ian1964

By Andrew Dickson POLL Rangers fans for their favourite moment supporting the club and some obvious choices will crop up. The Cup Winners' Cup victory against Dynamo Moscow in 1972 is one, the night Nine in a Row was clinched at Tannadice a quarter of a century later another. Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Sergio Porrini celebrate at the final whistleSo too is the day the Light Blues went to Parkhead and won their 48th league title with an emphatic 3-0 win over Celtic in Dick Advocaat's first season as manager at Ibrox. It's hard to believe that this today it is exactly 10 years since Neil McCann's double and a Jorg Albertz penalty led to that dramatic victory. For most Gers supporters, memories of the day remain as vivid now as they were in the weeks that followed their team's remarkable triumph. Scheduled to start at 6.05pm so that it could be broadcast live by Sky Sports, a lot of people reflect on what unfolded over the next 90 minutes for the wrong reasons. Generally regarded - maybe even accepted - as Scotland's shame game, it was a match in which referee Hugh Dallas was struck by a coin and several home fans invaded the pitch. Three players were also sent off and a man fell from the second tier of the Jock Stein Stand as many of those in attendance let the occasion get the better of them. Yet as it was, the visiting Light Blues support's behaviour wasn't in question and the club's only blemish back then was Rod Wallace's red card four minutes from full time. Rangers fans celebrate winning the league at ParkheadIt consequently goes down as one of Rangers' greatest Old Firm victories and on the day they claimed their 100th derby success, taking the title too made it so much sweeter. A decade on, the SPL's decision not to have such a match deciding the outcome of the championship again - a ruling made in the aftermath - stands firm. That's why Rangers and Celtic will meet for the final time this term on May 9 - a date when it's impossible for either team to win the league on the day - rather than later on. There's something sad about that when you consider the side that came out on top in 1999 played little part in the shameful scenes witnessed at Parkhead. For everyone with Ibrox connections, the way Gers took their Glasgow rivals on in Advocaat's debut season and won on their own patch is to be celebrated. The Little General's men were the better team on the day and better over the course of the season as they went on to take the silverware by six points. Jorg Albertz celebratesNeil McCann gave Rangers an early lead on 13 minutes when he poked in Wallace's low, fast cross after he had been released by Giovanni van Bronckhorst. And Albertz made it 2-0 from the spot on the stroke of half-time to spark bedlam at both ends, given Dallas had been treated after being hit on the head by a coin seconds earlier. It says much about the former official that he called every major decision in the game correctly, including Vidar Riseth's foul on Tony Vidmar that led to the penalty. It may say more about Albertz that of the 76 goals he scored for the club, his finish in the city's east end was one of his coolest as he sent keeper Stewart Kerr the wrong way. "It wasn't hard for me to concentrate on the penalty because I liked making decisions like that on the park," the German said. Jorg Albertz and Giovanni van Bronckhorst celebrate the German's penalty making it 2-0"I knew that if I missed we would probably have allowed Celtic back into the game but I was strong enough mentally to cope. "In fact, I was looking forward to taking the kick. It was probably the most important one of my career because of what was at stake. "It was the best atmosphere I've ever played in that day at Parkhead but it was also the most dangerous. "It was only one or two idiots who ran on to the pitch to take a swipe at Dallas and in hindsight it could have been a lot worse had others decided to charge on. "You get nervous when you see people running on to the park but the majority of fans would never think of doing that. "You always get abuse from fans when you go away but that's part of the game - it's more serious when people start trying to attack the referee. "Dallas deserved a lot of respect for how he handled the situation as it was all going off around him when he awarded us the penalty. "When you watched the game back on television later, you saw that every call he made proved to be right." Neil McCann scores his second goal and Rangers' thirdMcCann - now at Falkirk - ensured Gers would be crowned champions when he slotted in the clincher 15 minutes from full-time. Moved inside to support Gabriel Amato up front, Advocaat's decision to give the little winger a slightly different role was a masterstroke as it paid off handsomely. Substitute Jonatan Johansson threaded him in on goal with a cute touch and McCann rounded Kerr to slot into the empty net. But his run took him straight in the direction of seething Celtic fans as he celebrated and it goes without saying that he was quick to veer away from them again. McCann said: "I knew as soon as I had scored the third we were champions but I was also conscious of what was going on around me. "I didn't want to cause a riot with my celebrations and my momentum was carrying me towards the Celtic fans so I had to slam the brakes on pretty quickly. "As I changed direction and I started to run towards the Rangers fans, I definitely let myself go a little bit more but that's not surprising. Neil McCann celebrates his second goal and Rangers' third"Scoring the goal that clinched the championship was a great honour and it is something I will never forget. It was a great feeling. "I was delighted with both goals because I was just looking for us to win the game and to score twice was out of this world. "The first was very special for me because it put us in a very good position and set the ball rolling. "But my second was my favourite because I knew that as soon as I had rounded the keeper we had won the championship." Of course, the shameful incidents at Parkhead 10 years ago weren't on the same scale as some of the troubles at previous Old Firm games. Exactly 100 years back, for example, fans of both sides rioted for four hours when it was decided extra-time would not be played in a Scottish Cup final replay between the clubs. As the trophy was withheld, troublemakers tore down barricades, lit fires and fought with police and it was a similar story in running battles after the 1980 final at Hampden. Rod Wallace and Jonatan Johansson congratulate Neil McCann on his second goalWhat happened in 1999 has still left a lasting impression though and from Gers' point of view, it was for keeping their heads when others were losing theirs. "It was an incredible match and the whole experience is something I'll never forget," McCann added. "It was the most amazing atmosphere I've ever played in. "I thought it was all going to boil over when Dallas was hit by a coin and a couple of fans started to stream on to the pitch. "I think we were all a bit scared as we thought about the consequences but we had to retain our concentration and just get on with the game. "The majority of the players involved managed to keep their cool but there were a few who lost it. "I didn't understand some of the Celtic players who lost the place because they must have known what was at stake for their club. "Probably the pressure and atmosphere on the night got to them but I was pleased we held it together and I think we deserved our win. "To go there and win the championship was obviously very special for everyone involved with Rangers." For Advocaat, claiming his first title in Scotland gave him the second part of what was to become a magnificent Treble. Lorenzo Amoruso celebrates at the final whistleThe sixth in the club's history, it was completed when Wallace's strike gave Rangers a single-goal Old Firm victory in the Scottish Cup final four weeks later. Advocaat went on to win the league and Scottish Cup again before stepping aside and making way for Alex McLeish to take his place in the hot seat in December 2001. His first campaign was undoubtedly his best at the Ibrox helm and even he couldn't have imagined it going so well. Advocaat said: "It was a big occasion for the Rangers fans to win that game against Celtic and we were very proud to have done that for them. "I was absolutely delighted with the way we both played and controlled ourselves. I think we deserved the championship over the course of that season. "We lost the first game then went top after the third match and from then on we stayed there. We deserved a lot of credit for that. "When you look at what we did in Europe and our triumphs in the championship, Scottish Cup and the League Cup, I don't think it could have gone any better. "I'm a person who likes to win and that year was a good one for me. What we achieved in that season exceeded my expectations."

