ian1964

Yip, but I never seen him play before he joined Rangers

This is a story of triumph for the human spirit. It is one of blossoming brilliance interrupted by demoralising adversity, yet replenished by courage and hope. It is the story of Steven Smith. Once upon a time, when Alan Hutton was making his tentative first steps as a Rangers first-team player to widespread apathy, Alex McLeish unearthed a left-back so cocksure and steadfast he seemed destined to endure on an international stage. Quick, cunning and adventurous, Smith appeared every ounce the modern, indefatigable wing back. Reared as a centre-forward and chiselled into an energetic midfielder in the youths, he was already regarded as a complete package by the time he made his first-team debut. His ascent was not without struggle or sacrifice. He had been afflicted by a pelvic problem throughout his teenage years, one that was frequently diagnosed but never remedied. Even as a youth, the pain prevented him from playing two games a week, an ominous situation for a young man in the prime of his life. The grinding wear and tear of the footballer's daily regimen necessitated two hernia operations and an endless search across the continent for a long-term solution to a career-threatening malady. advertisement Smith has been fit for as long as he caresto remember but, until he made his return to the first team two weeks ago, he was still being stopped in the street by well-wishers with long memories enquiring as to his condition. "The injury wasn't the hardest thing," hesaid, in the staccato style of conversation that became as much a trademark as whooshing deliveries into the box. "When I was injured I couldn't be picked, so it wasn't much of a problem but, when I was fit and not being picked for a squad of 26 boys, it was hard. It was weird. The manager was taking the whole squad to hotels before the game and to the away games in Europe. I just felt like a fan because I knew there was no chance of being on the bench or being involved. "I've had problems in the pelvic area since I was 16. I had two hernia operations in six months and the second one seems to have fixed it. I went to Belgium for three weeks to do a pre-season and have been all over the place for a cure. I'venot had a problem since I had my second hernia operation." Smith is too proud to indulge in self-pity. He was also too proud to knock on the manager's door for an explanation. Thereis a popular theory that perhaps explains his prolonged absence, injury aside. TheRangers manager prefers his full-backs to be sturdy and reliable first, and attack-minded second. It is why Kirk Broadfoot has prospered over Steven Whittaker. Smith's flaw is his lack of stature, a drawback that would be exploited by opponents. There is another strand to this: Smith is a single-minded and introverted young man, not one for the laddish banter of a first-team dressing room and, thus, a player who, at times, can appear detached from the manly merriment. Listening to him yesterday reaffirmed the belief that Smith is precisely the kind offootballer who deserves career fulfilment. "I didn't keep going to the manager," he said, revisiting his tough period. "I feel that if I show enough in training, I shouldn't have to go and speak to him. Sometimes you have something like a mental block, where you think that nothing you can do will get you into the team. You need to get through that and I'm sure there are a lot of boys at this club who think like that. "You need to come through the other side and I feel like I am doing that just now. I heard a few times that I wouldn't play again at a high level but I knew within myself that if I could get back training, Icould get back playing. It bothered other people more than me." Ironically, but for a conflict in SPL and SFA player registration legislation, Smith would have been a St Mirren player, while Inverness Caledonian Thistle had also enquired about his availability. At the time, he would have gone anywhere to reacquaint himself with competitive football. "I was sitting two or three weeks ago just wondering where Icould go to get a game," he admitted. "Isaid that, with a good pre-season under my belt, I felt I would have a chance of being involved in the first team but I got another injury and by the time I had recovered, the deadline was past. "The next deadline came about in January and I was going to go to St Mirren on loan but the rules prevented it. It was a difficult time. I just wanted to play football but couldn't get out. I spoke to Gus MacPherson on the phone. He told me to come to StMirren and enjoy myself; that was the main thing. I hadn't been enjoying playing with the reserves and I would have liked to go there but the rules prevented it." Would it have led to the severing of his Rangers ties or simply providing a vehicle to complete unfinished business? "I thought if I had gone there for six months and did well Icould have come back here and played. Ijust wanted to play football." Smith regularly punctuates his story with the phrase "back to my old self, again". He is 23. He has, in fact, unveiled a new self. With Sasa Papac a model of consistency at left-back, Smith is the latest - and last - to audition for the apparently cursed role on the left side of Rangers' midfield. Whisper it, but heis the most convincing yet. "A lot of players have played wide left this season and nobody has really held it down," he said. "I've played there before for the reserves and for the first team when I first broke into the team under Alex McLeish. It's nothing new to me." Except it is, of course. Smith deserves his change of fortune. Lesser men would have given up by now. http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.2504190.0.Heres_one_straight_out_of_left_field.php

