ian1964

JOHN FLECK took the next step in his blossoming career on Saturday when he made his Scotland under-21 debut in Elbasani's Ruzhdi Bizhutu Stadium and he hopes to get another run-out for Billy Stark's team tonight at the Falkirk Stadium. John FleckThe 17-year-old came off the bench in the 80th minute as the young Scots ran out 1-0 winners in the first of two European Championship 2011 group qualifiers against Albania. It was the perfect start for the country's talented kids and they will be looking for a similar result tonight in their second Group 10 fixture. Facing the Albanians was have been a massive boost to Fleck who burst in to Walter Smith's first-team plans earlier this year before taking a slight dip in form which happens to most young stars. After scoring his first senior goal against Dundee United on January 31 John was being tipped for global stardom by sections of the media but the player himself has kept his feet firmly on the ground and realises his first goal is to become an established first-team star at Rangers. He said: "In the past couple of years there has been a lot written and said about me and there is even more now that I have moved in to the first-team. "It is great that people are interested but I let a lot of it go over my head. "I think the most important thing when you are my age is to keep your head down and just focus on trying to play football. "There can be a lot of things happen around you but I just want to do my best at Rangers and keep improving." Despite only making eleven appearances for the Gers' top team to date rumours started back in February that Fleck could be in line for a shock call-up to George Burley's full international squad with the coach admitting he was monitoring his progress. John, however, was delighted to be selected for the country's under-21s and insists this has been the best step for his career. He said: "At times I think people do expect a lot from me but that is something you have to get used to when you are at a club like Rangers. "I have loved the experience of playing in the first-team recently but there was a couple of games where I didn't play as well as I want to. "That has been frustrating but I am still learning and I am sure the consistency will come with the more experience I get." John has not featured in the top team since March 4 against Inverness Caley Thistle but he is fully aware that patience is an important ingredient for any young player at a major club. He said: "The past few months have seen me take a few big steps in that I have played in some big games with Rangers and scored my first goal for the first-team. "I have also been picked for the under-21s and made my debut so I am delighted with the way things are going. "At the same time I know that all the hard work starts here and although I have played against the likes of AC Milan, Celtic, Aberdeen and Dundee United I need to be more consistent. "When you are young your form can go

by Lindsay Herron STEVIE NAISMITH is being given another reserve run-out today when he hopes to prove he is ready for a top team return at Falkirk on Sunday. The former Kilmarnock striker has been finding it hard in recent weeks to get into the action, although he did come on as a sub against Hearts on March 21. Tommy WilsonHowever, with Kyle Lafferty now missing with an ankle injury for at least three weeks it could be a chance for Naismith to stake his claim. The 23-year-old scored twice on his last reserve outing when Tommy Wilson's side defeated Hibs 2-1 on March 10. And he is liable to lead the line with Stevie Lennon today when Rangers meet Falkirk Reserves at Murray Park. Wilson's squad is stretched with so many reserve players on loan and two more joined the list yesterday when Steven Kinniburgh joined St Johnstone and Ross Harvey moved to Brechin City. With the international break there are also a number of other players unavailable so Wilson will have a young side out full of under-19 players. Graeme Smith, Stevie Smith and Brahim Hemdani from the first team squad will play. Rangers have the chance to cut Celtic's lead at the top to five points and they still have a home game to come against their Old Firm rivals so there is still plenty to play for. Wilson said: "We have quite a few lads missing and with so many reserve players on loan it makes it difficult. "Players like Aaron, Maurice Edu and Andrius Velicka would all probably have played but they are away so we have to juggle a bit. "The good thing about having the boys on loan is that if gives them a lot of experience and that's important. "However, at the same time we have to try to win Reserve matches. Hopefully the team we put out will be able to do that." Kick-off at Murray Park is 1pm.

