ian1964

By Andrew Dickson KYLE LAFFERTY hailed Rangers' character after they bounced back from Wednesday's loss to Inverness in style with a 5-1 thrashing of Hamilton. Ally McCoist said in midweek that the heart his team had after it famously lost 1-0 to Accies in 1987 was clear as it scored a quintet of goals the next week at Hearts. Kyle Lafferty celebrates with Kenny MillerToday the same thing happened as Gers mustered a perfect response to the shock defeat against Caley Jags with a similar performance. Lafferty scored twice, taking his goals tally for the season to seven, as the hosts clinched a Scottish Cup semi-final place against St Mirren. And he was a happy man afterwards as he relived a performance which made Rangers'; critics step back a little. Lafferty said: "I think everyone knew that what happened in midweek was a one-off. We didn't really perform on Wednesday and had to improve. "We went out today in the right manner, passed the ball about really well and worked our socks off when we weren't in possession. "We got the rewards we deserved for that. Football is about character and how much heart you have and we showed we have plenty of it. "This is a big club and everyone here wants to go out and do well so if we keep delivering the football we can, we'll go out there and win games." Lafferty has been on the receiving end of stinging criticism as some fail to take the fact he's still just 21 and relatively inexperienced into account. Kyle Lafferty scores his second in the 5-1 win over HamiltonBut he insists all he is concentrating on is football and he hopes his double this afternoon is enough to earn him a place in the starting line-up for the League Cup final. Rangers play Celtic for that trophy next weekend at Hampden and the former Burnley man must be in with a shout of playing after a decent performance. Lafferty added: "I just ignore everything that is said about me because all I want to do is go out there, play football and do well for the team. "I'd like to think that I did that today. I thought I did all right and I got two goals so I'm delighted about that. "Hopefully I've done enough to keep my place for the cup final. Strikers are judged on goals so it would be good if mine have been enough to get me a game next Sunday."

By Andrew Dickson ALLY McCOIST paid tribute to striker Kyle Lafferty after his double helped ease Rangers into the last four of the Scottish Cup. Kyle Lafferty scores against HamiltonThe Northern Ireland hitman has been the subject of much criticism this season, thanks largely to the �£3million fee paid for him by the Light Blues last summer. Lafferty is slowly repaying that figure and his brace this afternoon took his goals tally for the season to seven for the Ibrox men. He also has one more for his country and with more than two months of the season still to go, it's the most prolific campaign of his fledgling career yet. Assistant manager McCoist is pleased with the way Lafferty is progressing and believes there is plenty more to come from him in the years ahead. He said: "My own personal opinion is that Kyle is a centre-forward rather than a left-midfielder and I feel he will develop into a very good one. "A lot of people probably forget he is still relatively young but he has good experience for his age at international level with Northern Ireland. Aaron scores from the spot"There are things we will continue to work on with him in terms of his movement and his positioning. "But he is a completely different type of player to the likes of Kris Boyd, Kenny Miller and Nacho Novo and we're happy with how he is doing. "I'm thrilled for him after his two goals today and I'm looking forward to working on with him as I feel there's enormous potential in there." McCoist was just as happy with the way Rangers responded after their shock 1-0 loss to Inverness in midweek. Four changes were made to the side that lost on Wednesday, with three of those coming in scoring. As well as Lafferty, Steven Whittaker and Aaron found the net while Pedro Mendes and Lee McCulloch made successful comebacks from injuries. McCoist added: "We played very, very well in patches and passed the ball about the way we wanted to at times. Steven Whittaker scores"It was a difficult game for a variety of reasons but the movement from our front two, particularly in the first half, was good. "There were times when we were a bit slack and could have been better but overall we are happy. "In a cup tie, the most important thing is to come through it relatively unscathed and we did that. "When you've lost your last game, how you react to that is a big thing and I thought the lads handled themselves really well today."