TOTTENHAM are ready to end Barry Fergusonââ?¬â?¢s Rangers hell ââ?¬â? and team him up with David Beckham in the Premiership. SunSport can reveal Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is preparing to table a Ã?£1million bid for the shamed Gers midfielder. Ferguson, 31, has already been sounded out over a move to White Hart Lane. And the former Ibrox skipper could join AC Milan superstar Beckham in a new-look Tottenham side. The England hero heads back to LA Galaxy at the end of the Serie A campaign. And Redknapp believes he can lure Beckham to Spurs. The gaffer said: ââ?¬Å?He is a fantastic player, but heââ?¬â?¢s playing in Milan or America. ââ?¬Å?I have not thought about David, but it would be disrespectful to say I wouldnââ?¬â?¢t be interested in him, if he is available.ââ?¬Â Ferguson, set to quit Ibrox after the Bevvygate and V-sign shame while on Scotland duty, would jump at the chance to star in midfield alongside Beckham. Walter Smith told Ferguson heââ?¬â?¢d never play for his boyhood heroes again, but the Ibrox gafferââ?¬â?¢s hardline stance has eased. But cash-strapped Gers will listen to offers for Ferguson who is ruled out for the rest of the season with a calf injury anyway. Redknapp is a long-time admirer of the player and wants Fergie on board as he looks to re-establish Spurs as a force next season. http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/article2395446.ece

Kevin Drinkel {sp},Jonaton Johansen,Mols,Rod Wallace

They will probably play Clodwell in midfield

Cheers SA Rangers 3 Boyd, Velicka, Miller St Midden 1

GREGG WYLDE has urged some of his friends at Motherwell FC to keep Rangers U19s title dream alive this afternoon. Greig Wylde in actionThe young Steelman take on title chasing Hibs at 12noon and if their Edinburgh opponents record a win in their final game of the season they will be crowned champions. If, however, they draw or lose at Fir Park this will leave the door open for both Rangers and Hearts to mount a late challenge. Wylde has been in constant contact with one of his best mates, Motherwell midfielder Jamie Pollock, to remind him of the current league situation and he has no doubt they can put a spanner in the works. He said: "It is a big day in terms of the championship and we have to hope Motherwell do us a wee favour. "That game starts at 11am so we will know if Hibs have won the title before we kick-off at 2pm against Aberdeen as will Hearts who are away to Inverness Caley. "Hibs are in the driving seat but they face a really tough game at Fir Park. "Motherwell have shown recently that they are a strong team and I know a few of their boys well, in fact I am going on holiday with their midfielder Jamie Pollock in the summer. Gregg Wylde, Rangers "So I have been texting him quite a lot this week and hopefully he can do us a turn." Rangers, of course, will be focusing on beating the Dons in their penultimate game at Murray Park whether Hibs have already won the title or not. Billy Kirkwood's kids have two games remaining with their final game against Inverness CT on May 9 and the coach wants to see his team take all six points. He said: "There are still a lot of permutations that can happen in the league but the bottom line is that if Hibs beat Motherwell they will win the title. "But regardless we want to see the boys put in a good performance against Aberdeen later in the day and we can't forget they are all playin g for a place in the SFA Youth Cup final at Hampden next week. "If we don't win the title we will look back and be disappointed as some of the games we have had we have not converted the chances we created. "That has been costly but we will wait and see what happens today, you never know what can happen in football." TODAY'S GAMES Motherwell v Hibernian, Fir Park, 12noon Inverness CT v Hearts, Highland Football Academy, 1.30pm Rangers v Aberdeen, Murray Park, 2pm AS IT STANDS P GD PTS Hibernian 21 26 45 Rangers 20 19 40 Hearts 19 22 38