I remember Nilis, quality player

By ROGER HANNAH Published: Today rigTeaserImage BARRY FERGUSON could have played his last game for Scotland ââ?¬â? after being axed by George Burley last night. Skipper Ferguson and his Rangers team-mate Allan McGregor were booted out after an early-morning bevvy session on Sunday. SunSport can reveal boss Burley has binned the pair for tonightââ?¬â?¢s do-or-die World Cup crunch against Iceland at Hampden. Ferguson, 31, and McGregor, 27, joined team-mates for drinks at posh Cameron House Hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond early on Sunday. Burley sanctioned the post-match bonding session, but was left in a rage when it carried on for several HOURS. Itââ?¬â?¢s believed he has spent the last 48 hours pondering a punishment for the Ibrox duo. Fergusonââ?¬â?¢s sensational axeing casts huge doubts over his future with Scotland. He has played just once for Burley in the last 14 months and, despite winning 45 caps, he has never won over the Tartan Army. McGregor, who will be replaced between the sticks by Craig Gordon, has won only four caps. The SFA refused to comment on the boozing claims last night, although chief executive Gordon Smith will come under pressure to make a statement today. Burley will also have to address the incident after tonightââ?¬â?¢s must-win clash. But it is the biggest gamble of his managerial career. Burley will now rip apart the side which plunged to defeat in Holland. Alan Hutton will replace the crocked Graham Alexander at right-back, while West Bromââ?¬â?¢s James Morrison will take Fergusonââ?¬â?¢s place in midfield. Fit-again Stephen McManus will replace Christophe Berra and also be handed the captainââ?¬â?¢s armband in Fergusonââ?¬â?¢s absence. Steven Fletcher is expected to take Gary Tealeââ?¬â?¢s place. Before the sensational row blew up last night, Burley insisted he would not be scared to axe any of his top stars. He said: ââ?¬Å?Itââ?¬â?¢s a one-off game, a cup final for us, and Iââ?¬â?¢ll pick a one-off team to win the match. ââ?¬Å?These are going to be key decisions, big decisions. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m not going to speak about individuals, but every position is under consideration. Iââ?¬â?¢ll speak to the players in the morning. ââ?¬Å?I had to make hard decisions when we faced Iceland in Reykjavik, but I picked the team that was right and I had no regrets. I will have no regrets this time either. I will back my own judgement. It will simply be what I think will be the best team to win. ââ?¬Å?As a manager, you canââ?¬â?¢t please everybody.ââ?¬Â The absence of Ferguson ââ?¬â? and the circumstances surrounding his exit ââ?¬â? will cause most controversy. Advertisement First capped more than a decade ago, his dreams of a place in the SFA Hall of Fame ââ?¬â? and playing at a major finals ââ?¬â? may now go unfulfilled. He has been capped by FIVE different Scotland bosses ââ?¬â? Craig Brown, Berti Vogts, Walter Smith, Alex McLeish and Burley. Heââ?¬â?¢s also won every domestic honour in Scotland, led Gers into the UEFA Cup Final and twice been honoured as Player of the Year. Itââ?¬â?¢s unclear what the future holds for Ferguson with regard to Scotland as Burley's own job could depend on tonight's result. Defeat or a draw against Iceland would almost certainly end hopes of qualifying for the World Cup Finals in South Africa next summer. SFA chief executive Smith and president George Peat handed the ex-Hearts gaffer the national team job until the end of the qualifying campaign. But if it comes to a premature end this evening, it's certain to prompt calls for the gafferââ?¬â?¢s head after just nine matches in charge. And any future Scotland boss would then have to decide whether to bring Ferguson and McGregor, as well as Kris Boyd, back into the fold. Itââ?¬â?¢s believed the manager is aggrieved that players abused the trust heââ?¬â?¢d placed in them and feels badly let down. A peace pact between Burley and the axed aces canââ?¬â?¢t be ruled out.For now, though, Scotland must enter the most important game of Burleyââ?¬â?¢s reign without their most experienced and influential player. http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/article2353364.ece

STEVEN Kinniburgh is expected to complete a loan move to St Johnstone this afternoon that will see him spend the final few months of the season in Perth. The left back will hope to feature for Derek McInnes's title chasing side as they aim to return to the SPL next season. Kinniburgh joins a host of reserve team players that are currently gaining experience away from Murray Park with Ross Harvey also added to that list today as he joins Second Division Brechin City. Harvey and Kinniburgh are the latest to leave temporarily to earn first team football, following in the footsteps of Lee Robinson, Willie McLachlan, Jordan McMillan, Andrew Shinnie, Georgos Efrem, Dean Furman and Rory Loy. Scott Gallacher, Paul Emslie, Steven Lennon and Alan Lowing have also now returned to the club after loan periods earlier in the season. Kinniburgh, who has made seven reserve appearances for Tommy Wilson's side, will hope to impress during his time in Perth as he prepares to enter the last year of his contract with Rangers in the summer.