By Andrew Dickson ALLY McCOIST is sure Madjid Bougherra will be fit for next weekend's League Cup final with Celtic despite having to take the Algerian off against Hamilton. The 26-year-old took a kick to the calf in the second half of the 5-1 victory over Accies in the last eight of the Scottish Cup at Ibrox this afternoon. bougherra_160He was taken off as a precaution and after club doctor Paul Jackson looked at the injury, he is expected to train normally later in the week. That's great news for Rangers fans who had been worried when they saw the former Charlton man make way for Maurice Edu. They will be pleased further by news that Pedro Mendes is in line to play in the Old Firm derby after suffering no reaction to the thigh strain that sidelined him last week. The Portuguese midfielder played 61 minutes before he was replaced by Lee McCulloch, himself making a comeback after a recent calf knock. McCoist, standing in as manager in the cup, said: "Madjid is fine and we didn't actually take him off because of the injury. "He was away back home for a few days seeing his mum so we took him off for that reason. "I'd be lying to you if I said I had been into the physio's room for myself to see how Madjid is doing but it would be a major surprise to me if he wasn't fine."

No rebel treble

Have to disagree here, NO EXCUSES

TBH, I thought that as well, McThump deliberately took the player out, and only after the player went down did Hied come in to clear the ball, after the whistle went, then again maybe I am being too hard

Time & time again JVH, the Dutch donkey, gives free kick after free kick for fouling,I seem to remember Cousin getting sent of for a couple of over zelous challenges ????? SHIT...........I sound like a MOPE !!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.megavideo.com/?v=A15GYW7U

Hear you go ; http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/7930374.stm :cheers:

Aye, I always luv to see the dark side getting beat,the only thing I was dissapointed in was.......none of the MHANKS got injured

Th e result today was feckin braw,and just shows the MOPES for what they are..............PISH, if only we could get a grip and go out and play to our best and wipe the floor with teams...................getting carried away again. One thing is for sure, it aint over til the fat lady sings...................KEEP BELIEVING

At least he is talking a bit of sense here: As for the Rangers fans’ sick chants, Alan laughs: “Uch, I expected that. I grew up with all that I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it. “As long as both sides are just 90-minute bigots inside the stadium and not outside, I’ve not got a problem. I hate all this talk of docked points and fines — what a load of nonsense. “That’s what makes the Celtic-Rangers rivalry so unique.”

It does work though to be fair

This is probably in the wrong place ????