By Andrew Dickson IF there's one man determined to shine in tomorrow's Scottish Cup semi-final with St Mirren, it is Rangers defender Stevie Smith. Brought in from the cold two weeks ago against Motherwell, the 23-year-old has made the most of his unexpected chance in the side with two good performances. Steven Smith trains with Steven Davis and Steven WhittakerSmith has endured a torrid time, spending the best part of two years on the sidelines with pelvic problems then finding himself well out of the first-team picture at Ibrox. But now that he's back in contention again, he doesn't plan to hold back and is eager to claim a long-term place in the side. Although he's a natural full-back, Smith has featured on the left side of midfield and is likely to be deployed there once more against the Buddies at Hampden. He said: "I'm really looking forward to this match. It's a cup semi-final and it's always a massive challenge to get to a final. "From a personal point of view, I never thought I would get a chance to play for Rangers again but I have and I'm thankful for that. "I'm enjoying being back in the team again and if I want to stay here, I have to look upon each chance to play as an opportunity to stake my claim for a long-term place. "I need to play out of my skin, try to stay involved as much as possible and use the situation as it stands to my advantage." Stevie SmithSmith knows St Mirren will be difficult opponents, especially after they beat Celtic 1-0 at Greenhill Road in the last round of the competition. Rangers will go into the game without several players, including Kyle Lafferty, Kirk Broadfoot, Lee McCulloch, Barry Ferguson, Kevin Thomson and DaMarcus Beasley. Those six are all injured while Sasa Papac is suspended and Smith appreciates Saints will be keen to exploit the men from Govan. He added: "I was at our game with them a few weeks ago and while we did well in the first half, they showed a lot of determination in the second. "They came back into the game and impressed me. I saw some of their game last week against Motherwell too and they'll be confident. "Playing at Hampden might be a new thing to their players but that might give them a boost at the same time."