Charlie Adam last night revealed he will be unable to contribute to Rangers' Clydesdale Bank Premier League title challenge because of red tape over his registration. Adam has been on loan to Blackpool since February but their Coca-Cola Championship season ends against Swansea tomorrow. The 23-year-old midfielder hoped it would free him up to return to Ibrox for their remaining league games and the Scottish Cup final. Adam will return to Scotland days before next weekend's final Old Firm game of the season but has accepted that tomorrow's Blackpool fixture will be the last game he can play this season after looking into his contract situation. advertisement "My contract at Blackpool runs out on June 2," he said. "I had thought that I could go back and play again for Rangers. But the rules are the rules. I think it's because it's two different national associations involved and another international transfer, which means that I can't be registered to play again for Rangers this season. I'm a wee bit disappointed about it, to be honest." Adam made only nine appearances for Rangers this season before leaving on loan but two of those were Old Firm games. Manager Walter Smith appreciated his discipline and defensive work-rate as a wide midfielder and gave him starts at Parkhead in August and again when Celtic were at Ibrox on December 27. It was his last appearance before leaving for Blackpool on the final day of the January transfer window. Since then he has watched from Lancashire as the Old Firm had a 0-0 league draw in February and Celtic beat Rangers in the Co-operative Insurance Cup final the following month. "I came in for the first Old Firm game and we won 4-2," he said. "My last game was the 1-0 defeat. You never want to miss those games. It's been tough not being involved in the big games but I've had major games down here as well, playing for Blackpool against some big sides." http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.2505613.0.Red_tape_scuppers_Adams_Old_Firm_return.php