TALKSPORT host Alan Brazil is giving me growlers because I dared to order a soft drink in the pub. Well, it had just gone 10am. ââ?¬Å?Not in my company, pal,ââ?¬Â snarls the ex-Scotland star as he kicks off another of his famous bleary-eyed benders... We meet in The Three Lords pub on the edge of Londonââ?¬â?¢s east end. Itââ?¬â?¢s wasnââ?¬â?¢t open yet, but Alan knew a side door. The joint is owned by former boxer Mickey Quinn and is already full of shady-looking characters, with bent noses and missing teeth ââ?¬â? Alan feels right at home. Its walls are adorned with photos of celebs and scrappers from yesteryear, including Brazilââ?¬â?¢s big bald head. Cockney owner Mickey says: ââ?¬Å?We had to have Alââ?¬â?¢s picture in black and white because his face was so red ââ?¬â? it was ââ?¬Ë?orrible.ââ?¬Â ââ?¬Å?Aye,ââ?¬Â Brazil concedes ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢d been on holiday and was pretty sunburnt.ââ?¬Â Alan has just come from TalkSPORT where he broadcasts to 1.1million listeners across the country every morning. Heââ?¬â?¢s exactly the same off-air as he is on it ââ?¬â? opinionated, funny and a right good drinking buddy. Itââ?¬â?¢s his 10th year fronting the breakfast show, give or take one or two dismissals for failing to turn up ââ?¬Å?cos I was p***ed.ââ?¬Â He says: ââ?¬Å?When I was offered the breakfast slot I said, ââ?¬Ë?I couldnââ?¬â?¢t get up for 10am football training, never mind start a radio show at 6am.ââ?¬â?¢ ââ?¬Å?But somehow Iââ?¬â?¢ve managed it.ââ?¬Â The Scot has arguably the best job in the country, talking football with punters on the show then off to the pub followed by a match or a function. Freefall Alan admits: ââ?¬Å?I am out every night of the week ââ?¬â? without fail. ââ?¬Å?I was once asked if I have a drink problem. My reply was ââ?¬Ë?Nah, Iââ?¬â?¢m just from Glasgowââ?¬â?¢. ââ?¬Å?But every January the bosses send me to a health farm for a detox ââ?¬â? I just get bladdered instead.ââ?¬Â Itââ?¬â?¢s reported he also gets paid Ã?£200,000 a year for the privilege. Brazil smiles: ââ?¬Å?Aye, and the rest.ââ?¬Â Me: ââ?¬Å?Ã?£300,000?ââ?¬Â He says: ââ?¬Å?Nah, more than that, but Iââ?¬â?¢m not a bragger. ââ?¬Å?But I earn more now than I ever did as a player.ââ?¬Â Brazil is worth it. They say no player is bigger than the club, but not in his case. When he was bulleted after going AWOL at Cheltenham Races in 2004, station bosses simply had to bring him back after listener figures went into freefall. Alan returns to the scene of the crime next week for the Gold Cup. He winks: ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢ll be on my best behaviour. Actually, thatââ?¬â?¢s a lie, itââ?¬â?¢ll be business as usual. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m fined Ã?£5,000 now for every show I miss and everyone calls me ââ?¬Ë?Sick Noteââ?¬â?¢. ââ?¬Å?But Iââ?¬â?¢ve only had to pay them back Ã?£15,000... so far.ââ?¬Â Brazil is from that glorious era when Scotland produced a host of top players starring in England. His main side was Ipswich Town, winning the UEFA Cup with the unfashionable club in 1981. The striker also turned out for Spurs and Manchester Utd, earning 13 caps for Scotland. At 21 he was the youngest member of the national squad at the World Cup Finals in Spain 1982. Pints for breakfast His glittering career was sadly cut short due to a back injury at just 27 years old. He hasnââ?¬â?¢t aged well. Brazilââ?¬â?¢s only 49 now but looks at least 10 years older ââ?¬â? hardly surprising with his drinking schedule. But the team he always dreamed of playing for was Celtic. Alan, who grew up in Simshill in the shadow of Hampden Park, turned out for Celtic Boysââ?¬â?¢ Club. He said: ââ?¬Å?I scored 62 goals in my last year at the boysââ?¬â?¢ club ââ?¬â? that has to merit getting a chance for Celtic. ââ?¬Å?Maybe Big Jock Stein just didnââ?¬â?¢t fancy me ââ?¬â? but then he picked me for the World Cup in ââ?¬Ë?82, so it doesnââ?¬â?¢t make sense. ââ?¬Å?Whether the problem I had with Celtic Boysââ?¬â?¢ Club prevented me from signing with Celtic I donââ?¬â?¢t know.ââ?¬Â Pervert That problem was pervert general manager Jim Torbett. His crimes became public in 1996 when Brazil revealed he had been molested at the age of 13 at Torbettââ?¬â?¢s home in Sighthill, Glasgow. Torbett was subsequently jailed for two and a half years in 1998. Since then a section of Rangers fans have been blasted for singing ââ?¬Ë?Big Jock Knewââ?¬â?¢ at games. The chant alleges former Scotland and Celtic boss Jock Stein, right, tried to cover up Torbettââ?¬â?¢s sordid crimes. Me: ââ?¬Å?So did Big Jock know?ââ?¬Â Alan says emphatically: ââ?¬Å?No chance. Big Jock wouldnââ?¬â?¢t stand for any nonsense would he? ââ?¬Å?But I tell you who did know ââ?¬â? The Kelly family who ran Celtic at the time. ââ?¬Å?They stood by him. One of the Kellys was even with Torbett in court. That p****d me off big style.ââ?¬Â Alan, who has three daughters Michelle, 25, Lucy, 23, and 17-year-old Stephanie with wife Jill, added: ââ?¬Å?I got lots of negative comments. ââ?¬Å?Even in court the judge asked me why I hadnââ?¬â?¢t said something at the time. ââ?¬Å?Itââ?¬â?¢s not something you go home and say to your mum and dad ââ?¬Ë?guess what happened to me today?ââ?¬â?¢ ââ?¬Å?But I promise you there were lots of others. I had a phone call afterwards from a well-known footballer who played in England. ââ?¬Å?He was in tears, saying he was so glad Iââ?¬â?¢d come forward. ââ?¬Å?It wasnââ?¬â?¢t just Celtic Boysââ?¬â?¢ Club. These paedophiles are attracted to anything with children. Advertisement Click here ââ?¬Å?If they had touched any of my daughters Iââ?¬â?¢d have killed them.ââ?¬Â As for the Rangers fansââ?¬â?¢ sick chants, Alan laughs: ââ?¬Å?Uch, I expected that. I grew up with all that I donââ?¬â?¢t think thereââ?¬â?¢s anything wrong with it. ââ?¬Å?As long as both sides are just 90-minute bigots inside the stadium and not outside, Iââ?¬â?¢ve not got a problem. I hate all this talk of docked points and fines ââ?¬â? what a load of nonsense. ââ?¬Å?Thatââ?¬â?¢s what makes the Celtic-Rangers rivalry so unique.ââ?¬Â Easy to say when you live hundreds of miles away I guess. But Alan clearly loves London life. He has a flat near Canary Wharf and returns home to his missus in Suffolk at weekends. He said: ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m convinced I gave the English the word numpty. ââ?¬Å?No one said it down here 10 years ago. Now it even pops up on EastEnders. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m going to try them with ââ?¬Ë?gallusââ?¬â?¢ next.ââ?¬Â Wrecked But how did a boy from Glasgowââ?¬â?¢s southside end up with a name like Brazil anyway? Alan smiles: ââ?¬Å?Ah, thatââ?¬â?¢s a long story. ââ?¬Å?Basically it involves a ship from the Spanish Armada being wrecked off the coast of Ireland, a survivor, and the potato famine... ââ?¬Â Sounds like a good pub tale to me. http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/mattmeets/article2302640.ece