Hampden Park always was Lorenzo’s soil. Big Amoruso never once lost a match with Rangers on the hallowed Mount Florida turf. Anyone who remembers his emotional swansong at the national stadium would have thought otherwise, however, as the Italian stallion wept openly in front of the assembled legions of Rangers fans. That emotional outpouring came after Amoruso’s winning header secured the 2003 Scottish Cup Final against Dundee, bringing down the curtain on an eventful six-year spell at Rangers. The biggest low of that time came when he was deposed as captain by a 22-year-old called Barry Ferguson. Almost a decade on, Ferguson has suffered the same fate. The former Scotland skipper’s ‘Boozegate’ antics alongside goalkeeper Allan McGregor have all but ended his Rangers career, with a torn calf muscle sustained in a reserve match on Tuesday ensuring there will be little opportunity for a spectacular return to favour. Unlike his disgraced successor, however, Amoruso at least had the chance to bid a dignified goodbye to the Ibrox denizens. And the 37-year-old agreed that may be a situation which comes back to haunt Ferguson in later life. ‘You don’t want to finish with Rangers in that situation,’ he said. ‘My last game was special, against Dundee at Hampden in 2003. We secured the Treble — the second of my Rangers career. It was the best way to finish my Rangers career. I went out on a high. ‘There are always consequences to your actions and Barry is old enough to understand that. He is the captain of a big club and the captain of his country. He needed to be an example as a player — and also as a human being. ‘It was a totally different situation when I lost the armband but it will definitely hurt Barry. Just because they take your armband away, it doesn’t mean you stop feeling like a captain. You will still dream, walk, talk and act like a captain, but you are not one any more. ‘You never used to be able to think of Rangers without Barry Ferguson but they have been without him for a few weeks now.’ Amoruso is back in town to promote Sky Sports’ live coverage of his old team’s Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren tomorrow and, unsurprisingly, he revealed that he often endured a fraught relationship with the man who inherited his captaincy. The big Italian, however, will seek out Ferguson this weekend to offer him support in his hour of need. ‘I have a lot of good memories of Barry,’ he said. ‘We definitely had a few arguments because he is a strong character and so am I. He has the kind of spirit you need in the dressing room. It’s all part of being a good team and being a winner. ‘On the pitch, he was a great player. I remember he was fantastic against Paris Saint-Germain in France and also against Celtic on several occasions. ‘After the whole (Boozegate) thing broke, I tried to give Barry a phone but he had changed his number. I didn’t want to phone someone else up to ask for his number so I will make sure I see him myself this weekend. Barry has my full support. I know he made a mistake but I’m sure he would love a second chance. It would be terrific if he stayed but he will have to sit down at the end of the season with the chairman and manager and take it from there.’ Amoruso believes that Rangers’ hopes of stopping city rivals Celtic racking up four titles in a row will diminish if St Mirren knock them out of the Scottish Cup tomorrow. And that is a possibility, he believes, if Walter Smith’s men turn up devoid of a professional mindset. Ferguson limps off in possibly his last game for Rangers Sad ending: Ferguson limps off in possibly his last game for Rangers ‘It’s important that Rangers treat St Mirren with the respect they deserve,’ he said. ‘They have to go to this game with a good attitude. ‘I haven’t seen a lot of St Mirren this year but I know they knocked Celtic out in the quarter-finals — so they must be a good side. ‘Their league position is not great but they are clearly capable of fighting for the cause and they shouldn’t be underestimated. ‘And if Rangers lose, it could be a massive problem for them. But hopefully they will win and then also go on to catch Celtic in the SPL. The league is not over yet — there are still five games to go.’ * Amoruso will be a studio guest for live, high definition coverage of Rangers v St Mirren from 12pm this Saturday on Sky Sports HD1/Sky Sports 1. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1173040/Lorenzo-It-pity-Fergusons-time-Rangers-end-like-this.html

Southampton have been effectively relegated after being docked 10 points by the Football League. The ruling comes after Saints' parent company went into administration, though the club and administrators say they expect to launch an appeal. Four points off safety with two games to go, Saints will lose 10 points if they stay up in the Championship. And if they do not avoid finishing in the bottom three then the points penalty will take effect next season. The south coast outfit had hoped to avoid the punishment as they argued that their parent company Southampton Leisure Holdings plc had gone into administration. 606: DEBATE Let's get behind our club and build for the future WestLondonSaint But a League investigation by "independent forensic accountants" found that the club and the holding company were "inextricably linked as one economic entity" and applied their mandatory penalty. The League also found that: "The holding company has no income of its own; all revenue and expenditure is derived from the operation of Southampton Football Club and the associated stadium company. "The holding company is solvent in its own right. It only becomes insolvent when account is taken of the position of Southampton football club and the other group companies." Report (2 April): Southampton's future in administrator's hands The statement added that there was no alternative other than to invoke the 10-point penalty. It was also revealed that the company commissioned to look into the matter reported that co-operation with them was withdrawn towards the end of their enquiries. Southampton are the fifth Football League team to be deducted points this season - Darlington entered administration, while Luton, Bournemouth and Rotherham were all penalised for coming out of administration without a Company Voluntary Agreement in place, as per the League's insolvency guidelines. The punishment means Southampton are looking at life in English football's third tier for the first time in 50 years. The 1976 FA Cup winners enjoyed a 27-year stay in the top flight before the club were relegated in 2005. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southampton/8014811.stm