STEVIE SMITH believes that Rangers now have a winning mentality that will be vital in the SPL title run-in. Steven SmithThe 23-year-old has been impressed with the way his side have battled through adversity to win their last five games in the league and Scottish Cup. Injuries have mounted in recent weeks and Madjid Bougherra will now miss Sunday's crucial showdown with Hearts at Ibrox due to suspension. Walter Smith has had to use utilise his entire squad in games leading up to the split but Stevie is confident whoever steps in to replace his Algerian teammate will give 100 per cent for the cause. He said: "I think the team will go in to the match on Sunday with confidence regardless of who is playing. "In the past four or five games now the boys have shown a determination to win football matches and that has been so important. "Hearts came to Ibrox the last time and sneaked a 2-2 draw but that was a game I thought we played well in, especially in the first-half. "But this weekend's game is a must win situation for us regardless of the result between Celtic and Aberdeen and we will be fully focused on the job. "Everybody always wants to play well and put in a good performance and that would be great on Sunday if we can do that. "But getting three more points is all that matters and if it is a scrappy 1-0 victory I would take that ahead of next week's Old Firm game. Steven Smith in action against Motherwell "We are without Madjid which is a blow; he is a big presence at the back and I think he has been brilliant for us this season. "He wins the ball in the air and can cover a lot of ground with his pace. "He will be a loss but we have players that can come in and whoever takes his place will give everything to help the team. "We have big Lee back in the squad who can fill in and Christian is there as well. "He can play in almost every position; he is a fit guy and has experience of playing in big games. He can come in and handle that no problem at all." Stevie hopes that Rangers can get off to a good start on Sunday and believes his side have the firepower to shoot down Csaba Laszlo's men. He added: "I think we need to start well and get the fans on our side, they will play a big part in the next couple of weeks. "An early goal would be great to settle any nerves but if we don't manage to do that we know we have the players at any stage of a match that can hit the net. "Boydy has been brilliant in recent weeks and if we get the ball to him there is always a chance he will put it away. "But it's great that both Andrius and Kenny scored against St. Miren last week and they will be confident that they can also score given the chance."

It's free to have a go guys

If the MOPES sing this at the youth game,26 seconds in,then I wonder what they would be like if the soldiers were paraded in front of them at Ibrox [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJKjenjiQxc]YouTube - rangers v celtic reserve league clincher 28-4-09 part 1[/ame]

by Lindsay Herron PEDRO MENDES has proved his fitness to be ready for Sunday's vital Hearts clash but it looks like Sasa Papac will miss out. The other good news is that, as reported yesterday, Kyle Lafferty is back in the squad while Lee McCulloch is also available again. Mendes trained with the squad this morning at Murray Park and Smith said: "Pedro, Kyle and Lee are all back with us and they are in the squad for Sunday. "Mendes took a nasty knock last week on the top of the knee but it was just bruising and there was no ligament damage. We will check that there is no reaction but we don't expect there will be and we expect him to be OK. "Papac is a doubt, however, and of course we have Madjid Bougherra suspended so with Kirk Broadfoot still injured we are a bit stretched at the back. "We will miss Bougherra because has been playing very well but the lads who have come in before have done very well. The last time we played Hearts, for example, we had Lee McCulloch and Christian Dailly made up our central defensive partnership so hopefully we won't miss him that much." He has options for the centre back role with Dailly, McCulloch or perhaps Andy Webster coming in for what would be his first top team game of the season. Smith confirmed today that Webster is in the squad and could feature. He said: "Andy will be involved in Sunday's squad. "Obviously his career here has not gone the way he would have wanted it to go and that's down mainly to injury. He has missed most of my time here. He has been fit for the past few months but it takes time to get back into the squad." Papac suffered an ankle gash against St Mirrren on April 5 and it could be that Stevie Smith, who has been playing in midfield, moves back to play in his normal left back slot. DaMarcus Beasley was back in training today but Smith will wait before making a decision on his inclusion. The American was hurt in the same St Mirren game as Papac, suffering rib damage.