AROUND 20 Rangers staff were last night facing the sack ââ?¬â? as the club cuts costs to beat the credit crunch. Bosses at the debt-ridden club have asked all 200 non-football employees to consider redundancy. The move comes weeks after the Ibrox side FAILED to flog any of its big names during the January transfer window. And only a week after its Ã?£3.9million loss for the second half of last year was blamed on the teamââ?¬â?¢s FAILURE to reach the Champions League. Last month chairman Sir David Murray warned: ââ?¬Å?We have to bring down costs. This financial downturn is a reality check for everyone.ââ?¬Â And last night a club source revealed: ââ?¬Å?There are rumours flying all over the place. ââ?¬Å?No one really knows what state the finances are in. ââ?¬Å?The bosses are said to be looking to shed about 20 jobs, which is a sizeable chunk of the workforce. There isnââ?¬â?¢t much sympathy for the clubââ?¬â?¢s players. ââ?¬Å?David Murray said they may have to take pay cuts. ââ?¬Å?But whatââ?¬â?¢s that when the axe is hovering over the jobs of day-to-day workers who have mortgages to pay?ââ?¬Â The voluntary redundancy offer applies to backroom staff at Ibrox and the clubââ?¬â?¢s Murray Park training ground. Decision In January, Rangers were on the verge of securing a much-needed Ã?£3.8m boost when they accepted Birmingham Cityââ?¬â?¢s offer for top scorer Kris Boyd. Explaining the decision at the time, Mr Murray said: ââ?¬Å?People are asking how bad is it at Rangers? If we did not take this action, it COULD have been bad.ââ?¬Â But the move fell through when Boyd, 25, could not agree personal terms. In the same month, The Scottish Sun told how the club was also considering the sale of captain Barry Ferguson, keeper Allan McGregor or defender Madjid Bougherra to fill the hole in its finances ââ?¬â? but all three stayed at Ibrox. Last week Rangers declared a loss of almost Ã?£4m for the last six months of 2008 ââ?¬â? and blamed the teamââ?¬â?¢s Champions League qualifier loss to lowly Lithuanian minnows Kaunas. M Murray has warned EIGHT first-team stars will be let go this June. Yet last summer he spent Ã?£17m on new players. They included Bougherra (Ã?£2.5m), Pedro Mendes (Ã?£3m), Steven Davis (Ã?£3m), Maurice Edu (Ã?£2.6m), Kyle Lafferty (Ã?£3m), Kenny Milller (Ã?£2m) and Andrius Velicka (Ã?£1m). But last night an Ibrox source insisted the redundancy move was NOT as a result of the clubââ?¬â?¢s failure to flog stars. The insider said: ââ?¬Å?Itââ?¬â?¢s nothing to do with selling players. The club would be looking at their costs anyway.ââ?¬Â A Rangers spokeswoman said: ââ?¬Å?The club is looking at its costs. As part of this review, it is giving staff the option of voluntary redundancy. http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/article2302836.ece