I was going to suggest '' Mallet '' as in Timmy, but I don't think BD would take to kindly to being called '' Timmy ''....................

It was the same with bringing Hutton on IMO, when did Hutton last play a competitive match ?, don't get me wrong the guy is a cracking player and I'm glad to see him back from injury, but Burley refused to play Boyd for not playing well with Rangers !!!!!!, he calls up Whittaker and then throws on a player who is hardly match fit !!!!

You put your left hand up, You put your right hand down, The ball flies past and you look like a clown You do the holy goalie and you turn around, Next thing your 3-1 down Ohhhh Artur Boruc....ohhhh Artur Boruc!

Store club will do

John Fleck and Rory Loy both came on as substitutes as Scotland under-21s, with Andrew Shinnie in their ranks, secured an excellent 1-0 away win over Albania.

Ah well it's got to be done , I thought you didn't care too much for the international scene

Is this game on sky ?

Scotland were taught a lesson inside the Amsterdam ArenA. The 3-0 defeat inflicted on George Burley's beaten-up side in World Cup qualification Group 9 was only part of the education. George Peat, in his traditional sit-down with Sunday newspapermen on these jaunts, bemoaned the state of Scottish football from the senior game to grass roots. The subtext was: in times of financial hardship, for how much longer will supporters continue to pay over the odds for the dross served up on the pitch and in the pie stalls? It is hard to disagree. His challenge as president of the Scottish FA is providing a viable solution via his newly formed working group. Emulating the Dutch philosophy is a good start. These guys know how to put on a show. The home of Ajax is a thrilling venue for international football, a space-age dome that resembles a prop from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The pre-match entertainment ensured the majority of the 70,000 support were in place at least an hour before kick-off. advertisement A sound system blaring out an agreeable shuffle of 80s electro pop and stadium rock anthems helped the revelry along and an airing of 500 Miles not only involved the Tartan Army in the shindig but evoked a communal karaoke that put a smile on the face of even the most cynical and weary international traveller. As well as providing one of the most talented teams on the planet, the KNVB did not take the football for granted. As a result, they ought to be commended for contributing to a kaleidoscope of colour. Their fans were the highlight of Euro 2008, kitted out head to toe in fluorescent orange, drinking merrily, but not to excess, and generally enhancing the reputation of their country's sublime team. If only the Tartan Army had such self-control. Dam Square resembled a battleground before and after the game, strewn with kilted casualties to the local nectar. There is a fine line between banter and breach of the peace and while the majority enjoyed themselves responsibly, there remains a core of Scotland fans who heap embarrassment on their country. Starved of success for so long, they are now complicit in this barren era for their acceptance of the team's failings. In short, for many the opportunity to sample a new mixture of hops and barley takes priority over the football. The beer blocks out the expectation. A similar resignation has become apparent domestically. Supporters have wearily accepted the grubby nature of the country's primary sporting pursuit and have perpetuated the downturn by not voting with their feet. This summer is expected to be a watershed for Scottish football. It can only be hoped Peat and the other hierarchical figures heed the warning. Football fans from the Old Firm down are given no real value for money, with the odd laudable exception. Clubs are now reaping a bitter harvest after decades of reckless spending on mediocre players to the detriment of their stadium, catering and customers. It is a bugbear that clubs continue to take their supporters' cash for granted. They moan that they cannot get enough through the gates yet provide little to entice them from a young age. The Old Firm have been oversubscribed with season ticket requests but that trend will change if the standards continue to plummet. The relationship between player and punter has never been so distant. Public relations departments put up a needless partition by treating average talents as precious, untouchable ornaments to admire but not touch. If football wants to be loved again, it has to open up. They have to actively end the trend of fans arriving at 3.05pm and rushing for the exits with 10 minutes to go. They can start - Old Firm included - by making their players available in fan zones an hour before kick-off. Scott Brown and Barry Ferguson are injured? Their turn to take part in a mini coaching clinic outside the ground, a meet-and-greet for competition winners, an autograph here, a photograph there. Real PR, week after week. Provincial clubs are losing their local fans? Get into primary schools, help out the school teacher/school team manager once a week and promote the brand around the ground with mini crossbar challenges, face-painting in club colours - anything to get the kids to come back and feel the club is part of their community, not just a drain on daddy's dwindling disposable income. If the clubs claim they don't have money to throw at marketing, then the SPL should have the spine to contract out to an event management team capable of enhancing the product and mending the broken relationship between clubs and their audience. While we are at it, why not get the government's backing by doing away with the artery-clogging menus and looking after the customer's health while ripping them off at the kiosks? The standard of football may not have evolved but eating habits have moved on from war-time favourites such as mutton pie and Bovril. Scottish football needs a radical overhaul but improving the stunted development is only part of it. If the clubs continue to drag their heels, maybe an opportunist entrepreneur will step forward and seize the moment. In the meantime, the fans can play their part by demanding improvement, even if it means staying away in droves until the message finally hits home. n And another thing Your intrepid reporter confounded sleep deprivation and the Amsterdam red-eye flight to score (admittedly from two yards out) in Jackton Allstars' narrow 3-2 defeat to a Tommy Sheridan-inspired East Kilbride News Select. The teams, including John Hartson, John Brown and a still silky Frank McGarvey, helped raise �£1600 for Kilbryde Hospice and the EK News Toy Appeal. http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.2498597.0.Scottish_football_needs_a_radical_overhaul.php