An Interesting Concept By Andrew Dickson ALLY McCOIST admits he's keen on proposals to move the Old Firm to a revised Premiership - as long as they can stay involved in Scottish football too. Bolton Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside has suggested revamping the English top flight into two divisions, with Rangers and Celtic being introduced in the second tier. Ally McCoistHis plan has prompted a mixed reaction, as is usually the case when the idea of Glasgow's big two going south is brought up. But McCoist sees it as a positive, so long as Gers are allowed to retain some sort of interest in competitions north of the border as well. He said: "I can only give you my opinion on the subject and I don't know much about it but the concept looks interesting and I certainly think it's worth talking about. "I have to be honest and say there would probably be more negative reaction to it from down south than positive. "There might be some clubs down there who wouldn't like to see us come in if it meant taking their place. "I read a quote from one of the chairmen in England saying that turkeys don't vote for Christmas and I can totally understand that. "All I would say is I think it's something that is worth looking at, although it could be a good bit off yet. "It's very early days in the proceedings but it's something that would interest me, both because of the teams you'd play against and the money aspect. That would be important. "I think it's something that's a possibility but there are a lot of boxes to be ticked and crossed before then. "But it would be great if we could stay involved in Scotland as well because I would hate us to totally lose our identity."

By Andrew Dickson ALLY McCOIST has expressed his sympathy for Barry Ferguson after a torn calf muscle jolted his bid to get back into the Rangers first team. The former club captain feels he will be fit and available again in three weeks after he came off two minutes into Tuesday's 0-0 reserve draw with Hearts at Forthbank. Barry Ferguson, RangersBut the club's medical staff are far less optimistic and expect him to be out for between four and six weeks. If that's the case his season is over and it's a huge setback to the 31-year-old after his recent two-week suspension for his behaviour whilst representing Scotland. McCoist know how much Ferguson will be hurting just now and admitted: "I feel for him. "I was at the reserve game on Tuesday against and with calves, I can tell you better than anybody that they're murder. "Barry reckons he'll be back in three weeks and if that's the case then brilliant but knowing them as I do, I reckon it might be a little bit longer. "It's one of these things - it doesn't rain but it pours for him at the moment but he'll handle it fine. "He'll obviously be disappointed because he wanted to get some match practice and get back into the squad again. "It wasn't to be after he pulled up but he'll knuckle down, have his treatment then look to get into training again then hopefully get back in the squad." There has been speculation about what the future holds for Ferguson, with many coming to the conclusion he'll be sold on in the summer. Ally McCoist and Walter SmithMcCoist refused to be drawn on the issue and simply hopes he becomes available to play for the club again soon. The assistant manager added: "I can understand why people are saying that - that's the nature of the game. "But as far as I'm aware, Barry has a year to go on his contract and if the injury keeps him out for the remainder of the season, that will be a big disappointment to him. "Of course, it will be to us as well because we want all of our best players available and I don't think there's any doubt Barry is one of our best players. "It's a blow to us that he's out but he's got a year to go and hopefully he'll be back before the end of the season."

RANGERS Chief Executive Martin Bain and Manager Walter Smith joined members of the Rangers Assembly at Murray Park last night for the fans' quarterly Assembly meeting. The Assembly was well represented with members of the Worldwide Alliance - including delegates from Northern Ireland, England and Scotland, the Rangers Supporters Association, Rangers Blind Party, Rangers Disabled Club and Rangers Trust - and they enjoyed a positive and productive get-together with the Chief Executive, Manager and staff. Assembly MeetingA wide range of topics were covered as supporters took the opportunity to put their points across and a worthwhile debate took place. Assembly President Andy Kerr reiterated the supporters desire to get behind the team for the remainder of the season, particularly in the Club's SPL games at Ibrox. In order to boost the atmosphere at Ibrox on matchdays, the Club welcomed a supporters' initiative and is encouraging fans to take up the mechanism already in place allowing them to move seats next to the signing section in the Broomloan Front Stand. Season ticket holders wishing to do so for the forthcoming Hearts and Aberdeen games should call 0871 702 1972 before Saturday 25 April. Walter highlighted the importance of the fans at this crucial stage of the campaign and the key role they can play as the team works towards SPL and Scottish Cup success. Off the pitch, the Assembly enquired about season ticket strategy and overall ticket pricing. Fans at the Scottish Cup Final Martin Bain confirmed the Club is continuing its strategy of affordable pricing and added value benefits for fans. Season Ticket prices are frozen for the third successive season and juveniles are continuing to benefit from the third off discount which was introduced last year. The Season Ticket price - which has always been quoted inclusive of VAT - has been frozen, giving a slight financial benefit to the Club with no increase to the fans. Further discussions took place on the allocation of away tickets for supporters clubs which the Assembly and the Club have been working on through regular working group meetings. A new policy has now been agreed and will be in place for next season which should result in a fairer allocation for all concerned. Other topics covered last night included the Club's new home kit and how Rangers could work with supporters clubs in Northern Ireland next season for midweek games which they cannot attend. The fans concluded by wishing Walter and the team success for the remaining games of the season and agreed it was a productive meeting for all concerned with a number of key issues being debated.