Now now SA................remember your elite position on gersnet

ARCHIE CAMPBELL has recently watched on as Gers teammate John Fleck forced his way in to Walter Smith's first-team plans and the young striker hopes to follow in his friend's footsteps in the not too distant future. Archie CampbellCampbell has been in electric form for Billy Kirkwood's under-19s this season, scoring 13 goals in 16 starts, and his ability to hit the net has kept his side in the chase for another domestic double. The Fife-born hitman joined Rangers at the tender age of 14 and came through the ranks with Fleck at club and international level. The pair featured for Scotland's U16s in the Victory Shield and were being touted as two of the most promising players in the country at that time. While Fleck has shot to stardom in 2009 Campbell has been continuing his development with the 19s and doing his best to impress so that he can take the next step in his blossoming career. At 17 he has plenty of time on his side but Archie admits he would love to be one of the next players from the under-19 squad to be drafted in to the top-team. He said: "I think the young players at the club have really been given a chance by the manager recently which is great. "Flecky, of course, has been brilliant but we have also seen the likes of Danny Wilson and Jamie Ness on the bench and they are only 17. "I am roughly the same age as them so hopefully if I can keep scoring goals I might get a chance in the future. "We will wait and see what happens but I think there is a big opportunity for all the players right now. Archie Campbell "Flecky has shown what can be achieved if you work hard, show the right attitude and impress the coaches here." Archie's pace and ability to find the net made him a stand-out as he progressed through the ranks at Murray Park. These attributes have again been evident in 2008/09 and he bagged a double against Hamilton Accies on Saturday to add to his impressive tally this season. He said: "I have been pleased with the way I have played this season and hopefully I am improving all the time. "I have managed to get a few goals and still have another year wit the 19s so I am happy with that but I know I need to keep working hard on every part of my game. "Right now I am trying to get stronger by working in the gym with the physios and this will help me a lot on the pitch." Rangers will take on Inverness Caley Thistle in the semi-final stage of the SFA Youth Cup on March 29 after the Highland Jags beat Old Firm rivals Celtic in a dramatic penalty shoot-out at the Tulloch Stadium. The tie will give the Murray Park starlets another chance to run out at Ibrox Stadium and Archie is not surprised to be facing Caley for a place in the final. He said: "I think most people thought that would be up against Celtic but I knew it was going to be a tough game for them. Archie Campbell"Caley made it difficult for us earlier in the season and I am sure they will do that again when they come to Glasgow later in the month. "But we are at home and the holders of the Cup so we will be confident going in to it and have a good chance of going through. "It's great the game is at Ibrox and we all want to get to the final at Hampden. Hopefully we can do that." The 19s have now extended their lead at the top of the league to four points after closest rivals Hibs drew with Celtic and Rangers romped to a 4-0 win over Hamilton on Sunday. Despite having a young squad Archie is confident his team have the quality and character to win the title again this season. He added: "The team have done great so far but we have to keep it going. "We still have a lot of big games coming up and need to have the right attitude going in to every one. "We are a young group of players but we are confident going in to every game and always think we can get three points." The 19s next match is against Dundee United on Saturday at Thomson Park, Dundee, kick-off 1pm.