SKY SPORTS' 'Time of our Lives' series continues tonight with a special programme about the Rangers team that won the 1972 European Cup Winners' Cup. 'Kings of Ibrox' will celebrate the remarkable achievements of the side managed by Willie Waddell some 37 years ago at 10pm this evening on Sky Sports 1. Sandy JardineIn the programme, club legends John Greig, Sandy Jardine and Derek Johnstone all join Jeff Stelling for a considered stroll down memory lane. They'll look back to the tumultuous events of 24 May 1972, when the Light Blues beat Moscow Dynamo 3-2 in Barcelona to claim their first European trophy. As well as the final itself, the three Hall of Famers will reminisce about the managerial techniques of former boss Waddell. Greig and Jardine will also discuss the heartache of losing to Bayern Munich in the final of the same competition five years earlier in Nuremburg. And all three will recall an incredible European night in Glasgow when they got their revenge against the Germans in front of 80,000 fans at Ibrox. 'Kings of Ibrox' is something you won't want to miss so make sure you tune in to relive the club's biggest achievement on the continental stage.

RANGERS' Scotland stars were hurting in Holland last night as they went down 3-0 in the Amsterdam Arena. Barry Ferguson captained the side, Allan McGregor was helpless to prevent the three goals and Kenny Miller missed a decent chance early in the game. Barry Ferguson and Scott Brown were left disappointed in AmsterdamThe Dutch were a class above but the Scots were incredibly denied a perfectly good goal when Gary Caldwell headed into the net. French refree Laurent Duhamel implied there had been some impeding of the Dutch keeper Maarten Stekelenburg. No-one else could see it and moments later the Dutch wrapped the game up with a Dirk Kuyt penalty, Former Rangers striker Ross McCormack was also in the side while Alan Hutton got on for the last 20 minutes. That's good news with Wednesday's infinitely more important tie with Iceland coming up at Hampden. Meanwhile Rangers youngster Andy Little was in dreamland last night as he came on for his first Nothern Ireland cap.Andrew Little Little, who has yet to play in the Ibrox first team, got the last few minutes as Northern Ireland defeated Poland 3-2 to give themselves qualfication hope. Steve Davis was suspended for the game but will come back in for Wednesday's game with Slovenia. Meanwhile DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu were both in action for the United States, who had to come back from two down to earn a 2-2 draw with El Salvador in San Salvador. Beasley played the whole game while Edu was a late substitute for Michael Bradley. The result keeps the Americans in ideal shape for qualification for South Africa, DaMarcus Beasley in action for the United StatesAlthough unavailable for Rangers for the past two matches, the Co-operative Insurance Cup Final and the 2-2 SPL draw with Hearts, Madjid Bougherra played the whole match for Algeria yesterday as they drew 0-0 with Rwanda in Kigali in the opening match of their qualification process. That will be good news for Walter Smith who will expect Bougherra to be back in harness for next Sunday's resumption of the SPL at Falkirk. John Fleck and Rory Loy both came on as substitutes as Scotland under-21s, with Andrew Shinnie in their ranks, secured an excellent 1-0 away win over Albania. The two countries meet again on Wednesday at the Falkirk Stadium.