by Lindsay Herron KENNY MILLER has revealed he may need some work in the summer to cure a hamstring problem but he is committed to the cause for the run-in. The Scotland striker had been out for over a month when he returned as a substitute in last Sunday's 3-2 win at Easter Road. Kenny Miller, Rangers celebrates his second goalNow he is ready to play on until the end of a campaign he hopes results in Rangers clinching a League and Cup Double. He told Rangers World: "I felt a lot better last Sunday and in training. I have been taking some medication that the doctor has given me and it seems to be working. "It's going to get me through to the end of the season but at that point we need to try to find a permanent solution. "I'm hopeful that the treatment I am getting at the moment will mean I can continue to train and play and be involved in the run-in. "Then in the summer I will get to the bottom of it." Miller is in the running for a slot in Saturday's lunchtime Homecoming Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren and he insists Rangers are hungry for success. He said: "It's a massive one. Losing in the Co-operative Insurance final was a big blow for us so the next thing you set your sights on is the League and Scottish Cup Double. "We have a good chance of doing that and St Mirren are standing in our way. "Any semi-final is tough but if we apply ourselves and play the way we can I'm sure we can get through. "Any time you play at Hampden it's something special whether it's with Rangers in a semi-final or final or with Scotland.Kenny Miller "It's a special place to play. You always dream about playing there. "They have done well. They have some really good players and they caused us a few problems a couple of weeks ago. "I'm sure they will think their name is on the Cup if they beat us having already beaten Celtic but we want to make sure that doesn't happen. "However, it we play to our capabilities we should have enough."

by Thomas Jordan BARRY FERGUSON is still clinging on to the hope he will play again this season for Rangers. The midfielder sustained a calf injury in a reserve outing against Hearts and limped off after just 90 seconds - his first action since the Booze-gate affair which saw him and keeper Allan McGregor suspended for two weeks. Ferguson's worst fears were confirmed when scans revealed he had suffered a tear, but Ibrox assistant manager Ally McCoist has revealed the player himself could return to full fitness before the end of the campaign. advertisement He said: "Barry feels he could be back playing in around three weeks' time. If that is the case then fantastic. "But, speaking as someone who has suffered those injuries during my own playing days, they can be difficult injuries to recover from in such a short space of time. He'll be coming in for treatment every day and we'll see what progress he makes. "It never seems to rain but it pours for Barry. But if he could get himself back fit again then it would be great to have him available for selection again before the end of the season. "You need all your best players at this stage and there is no doubting Barry is one of our best players." McCoist also insisted he hopes Kirk Broadfoot remains at Rangers despite reports he has been informed he can leave. He added: "I'm certainly not aware of that being the case. I would hope Kirk's representatives sit down with our people and they can come to some sort of agreement to keep him here, but he still has a year to run after this season." http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/display.var.2503879.0.0.php

Breaking News: Barry Ferguson tells Rangers he could be back in action in three weeks... more soon http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/