Watch the wee ball boy about 10 seconds in.........GIRUY

Listen to the IRA chants about 26 seconds in.............FUCKIN SCUM BASTARDS [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJKjenjiQxc]YouTube - rangers v celtic reserve league clincher 28-4-09 part 1[/ame]

Don't think so mate,I will ask Frankie, in fact we'll probably see you on Sunday but I'll be away working so I can't make it

Aye, now that would be sound,however the wee rangers club is only 10 min away :cheers:

KENNY MILLER has ordered Celtic to quit moaning about the post-split fixture list and rapped: Stop being so PETTY. Hoops chief executive Peter Lawwell is raging with a schedule that sees Rangers play Hearts at Ibrox on Sunday for the third time this season. Lawwell has fired off a letter of complaint to SPL bosses demanding answers. But ex-Hoops ace Miller blasted back: ââ?¬Å?I donââ?¬â?¢t remember anyone complaining too loudly last year when Rangers had a massive fixture pile-up. The lads in our dressing room feel that certainly didnââ?¬â?¢t help in the league. ââ?¬Å?If this is the way it stands then thatââ?¬â?¢s it, but people are being very disrespectful. ââ?¬Å?Hearts aside ââ?¬â? who have got a draw against us at Ibrox already this season ââ?¬â? we have to go back to Easter Road for a third time. ââ?¬Å?The way people are going on about it, you would think we are going to play Hibs believing weââ?¬â?¢ll take all three points and that will be that. ââ?¬Å?We just have to get on with it, but I think some of the complaining that has been done about the fixture list is just petty when you take into consideration some of the things that Rangers had to put up with last year.ââ?¬Â Miller, though, insists Rangers must take a leaf out of Celticââ?¬â?¢s book if they are to win the title. The Parkhead side clinched three in a row last season by winning their final seven games. And Miller added: ââ?¬Å?We want to hit form at the right time and a winning run can do wonders for you. ââ?¬Å?Last year Celtic managed to get their head down and they won seven games at the end of the season. ââ?¬Å?But thatââ?¬â?¢s what we believe we are capable of doing this year. ââ?¬Å?We feel as though we are on a good run and when that happens you feel confident going into every match. ââ?¬Å?We believe ourselves to be capable of pushing on from here. There is no reason why we canââ?¬â?¢t win both the SPL and the Scottish Cup.ââ?¬Â But Miller insists NOTHING will be decided in the May 9 Old Firm clash at Ibrox. He said: ââ?¬Å?We have all seen over the course of this season that both ourselves and Celtic have dropped points both home and away. ââ?¬Å?Winning the league will come down to who is the most consistent side between now and the end of May. ââ?¬Å?The Old Firm game will have a bearing, but there would be no point in winning that one and then dropping points in your next match.ââ?¬Â http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/article2405763.ece

See you next season as well then Cammy

The bitch that recorded that was a bit pissed off !!!, '' that's an absolute disgrace ''...WHY?

ICELAND giant Hermann Hreidarsson is back on Rangers’ radar for a summer swoop. SunSport can reveal Gers scouts watched the Portsmouth ace at Newcastle on Monday night. Ibrox gaffer Walter Smith is a long-time admirer of the rugged stopper, who is out of contract next month. And it’s understood Hreidarsson would snub the chance to stay in England if Gers offer a deal. Hreidarsson turns 35 in July but believes he can follow David Weir and play until he’s close to 40. The superfit star was Iceland’s top performer in two World Cup qualifying defeats to Scotland this season. And he has been a key figure for Pompey since caretaker boss Paul Hart recalled him for the relegation fight. Hreidarsson celebrated FA Cup Final glory a year ago but is ready to embrace a new challenge. He has offers on the table in England as he prepares to end his two-year stay at Fratton Park. But after spells at SIX clubs south of the border, the 6ft 3in star wants a fresh challenge. His agent Olafur Gardarsson told SunSport: “I know Hermann is one of the options Rangers have looked at. “He is out of contract in the summer and already a couple of clubs have said they want to get him on board. “I’m not sure what will happen in terms of Hermann’s future. Only time will tell. “But Hermann likes the idea of playing in Scotland and he would do a good job there. “He has played his club football in England for a long time and this would be something new. “People will talk about his age but his physical condition is fantastic. He can play for another three or four years.” The player wouldn’t cost a penny and his wage demands may not be restrictive as he approaches 35. He can play at left back or centre back and has the vast experience of 82 caps for Iceland. Meanwhile, Gers could have Sasa Papac and Lee McCulloch back for the visit of Hearts on Sunday. But they are still sweating on Pedro Mendes’ fitness. http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/article2405711.ece