Great result today for the young guys, I could not make it myself, but I look forward to Cammys' match report

RANGERS Charity Foundation manager Connal Cochrane has scooped his second award of the last six months thanks to his personal commitment to charity and the community. Connal picked up the prize in the individual contribution category at the Evening Times Community Champion Awards for his work in the Govan and Craigton area via the Rangers Charity Foundation and for the personal fundraising challenges he has undertaken. Connal CochraneIn 2008 he climbed 100 Munros over the course of the year, each one sponsored by a Foundation supporter, and raised �£7,000 personally. In addition, a group of Rangers fans and Foundation supporters climbed Ben Lomond with Connal in May 2008 and raised over �£8,000 collectively. This event was so successful that the Rangers Charity Foundation is running it again this May. If you are interested in participating click HERE for further details. In February 2009, Connal and eight other Rangers staff and supporters completed a 200km dog sled challenge across the frozen wilds of Norway, north of the Arctic Circle, to raise funds for the Rangers Charity Foundation. The challenge was an arduous test of endurance and team work, with the participants facing ice, snow, extreme weather conditions and temperatures as low as minus 30�ºC. Connal's work has impacted hugely on the immediate community, particularly via the launch of a Community Grants scheme for the local Govan area. Connal's successful fundraising resulted in the Foundation being able to extend its grant making activities to create this new scheme in 2008. Connal Cochrane, Martin Bain, Alex Rae, Jacqui Gourlay and Debbie McRae on the Rangers Arctic ChallengeConnal developed the blueprint for and launched the initiative which saw local charities and community groups in the Govan and Craigton area benefit from grants of between �£500 and �£3,000. In 2008, 15 groups benefited to the tune of �£28,000 in total and the scheme has recently opened its doors for application for 2009, with a view to granting a further �£25,000 this season. Applications will be accepted until Friday 17th April and anyone interested can contact Connal at the Foundation for further information on 0141 580 8776. Connal Cochrane also won the prestigious Institute of Fundraising Scotland's Fundraiser of the Year Award 2008. He was again singled out from a record number of entries for his personal commitment. For further information on the work of the Foundation, visit our website at http://www.rangerscharity.org.uk.

It certainly would have been a fantastic signing, he would probably have only been here for one season before moving onto to Arsenal or some other big team

There is no chance of either happening, I still support Scotland and love to see them do well and do get a bit dissapointed when they get beat, however Rangers all the way for me

JOHN FLECK has enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom with Rangers this season but the talented youngster is more than happy to take his international career one step at a time. After scoring his first top team goal from the penalty spot against Dundee United on January 31 there were suggestions that John, 17, could be included in George Burley's 'A' squad for the country's forthcoming European Championship qualifiers against Holland and Iceland. John FleckAlthough he would have been as proud as punch to be selected for fixtures of this importance the talented teen always knew his chances would be slim despite many people tipping him to blast on to the international stage like a Wayne Rooney or Michael Owen. This, of course, is a rarity and last week Fleck was over the moon to be picked by Billy Stark for the Scotland under-21 squad that will take on Albania home and away over the next seven days. Having only made six starts at senior level in a Light Blue jersey John has no doubt that being part of this set-up will be hugely beneficial to his development and he couldn't wait to meet up with his new under-21 colleagues earlier this week. He said: "It's great for me as a young boy to be picked at this level. "We have two big games coming up against Albania and I have to thank Billy Stark for giving me this chance. "There was a lot of talk about me possibly being selected for the top team but I think being with the 21s is the right step for me. "People were saying I could play against Holland this weekend but to be honest I never listen to things like that. "I am still only 17 and have just broken in to the first team at Rangers. "Right now I am just very pleased to be picked the 21s for the first time and if I can make my debut even better." Fleck is one of four Murray Park kids to travel to Albania this week for the first of two European Championship qualifiers and he was joined by goalkeeper Scott Gallacher midfielder Andrew Shinnie and striker Rory Loy. The 2009 European Championship finals will be played this summer in Sweden but with Scotland failing to progress they will now get their qualifying campaign for 2011 underway on Saturday in Elbasani's Ruzhdi Bizhutu John FleckStadium with a return clash at the Falkirk Stadium being played on April 1. John is confident his side can start their qualifying group, which also includes Austria, Belarus and Azerbaijan, off to a flyer by taking full points. He said: "When you look at the squad we have there are a lot of lads playing first-team football every week so I won't be going there expecting to start or anything like that. "When we meet up I will try to impress the coach like everybody else and if I play I will do my best to help the team. "Over the years I have played for Scotland at different levels and when you pull on the jersey it makes you very proud. "If I get that chance again in the next week or so it will be a big thing for me so I will give 100 per cent and hopefully we can get a couple of victories. "I would be lying if I said that I knew anything about Albania but if we play well I am sure we can do well and get a couple of good results. fleck old firm_160"At international level you can never underestimate any team, I am 17 and already I know that, but I always try to be confident going in to every game no matter who it is against." John will use his time with Scotland to catch up with two of his Gers teammates Shinnie and Loy, both of whom are enjoying successful loan spells at Dundee and Dunfermline. He said: "It's great that there are a few of us from Rangers in the squad. "Scott is obviously a talented keeper while Andrew and Rory have been doing very well on loan and have been involved in big games. "So being with the under-21s will be a great experience and we will all be desperate to make the most of it." In what is a complex European Championship U21 qualifying system for 2011, ten group winners and the four best runners-up advance to a Final Tournament Play Off stage which will take place between the 9th and 13th of October 2010. The final tournament will then be played between the 12th and 25th June 2011.