RORY LOY is hoping to play in the biggest match of his career this weekend when Dunfermline Athletic take on Aberdeen at home in the quarter final stage of the Scottish Cup. The Gers striker, on loan at East End Park until May, has now made 11 appearances for Jim McIntyre's team, four from the bench, and is desperate to feature against the Dons on Saturday. Rory Loy made his debut against InvernessHe said: "I am really looking forward to this weekend's game. "There will hopefully be around nine or ten thousand fans at the ground so I would love to be involved and maybe even get a goal. "Aberdeen will be the favourites as they are an SPL club but we will give everything to try and put our name in to the hat for the semi-finals. "It will be difficult but it is a Cup match and anything can happen." Rory, who has signed a new two year deal at Rangers that will take him through to May 2011, is currently enjoying his loan spell at the Pars and feels they can still gain promotion. In the last two week's they have suffered set-backs having lost to Ross County and Morton but they remain nine points off leaders St Johnstone with a game in hand. Rory said: "I came to Dunfermline because they are a big club and probably should be in the SPL. Rory Loy, Rangers "I also knew they were capable of going on a cup run as well as gaining promotion. I still think we have a chance in the league. "St. Johnstone have went 19 games unbeaten so that run will have to come to an end at some point. "We've also still to play them twice so it's still all to play for. We are nine points behind them with a game in hand. "Recently we have been quite inconsistent and that is something we need to improve on. "We won away to Partick a few weeks ago who are second and then beat Airdrie in the Cup. "Unfortunately we then lost two games back-to-back against Ross County and Morton, games we should not have lost. "If we had picked up even a point in each we would be in a much better position. "But there are still 12 league games left. "On Tuesday night we play against Livingston and if we win there we will be right back up there."

by Thomas Jordan AFTER waiting four months for their opportunity to return to the top of the table, Rangers latest reign as league leaders lasted all of 11 days. Hardly the hallmark of a team with the durability required to succeed as champions. The 1-0 defeat at the hands of Caley Thistle this week has prompted questions over the Ibrox club's title credentials. The obvious one, of course, will be do they have the bottle to come out on top in such a fiercely contested title battle? A two-week shutdown from the league, as they take on Hamilton Accies in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup before facing Celtic in the Co-operative Insurance Cup Final at Hampden Park, will put Rangers' title challenge on the back burner. advertisement That, however, will do little to dilute concerns among the Light Blue legions that their defeat to the Highlanders is a signal that this squad doesn't have what it takes to stop Celtic making it four-in-a-row. The implications if Rangers don't win the league are huge. From a financial perspective, it is imperative the riches that go hand in hand with entry to the Champions League are secured next season after failure to reach that stage this season left a �£10million black hole in the club's finances. Winning the championship this season will once again offer the SPL winners direct entry to the group stage of the competition. The runners-up, like this season, would face two qualifying games, but the standard of opposition standing in their path will dramatically increase under Uefa's qualification criteria revamp. On March 21 against Hearts, Walter Smith will turn his full attention back of the title race with Celtic now out in front, albeit only marginally with a three-point advantage. He will have 10 matches which will not only shape their season, but possibly the foreseeable future of the club. Does the Rangers manager have the players at his disposal to come out in top against a Celtic side that has already shown, not just last season but in previous campaigns, that they are good enough to prosper under the white heat of a title run-in? Indeed, captain Barry Ferguson is the only member of Walter Smith's squad who has truly influenced and delivered title success. Nacho Novo, who is currently out injured, has also played his part in the past as Alex McLeish delivered two championship trophies in 2005. But he has been no more than a bit-part player at Rangers in recent seasons. Here, SportTimes takes a look at the men who will be required to stand up and be counted in 10 league games of monumental importance to the Ibrox club. IN GOOD HANDS Allan McGregor has returned to the sort of form that brought speculation of a �£9m move to the Premiership last season. After a difficult start to the campaign, as he tried to find his feet following a long injury lay-off, the Ibrox goalkeeper is once again turning in some vital performances. McGregor's goal has been breached only four times in 13 matches. So this isn't a position that would cause Smith much concern. FULL-BACK FAILINGS Smith's first task as they prepare to welcome a rejuvenated Hearts side to Ibrox will be to find a replacement for the suspended Davie Weir. The stopper's red card, following a rare mistake which gifted Caley the three points on Wednesday, will mean he'll have to sit out against his former club. On previous occasions, Kirk Broadfoot has been moved inside from his usual right-back beat and Steven Whittaker has come out of cold storage to play as a full-back. That, you'd imagine, would tempt most opposing managers to try and expose Gers backline. Madjid Bougherra has been their most consistent defender throughout this season. Indeed, Smith probably doesn't like to dwell on what his defence would be like without him at its heart As for Weir, his displays, in fairness, have been pretty consistent. It's the full-back areas that let Rangers down. The way they play, both see plenty of the ball and are encouraged to push forward. While Broadfoot is always willing to do so, too often his final ball simply isn't good enough. At least, however, he is willing to get involved in the game. Papac, no doubt to the constant frustration of the Rangers management, is far more reluctant to join in on attacks. So is it a defence you could bank on to hold firm? Well, their recent form has been impressive, but cracks could appear the more pressure is put on them. WIDE-BOYS REQUIRED Pedro Mendes's influence has been badly missing in Rangers recent two matches. The Portuguese playmaker provides an extra dimension to their attacking play in particular. His passes are crisp, he spots things early and, unlike many of his colleagues, he isn't too predictable at times. Next to him will be the captain Ferguson. Having been over the course many times before, he knows what it takes to deliver a championship. And, as skipper, he knows there are more eyes on him than any other member of the Rangers squad. Maybe Rangers' biggest problem is that they don't boast natural wide players. For all Steven Davis has enjoyed an excellent campaign, he isn't an out-and-out winger. Neither is Kyle Lafferty, Lee McCulloch, Steven Naismith nor the various players deployed on the left of midfield this season. Perhaps the most comfortable in such a position is young John Fleck. But he is still cutting his teeth at this level. It would be unfair, for all his natural ability and enthusiasm, to expect him to carry older and more experienced team-mates between now and the end of the season. Overall, Rangers have a midfield that works well enough together but there have been several occasions this season when they could have played all night and not carved out a chance for any of the striker. BOYD BACK-UP Who scores the goals if Kris Boyd isn't bagging them? Kenny Miller pops up now and again with one, sometimes two, but can he do it when it matters most? Can he keep a cool head inside the penalty area when that one of only chance of the game comes his way? History would suggest not. Lafferty is struggling to provide clues as to how he is going to become a key player at Rangers and while Novo is always a threat coming off the bench, his injury problems could prevent him from being at his best for some time. This department, probably more than any other, will be the one that Smith will be concerned about the most. When everything is going well, they are most certainly capable of finding the back of the net. In the comings weeks, however, there will be more than one occasion when Smith is on the sidelines hoping to one of his frontman to snatch a goal that transformers what is appearing to be one point into three. Time, of course, will tell. Only a fool would predict the outcome of the current championship. But Rangers aren't only playing for the title - the financial baggage it carries means the future of the club is at stake. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2493863.0.0.php