By Andrew Dickson ALLY McCOIST is confident Kyle Lafferty can add weight to Rangers' title challenge in the last five league games of the season. The Northern Ireland striker is fit again after he damaged ankle ligaments and he should be in the squad for Sunday's home clash with Hearts. Kyle Lafferty celebrates scoring against HeartsThat's a massive boost for the Light Blues after it seemed the 21-year-old was facing a race against time to be ready for next week's derby with Celtic. Lafferty was showing his best form for Gers before he got injured and had scored three games in as many games as he finally got his chance up front. He'll be bidding to recapture his ruthless streak on his return and Ibrox assistant manager McCoist has backed him to do it. "It's great news for us that Kyle's able to play again," McCoist said. "He has been moving really well and that has been the case for the last seven or eight days now. "He will come back into the reckoning again at the weekend and going into the post-split games, that's a huge positive for us. "The big man was in great form before he got injured and we've been fortunate that Andrius Velicka and Kris Boyd have been scoring goals while he has been out. "Now Kyle can come back in too and I'm hopeful he'll get a few himself. He's a very important player for us and it's fantastic we have him back." Along with Lafferty, Rangers are confident Sasa Papac and Lee McCulloch will be fit for the Jambos' visit. Kenny MillerThe same applies with Pedro Mendes, who is getting better after he was hurt just above the knee during last Saturday's Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren. It is hoped he'll be able to resume training tomorrow after the pain and swelling he was experiencing went down. Another player who might make the starting line-up - possibly even at Lafferty's expense - is his fellow forward Kenny Miller. The ex-Hibs man has been impressive over the last couple of weeks when coming on as a substitute. And having scored his 12th goal of the season against the Buddies five days ago, Miller has certainly given the management food for thought. McCoist added: "Kenny has looked a bit more like his old self again since he came back from his injury. "He has been a lot livelier, quicker and sharper and he came on and scored a good goal at Hampden last week. Stevie Naismith in action against St Mirren"I'd have no qualms about starting him and he's in contention. Andrius has done well but Kenny has given us a nice problem to have." McCoist, meanwhile, has spoken of his happiness for Steven Naismith after he was named in Scotland's B squad for next week's friendly with Northern Ireland at Clyde. The former Kilmarnock striker has struggled to find form but Walter Smith's deputy feels he has been rewarded for the determination he has shown over the last few months. McCoist said: "I'm thrilled for Naisy. He has had a little bit of disappointment lately because he has not been playing every week. "The most important thing from his point of view is that this will give him a boost as it is recognition of all his hard work. "Make no mistake about it, nobody has put in more effort to come back from a serious injury than him and he deserves the call.