Go to bed young man...........with no supper

I might go through, maybe Frankie & Johnnyk will go ?

RANGERS' under-19s will be looking to progress through to the final of this season's SFA Youth Cup when they take on Inverness Caley Thistle at Ibrox Stadium on Saturday. The Light Blues are looking to lift the famous trophy for the third season in a row but will need to overcome a Caley side that put Celtic out of the tournament at the quarter-final stage after a tense penalty shoot-out. The tunnel at Ibrox SatdiumBilly Kirkwood's side warmed-up for the cup-tie with a friendly against Hearts at Murray Park on Saturday and the 2-1 victory boosted confidence after the disappointing 3-2 league defeat to Hibs on March 13. Goals from Kane Hemmings and Jamie Ness were enough to secure a morale-boosting win over the Jambos. But this weekend is all about the Cup and Kirkwood is looking for his side to put on a good display on home soil. He said: "It's nice for the boys to be getting back on to Ibrox again. "Playing at the stadium is a big thing for them and it's great for us, the coaches, to see them in action on a stage like that. "On the day they need to make sure they don't get too nervous and overawed but having played there twice already in the cup, and beaten Brora Rangers and Dumbarton, I don't think this will be the case." Archie Campbell The 19s drew 1-1 with Inverness earlier in the season and Billy insists his team will need to be at their best if they are to reach the final at Hampden in April. He said: "Inverness have been watched a few times now and they caused us a few problems at Murray Park when we drew 1-1 in the middle of November. "On that day we had a very good first-half but didn't convert the chances which would have put us in a commanding position. "Inverness came back strongly and got a point and we were actually hanging on at the end. "So we are not expecting anything other than a very tough game and we will need to be at our best if we are to progress. "Caley showed their strength by putting Celtic out in the previous round. "From all the accounts they deserved to go through albeit the game went to penalty kicks. Kane Hemmings"But we are looking forward to the challenge and fingers crossed we can book a place in the final." With Rangers' first-team not in action this weekend a big crowd is expected to turn out to watch the 19s in action and Kirkwood is looking for his side to rise to the occasion. He said: "The boys have shown that they are comfortable playing at Ibrox but at other times you can see a wee bit of nervousness in their play. "In our third and fourth round matches against Brora Rangers and Dumbarton we played well and were obviously delighted to win 6-0 and 3-1 but there was still room for improvement. "We then faced Motherwell at Fir Park at the quarter final stage and that was an unforgettable match. "Kal Naismith scored a screamer with seconds of the 90 minutes remaining to make the score 3-3 and he then bagged another to take us through. Billy Kirkwood "On that day we were resilient and we will need that again this weekend against Caley. "We will be looking for a good performance but we will take any result as long as we go through." Hibs and Falkirk will do battle in the second semi-final on Sunday and Kirkwood believes this will be another interesting contest between two good teams. He added: "Hibs are doing very well right now in the league but credit to Falkirk as they have put together a good run of results recently. "It will be an interesting game there because Falkirk beat Hibs recently in a league match so that will be a good semi-final as will ours." Saturday's SFA Youth Cup semi-final against Inverness Caley Thistle will kick-off at 2pm. Entry to this game is via West Enclosure turnstiles (46 and 47) only and turnstiles will be open from 1pm. Season ticket holders can take in this game for free on production of their smartcard. Non season ticket holders can also come along to cheer on the under-19s - kids go free and adults can watch the game for just �£4 - simply turn up on the day and pay at the West Enclosure turnstiles (cash only). There will be free parking in the Albion car park adjacent to the stadium for this event.

