rangers’ first attempt of the match when he headed well over from a Steven Davis corner.

After a nervy opening spell Falkirk began to reap the benefits of their neat passing game with Burton O’Brien finishing off a free-flowing move with a shot from outside the box that flew over the bar.

Rangers were next to attack when Steven Whittaker’s mazy run ended with a shot through the legs of several Falkirk defenders and Kris Boyd just failed to connect with it at the far post as it sailed wide.

Falkirk’s Neil McCann found some room at the edge of the box in the 14th minute and sent a vicious swerving shot inches over the bar with Neil Alexander rooted to the spot.

The former Rangers player was presented with an even better chance minutes later when Darren Barr found him unmarked in the box with a cross from the right but McCann sliced his volley wide.

Rangers were struggling to create any meaningful chances and in a rare attack Boyd broke into the Bairns’ box, but his shot was deflected wide for a corner.

Falkirk were dominating possession, winning the midfield battle but without creating too many opportunities, as Rangers showed signs of a hangover from last Sunday’s league championship clincher against Dundee United.

But it was the Gers’ who could have broken the deadlock on the stroke of half-time when David Weir’s goalbound header from a Davis corner was nodded off the line by Falkirk captain Barr.

Novo replaced Boyd at half-time and made an immediate impact when he fired Rangers into the lead.

The Spaniard allowed a Whittaker throw-in to drop in front of him before letting fly with a 30-yard screamer that flashed past the helpless Dani Mallo in goal.

In the 53rd minute Gerard Aafjes did just enough to stop Kyle Lafferty in the Falkirk box after the Northern Ireland international went on a rampaging run down the left wing.

A minute later Falkirk came close as Thomas Scobbie headed over from a McCann corner.

The Bairns continued to press and Hughes threw caution to the wind by making three attacking substitutions with just under 20 minutes to go.

And it looked to have been an inspired move when Falkirk thought they had scored an equaliser in the 76th minute.

Sub Michael Higdon sent the ball past Alexander from an O’Brien cross but he had already been flagged offside.

Lovell came agonisingly close to firing Falkirk level seven minutes from time but his angled shot from six yards out hit the post with Alexander rooted to the spot.

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Scottish rivals locked in familiar struggle

May 16, 2009


GLASGOW (AFP) – Celtic and Rangers return to action this weekend with just goal difference separating them at the top of the Scottish Premier League.

Rangers had moved two points clear of their rivals following their triumph in the Old Firm derby last Saturday, but held their lead for just 72 hours.

Celtic’s midweek 2-1 win over Dundee United coupled with Rangers’ 1-1 draw with Hibernian means the Parkhead side sit top again with a superior goal difference of two.

The title will now go down to the last day of the season and if both sides win their last two games then goal difference will decide the destination of the title as in it did in 2003 when Rangers clinched the championship by just one goal.

However, David Weir insists making sure the Gers win their matches is more important than aiming for high scorelines and the Rangers captain said there could be more twists and turns in the final two games.

“Who knows what will happen next? We’ve got to go and win on Saturday morning, that’s the next step,” Weir said.

“We’ve got a tough game against Aberdeen so we have got to go and do a job there. That’s the priority. We’ve got to win our games and see where that takes us as that will be tough enough.

“Aberdeen always give us a hard game so we’ve got to get on form and win the game and anything else is a bonus.”

Kenny Miller may be missing again for Walter Smith’s side with a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Celtic midfielder Marc Crosas has told his teammates to make the most of Rangers’ result which has handed them a lifeline in the championship race.

The Spaniard is delighted his side’s fate is now back in their own hands again after it looked like their Old Firm defeat had cost them the title.

Now he wants to ensure there are no more slip-ups starting with their game against Hibs on Sunday.

“Every game at this stage is extremely difficult and we were hoping Rangers would make a mistake in their final three games,” said the former Barcelona youth player.

“Now, of course, that has happened. It’s great news for us. We’ve made up ground on them in a short space of time and are now back at the top of the table. Now we must ensure we stay there.

“Our aim is to win our last two games against Hibs and Hearts and, if we can score goals then, of course that might be important, but taking six points from the two matches is crucial.

“The last time we faced Hibs at their stadium we lost the game and that was disappointing. This time we must achieve a better scoreline.”

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan will be without captain Stephen McManus, Barry Robson and Mark Wilson for the title run-in due to long-term injuries for the match.

Mixu Paatelainen’s Hibs side only have pride to play for as they can no longer finish in a European spot but will take heart from their 2-0 win over Celtic at Easter Road in December.

In Saturday’s other games Hearts welcome Dundee United to Tynecastle in the battle for third place.

Falkirk and St Mirren clash in a vital match with John Hughes’ side sitting one point above the Buddies in the battle against relegation.

Hamilton and Motherwell meet in the Lanarkshire derby while Kilmarnock host Inverness Caledonian Thistle at New Douglas Park.

Fixtures (1400 GMT unless stated)

Saturday

Falkirk v St Mirren, Hamilton v Motherwell, Hearts v Dundee United, Kilmarnock v Inverness CT, Rangers v Aberdeen (1130)

Sunday

Hibernian v Celtic (1200)

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