By Lindsay Herron RANGERS can boast some fantastic teams in their long history and the class of 1948/49 can certainly lay claim to being one of the best. They became the first Scottish team to complete the clean sweep of domestic honours and today, April 30, is the 60th anniversary of their Treble triumph. Managed by the legendary Bill Struth, Rangers were a formidable force in the immediate post-war era. They boasted the famous Iron Curtain defence - Bobby Brown, George Young, Jock Shaw, Ian McColl, Willie Woodburn and Sammy Cox - and an attacking line that featured Willie Waddell and Willie Thornton. In a fantastic campaign, they claimed the newly introduced League Cup, the Scottish Cup and took the title on an incredible last-day shootout. 1949 Treble captain Jock Shaw and Bobby BrownGoalkeeper Brown is one of only two survivors from this famous team - the other being Sammy Cox - and he recalls their achievements with relish. He said: "The fact that we conceded 16 goals less than any other team was an indication of how strong we were at the back and we were also fortunate not to have any injuries. "We were able to field our strongest team in most of the matches and that was significant. "Of course, we had the Iron Curtain defence at that time. Woodburn was peerless. In the all the time I have been watching football I have never seen a better centre half "Jock was a good captain, an out and out Ranger. He was forever shouting in the field. He was a first class left back and an excellent defender. "I had every confidence in him and if I went out for a cross ball I knew that he and George Young would be behind me." Brown played in every match that season and there was an unlikely twist which set Rangers up for the first leg of the "Triple Crown" as it was referred to in these days. Back in 1948/49 and up until the 1970s the early stage of the League Cup was played in sections and it looked odds on that Celtic, in the same group as Rangers, would come out on top. They had won their opening three matches, including a 3-1 win over Rangers, but then lost 4-2 to Hibs and then, incredibly, lost 6-3 at home to Clyde!Torry Gillick scored in the 1948-49 League Cup final It meant that the final section game between Rangers and Celtic would decide who would go through. A crowd of 105,000 packed into Ibrox to watch the cliff-hanger. Goals from Billy Williamson and Willie Waddell gave Rangers a 2-1 win and pitted them against St Mirren in the quarter-final. A 1-0 victory followed by a 4-1 romp over Dundee in the semi-final set Rangers up for a League Cup Final appearance against Raith Rovers in the spring. Given that the Fifers were in the Second Division at that time, Rangers were expected to win comfortably but Brown remembers that was far from the case, He said: "We were lucky to be drawing 0-0 at half-time because we didn't play particularly well and Raith Rovers had had a goal disallowed. "Torry Gillick scored early in the second half and that settled us down and then Willie Paton scored soon after and we were on our way to the Cup." Rangers' path in the Scottish Cup was much more comfortable. They reached the Final with easy victories over Elgin, Motherwell, Partick and then East Fife in the semi, scoring 17 goals and conceding just one. The Final itself proved no difficulty, Rangers seeing off Clyde 4-1. One curiosity emerged from the match. Billy Williamson, who had scored the winning goal in the previous season's replayed Final against Morton, again found the net, giving him the remarkable record of having played in only two Scottish Cup games, both of them Finals, and scoring on both occasions. The second leg of the treble was now safely at Ibrox, but the odds on winning the Championship seemed stacked against Rangers. Willie Waddell in action against Partick ThistleThe race for the title had been a titanic struggle between Rangers and Dundee. Indeed, Rangers lost 3-1 at Dens Park in the January. Rangers produced a fantastic run of 10 straight victories towards the end of the campaign but Dundee still had the advantage going into the final day. The Dark Blues needed a draw at Falkirk in their final match to clinch it while Rangers travelled to Coatbridge needing a win over Albion Rovers and some help from Falkirk. Incredibly they got both. Rangers did all that they could with Willie Thornton scoring a hat-trick as they won 4-1 Albion Rovers. But the news from Brockville Park was astonishing. Dundee had crashed 4-1. The title and the Treble belonged to Rangers. History had been made. Rangers had been given some help from an old friend. Jerry Dawson, who had starred for them before and during the war, saved a Dundee penalty. Brown said: "It was an incredible last day. We knew what was happening at Brockville and it definitely spurred us on. "Willie Thornton scored three great goals for us and we won our game well." There was a bit of decorum in these days and there were no wild celebrations. The players went for dinner to the now defunct St Enoch's Hotel in Glasgow and manager Struth made a speech. Changed days indeed