Wouldn't mind either @ Ibrox

He has been playing in USA, Mo Johnston recommended him to St Mirren

By Andrew Dickson ALLY McCOIST insists Rangers have no complaints about how they'll end the SPL - because they'll have to earn the title regardless of who or where they play. With three home games after the split - including one against Celtic - and no trip to Tynecastle, there's an argument that Gers' finishing schedule could have been harder. Ally McCoistMcCoist isn't one who subscribes to that theory and he's adamant it would have been tough for them however the remaining five fixtures had panned out. The Light Blues are currently one point behind Celtic at the summit, having recorded four consecutive league wins for the first time since September. In their best form for several months, they are confident of reclaiming the championship despite occupying second place rather than first at this stage. After this weekend's Scottish Cup semi-final with St Mirren at Hampden, the Ibrox outfit will focus on how to win their 52nd Scottish flag over the following month. They'll start the run-in by hosting Hearts and their Old Firm rivals, with the visit of Aberdeen sandwiched between trips to Hibernian then Dundee United on the last day. It goes with the territory that the split after 33 rounds of matches causes controversy and there's usually somebody left unhappy with how it works. But McCoist is keen to avoid getting caught up in pros and cons, concentrating instead on how to go about ensuring Rangers finish the competition with silverware in their grasp. "The split is what it is and you can mump and moan about things all you like," he said. "You just have to take your chances with it when you get them. Ally McCoist and Walter Smith"Everyone plays against each other once when the top six break away and you need to get on with it. Sometimes it works for you and sometimes it doesn't. "People will always find something to complain about but I'm certainly not doing it. We're happy with how the last five matches have worked out. "The SPL do their best to accommodate everybody and while we'd rather play our last game at home, we haven't got that. That's fine and we'll just see what that brings us. "All of our matches will be tough, no matter where they are played, so we'll just roll our sleeves up, get on with the task in hand and hope that we win the league in the end. "We are going to have to do it the hard way by going to the likes of Easter Road and Tannadice and having to beat Aberdeen, Hearts and Celtic again. "But you must earn the championship. If we want to win the title, we'll have to show what we're made of. "That'll be the case wherever we have to go and whoever we play and we've no qualms with how the fixtures have panned out."

Stomach churning,MOPES...........MOPES.........MOPES...........MOPES

Just in case anybody has not seen the goals yet..................like me!!! http://www.football.virginmedia.com/page/Football/Headlines/0,,12555~1635215,00.html

http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=10223&page=12

PETER LAWWELL has boasted that Celtic are wanted all over the world � as he revealed a stunning pre-season schedule. http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/article2391294.ece

CELTIC are ready to square up to Rangers in a Ã?£750,000 fight for Andy Dorman. SunSport can reveal that the Hoops are keen on the on-form St Mirren midfield ace. Dorman, below, is in the form of his life, bagging eight goals in his last 12 games. He has just one year left on his Saints deal and has already attracted interest from both sides of the border. Bolton and Sheffield United have been linked with him and Gers have also watched Dorman, who is 27 next week and will face them in Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final. Now Gordon Strachan is understood to be considering a summer move for the English-born ace, with Shunsuke Nakamura ready to leave Celtic Park this summer and Italian flop Massimo Donati also on the way out. Paul Hartley has still to win an extra year on a contract which expires this summer. http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/article2391183.ece

By Andrew Dickson BARRY FERGUSON'S season is over after a scan revealed he suffered a torn calf muscle in yesterday's reserve game against Hearts. Barry Ferguson in action at Forthbank before he limped offThe former Rangers captain limped off after two minutes of the 0-0 draw with the Jambos at Stirling Albion's Forthbank Stadium. Ferguson has since been assessed by medics and test results have shown he has a small tear in his right calf. As such, he is expected to be out for between four and six weeks and that rules him out of the title run-in. That's a huge blow for the 31-year-old, who had been keen to re-establish himself in the Light Blues squad after his recent two-week suspension. Ferguson joins a string of other Rangers players who are currently unavailable because of various problems they have. Kevin Thomson, Kirk Broadfoot, DaMarcus Beasley, Lee McCulloch, Kyle Lafferty and Sasa Papac are all injured at present.