by Ronnie Cully ALLAN McGREGOR was today confirmed as the keeper who will face Holland in the Amsterdam ArenA on Saturday. But former Rangers team-mate Alan Hutton will have to sit out the World Cup qualifier after national team boss George Burley decided he needed more time to regain full fitness. The Spurs full back will be monitored over the weekend and will be included in the line up to face Iceland a week tonight if he proves he is fully up to speed. Burley has not given up hope of having Stephen McManus available for Saturday's test against the Dutch and reported that the Celtic defender is recovering from his ankle injury much quicker than anyone had anticipated when he limped into the team's HQ on Monday. But he is still rated at less than 50% for the weekend. advertisement Skipper Barry Ferguson will be fit to face Holland, however, after scans on his damaged rib confirmed there was no serious damage. And Kenny Miller continues to train, having assured Burley that his hamstring problem would not prevent him leading the line in Amsterdam. With the withdrawal of Paul Hartley late last night after he sustained a hamstring strain in training, Burley's squad has been reduced to just 23 men. But the manager has no plans at present to add any more players after calling up Rangers' Steven Whittaker yesterday. Burley explained the reasoning behind his decision to announce who had won the battle of the gloves between McGregor and Craig Gordon. The Rangers keeper gets the nod because his Sunderland counterpart has not played a first-team game since November. But Burley indicated it was still a tough call and said: "There has been a lot of speculation and I had a chat with both keepers yesterday. "Craig has had the No.1 spot since I took over, and before that. But we are going to start with Allan McGregor basically because Craig has not been playing first-team football. "Craig is a magnificent keeper, but Allan came in against Argentina and did well. He has been playing very consistently for Rangers this season. He had great experience last season, getting to a Uefa Cup Final. "Craig understood my decision. Allan is very excited at the prospect and I think it was important to make that decision now rather than leave it until later." Burley also felt the need to make an early call on Hutton, but revealed the defender - who played his first game for four months in a reserve run out on Monday - was less understanding about being left out this weekend. The manager said: "When I told him he was not going to play in Holland he asked me , Why not!' "I had my scout at the game on Monday when Alan played 71 minutes and did very well. "He looked lively and bright and has done a lot of rehab. "He will now be working hard with our physios, doing extra over the next few days. "We will monitor him and he will definitely be under consideration for the Iceland game. "There is no doubt a fit Alan Hutton would be a big bonus for us. He has show that, when he is right, he would get into most international sides. "He is desperate to play. We will look to push on with his fitness to play against Iceland."

Exclusive by Ronnie Cully BOBO BALDE wants a new contract from Celtic. And in a bid to prove he is no money-grabber, he is ready to offer the club the chance to put him on a pay-as-you-play deal. The Guinea defender's current �£25,000-per-week contract runs out at the end of this season - by which time it will have been a full year since he last played for the club. He has had numerous opportunities to move, including lucrative offers from Middlesbrough, Birmingham and Sunderland which would have earned him far more than he is collecting from Celtic. Earlier this month, the 33-year-old could have accepted a �£500,0 00-per-season offer to sign a two-year deal with North Queensland Fury in Australia. But Balde has rejected all of these chances to start afresh elsewhere and is now certain to see out the final few months of the contract he signed with Celtic in January 2005. advertisement By refusing to move, Balde has been accused of hanging on to collect every penny of the money due to him under the terms of his lucrative contract. But sources close to the player - who is currently preparing for Guinea's World Cup tie against Burkino Faso - have insisted this is an unfair portrayal of Balde as he has had offers which would have increased his income by at least �£250,000 per year. However, with Balde's on-going challenge over club fines and bonus money under consideration at Fifa, and the complete breakdown in the player's relationship with leading figures at Celtic Park, Balde accepts the chances of him receiving a new contract under any terms are next to zero. :cheers: http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2497748.0.0.php