STEVEN WHITTAKER believes the Rangers fans can play a major part in helping the club move to the top of the SPL in the next two weeks. Fans at the Scottish Cup FinalThe in-form full back was delighted his side were handed back-to-back home fixtures after the split and insists their support can be the equivalent of a twelfth man when Hearts and Celtic visit the stadium. Walter Smith's men are now at the business end of a dramatic season and go in to the final month high in confidence having won their last four league games on the bounce. But the big tests now lie ahead and Whittaker is fully aware that the team has to show a ruthless streak which, at times, has been missing throughout the campaign. Only last month the Jambos travelled down the M8 for a second time in 2008/09 and, having gone two goals up in a one-sided opening 45 minutes, the Light Blues allowed the visitors back in to the game; an opportunity they gratefully took with both hands. The 2-2 draw was a painful reminder of just how thin the line is between success and failure in the championship race and it highlighted the level of focus that will required from every Rangers player if the League title is to Steven Whittaker celebrates his goal with Pedro Mendes be secured. Steven said: "Our last game against Hearts was definitely a frustrating one as we played really well in the first-half and went in two goals up at the interval. "We were well on top but lost our way in the second and they punished us. "Looking back that result was disappointing for everyone but I think we have learned from it and we were perhaps lucky that we have been able to recover and get back in a decent position in the league. "If we are drop points like that now it will be very costly and there might not be any way back. "But I don't think we can have many complaints about the fixtures we have after the split as we have two massive home games coming up first. Steven Whittaker scores against Hibs"It's crucial we make the most of this advantage and the fact we have 50,000 fans behind us against Hearts this weekend and then Celtic will give all the boys a massive lift." The Jambos have enjoyed a superb season under the guidance of Hungarian gaffer Csaba Laszlo who has brought a mental toughness to a side that was in need of direction. The Tynecastle club is now on the verge of clinching a Europa League slot but still faces stiff competition from Dundee United and Jimmy Calderwood's Aberdeen who take on league leaders Celtic on Saturday at Parkhead. Whittaker has been hugely impressed by the strides made by the Gorgie outfit in the past ten months but is confident Rangers can increase their recent impressive run. He said: "There is no doubt Hearts have talented players in their squad and they have done really well this season. "Guys like Andy Driver and Bruno Aguiar have a lot of ability and can create and score goals. "But you can see from their games that they work hard for each other and the manager had made them difficult to beat. "They lost Christophe (Berra) there and he was a big player for them, a leader, but that it says a lot that they have pushed on and look good to secure third place in the league. "Tynecastle is never an easy place to go to but the fact we are playing them at home should give us an advantage and I am confident we can get all three points on Sunday." With Kirk Broadfoot still sidelined with a foot injury Whittaker will be a key figure in Walter Smith's plans for forthcoming games and the defender has been delighted that fringe stars such as Mo Edu, Steven Smith and Steven Smith trains with Steven Davis and Steven Whittaker Andrius Velicka have also come in and proved their worth to the Gers' squad. He said: "I think these lads have been brilliant for us. "Mo has not featured a lot for us this season and the same can be said for Andrius but both of them have enjoyed a wee spell in the team now and have played well and scored goals. "This will have helped their confidence a lot. I am not surprised that big Andrius has come in and done well; in training he has shown that he can finish and now he is getting the chance to take that in to games. "Steven Smith is another who has come in after being out for so long and you can see how much it means to him to be back in the team at this stage of the season. "He always gives 100 per cent and his performances have been a big boost for the team. Steven Whittaker celebrates his goal"He may not have played on the left side of midfield a lot but he delivers a great cross and definitely gives the manager a different option for this position." This weekend's game against Hearts will be Whittaker's ninth start in a row and he is relishing being part of the club's title charge. He said: "It has been great being involved recently and as a player this is the situation you want to be in. "Every game is a cup final right now and we are still in with a real chance of winning two trophies. "It's an old saying but right now all we can do is take it one game at a time. "I have heard a lot of people saying the Celtic game is the big one but they are all big and we have to try and win them all. "On Sunday we have a big test against a Hearts team that have enjoyed a terrific season. Our first aim has to be to get three points there and then we can focus on Celtic."

I have no doubt Adam could/should become a good player for Rangers,as has already been said it is up to him

A 119th minute goal from Kurtis Byrne has given Hibs a 2-1 victory in tonight's SFA Youth Cup final and secured the Easter Road side a domestic double. SFA Youth Cup 2009After a hard fought 90 minutes that finished 1-1 it looked certain that extra-time would also finish level and that a penalty shoot-out would follow. Byrne however, had other ideas. With only seconds left on the clock the striker made the most of poor marking to head the ball off the underside of the bar in to the net. It was a heart breaking end to the game for Billy Kirkwood's side who had put so much in to this dramatic showdown at Hampden. The first-half failed to live up to pre-match expectations with Rangers struggling to hit top form and Hibs only marginally better. The nearest the Light Blues came to opening the scoring was on 12 minutes when Stephen Stirling whipped in a dangerous corner kick. The ball fell to Danny Wilson in the box but just as the big defender was about to blast the ball in to the net David Wotherspoon came from nowhere to scoop it out for another corner. Hibs then took the lead on 33 minutes and it came from Byrne who had an impressive evening. Archie Campbell, Rangers celebrates scoringWotherspoon found space on the right wing and his dipping cross was blasted home by the Hibs danger man from close range at the back post. Byrne then had a chance to double his side's advantage seconds before the break but his header from a similar delivery lacked the power to beat Adam. Kirkwood would no doubt have had a few words to say to his team after a below par opening 45 minutes and the orders he issued had the desired effect as Archie Campbell was to equalise three minutes after the restart with an excellent goal. The Gers hitman used his electric pace to skip past three defenders before placing a low, left foot shot beyond Thomas Flynn in to the net for his 15th goal of the season. The goal provided hope for the Gers youngster who now had a bit of belief that was missing in the first-half. Byrne, however, was a constant threat and the striker almost caught the Gers defence napping when he swerved an ambitious shot from 20 yards but Adam was there to tip the ball brilliantly away from the top corner. Rangers were to suffer a blow on 68 minutes when the keeper, who was superb throughout, was stretchered off after challenging for a high ball. He was replaced by Latvian Arturs Vaiculis. Kurtis ByrneAt the other end the industrious Gordon Dick, who had earlier gone on for Kane Hemmings, was smashed to the ground by Ewan Moyes as the game's intensity increased. Chances were few and far between in the latter stages although both teams had late scares to deal with. With 90 minutes on the clock Byrne whipped in a great cross but Wotherspoon, who was unmarked, failed to connect with an easy header. In the last seconds of injury time Campbell then darted in to the Hibs' 18-yard box and when he chipped the ball over his Hibs marker the ball appeared to hit an arm, halting the attack. Referee Euan Norris waved away any pleas before signalling for full-time moments later. Extra-time saw both teams trying to desperately to get the goal which would avoid penalties and Hibs persistence paid off when Byrne's last gasp goal snatched a victory and the double for Alistair Stevenson's kids. RANGERS: Adam (Vaiculis 72), Cole, Wilson, Perry, Wylde, Hutton, Stirling, Ness, Naismith (Bagci 83), Campbell, Hemmings (Dick 64) Subs Not Used: McGeoch, Durie HIBERNIAN: Flynn, Park, Booth, Moyes (Welch 111), Russell, Currie, Wotherspoon, Smith, Byrne, Bell (Kelly 87), Deane (Taggart 81) Subs Not Used: Graham, Murray Attn: 4,200

Got a wee sneaky feeling for Arsenal tonight for some reason

Early I know,however I might forget and SA will get upset with me Rangers 3 Boyd, Velicka, Edu Hertz 0

I quite fancy Edu to get a few goals,as long as he stays in the team,he gets himself into good scoring positions.

KRIS BOYD is hoping the Rangers Charity Foundation will benefit from his goal-scoring exploits after signing a specially-commissioned strip to commemorate 100 Rangers goals. Kris Boyd celebrates hitting 100 goals for RangersThe framed top will be auctioned with the proceeds going to the Foundation and assistant boss Ally McCoist - Rangers' greatest goal-scorer of all time with 355 strikes - helped Kris with the launch today. Boyd hit the ton in Saturday's Homecoming Scottish Cup win over St Mirren, achieveing the feat in 146 matches. He has become the 30th Ranger to hit treble figures. McCoist said: "Kris deserves great credit for reaching 100 goals for Rangers. It is a fantastic achievement in such a short space of time and hopefully there will be more to come from him between now and the end of the season. I am delighted for Kris as he has worked really hard at his game and he deserves this recognition. Boyd said: "I am delighted to score 100 goals for Rangers. It is a pleasure to join an exclusive club who have hit the century and I would like to thank my team-mates for setting up so many of my chances. Hopefully I can keep adding to my tally and help Rangers win the SPL title and Scottish Cup this season."

KYLE LAFFERTY has handed Walter Smith a boost ahead of the crucial SPL run in by declaring himself fit for this weekend's Ibrox meeting with Hearts. Kyle LaffertyThe Northern Ireland star has been missing for over five weeks after suffering an ankle injury the last time the Tynecastle club made the trip to Govan. But after fearing that his season was over, the news that Lafferty will now be available for Rangers' final five league matches and the Scottish Cup final will come as a timely lift for the 21-year-old. The eight goal striker has returned to training with the rest of the first team squad this week and hopes to make the bench against Hearts on Sunday. He said: "I've trained with the squad for the second time today and I'm available for selection on Sunday which is a big bonus for me. Kyle Lafferty"When I first got the injury I thought that was my season finished. I kept hearing it would be two months but then when I was told 4-6 weeks it gave me something to aim for. "It's about five weeks since I did it now so I'm really happy with that. I had been doing well in the first 35 minutes or so against Hearts before I came off with the injury and now I'm just hoping to get a run out and maybe a goal at the weekend. "But I think it would be harsh on the lads that have come in if I went straight back in to the starting line up because they have done really well and gone on a great run. "So I know it is going to be difficult to get back in the team. I just have to work hard in training and if I get a chance in the game I need to show what I can do again. "Of course everybody wants to be involved in the run in and if we go about things the right way we should be ok. Hopefully I can play a big part in that now."

I am certain that if Webster is finally clear of his injuries he will be a good player for us and be like a new signing for us