by Thomas Jordan Kaunas (a), August 5 2008 Rangers headed to Lithuania on the back of a 0-0 draw at Ibrox but, despite taking the lead, they crashed to a 2-1 defeat in the dying minutes of the game. In the financial terms, the Ibrox club have failed to recover. The �£10m cost of the exit will come back to haunt them in the summer when a leading player is expected to be sold to balance the books. It was a dreadful display from the Rangers players involved and immediately put everyone in a position of power at the club under immense pressure before the domestic campaign had even got off and running. advertisement St Mirren (a), October 5 2008 It was not only their first league defeat at the season but also their first defeat at Love Street in 22 years as St Mirren recorded a shock 1-0 win. Rangers travelled to Paisley with the full length of the SPL table separating the clubs, but a lack of cutting edge in the final third was Rangers' problem. Despite just about having all of the play, the visitors couldn't find a way to open the scoring yet, at the other end of the field, substitute Stephen McGinn netted 12 minutes from time with his team's only purposeful attack of the second-half. Dundee United (h), November 4 2008 Rangers surrendered their place as leaders on goal difference by slipping up at home in the league for the first time in the campaign. Indeed, the Ibrox men ended up requiring an injury-time goal from Kevin Thomson to rescue a point in thrilling 3-3 draw. After taking the lead through Steven Davis, United fought back to storm ahead before Sasa Papac levelled the scoreline. The visitors once again took the lead before Thomson's late equaliser. It wasn't, however, to take them back the top of the table as they slipped two points behind Old Firm rivals Celtic. Aberdeen (a), January 24 2009 With leaders Celtic not playing until later in the day, Rangers were handed a chance to take over top spot for a few hours by beating Aberdeen at Pittodrie. Smith adopted a cautious approach as striker Kris Boyd was left on the bench. Rangers started with just one in attack and Lee McCulloch coming in to occupy a holding midfield role in a 4-5-1 formation. But, despite once again dominating the game for long spells and carving out enough chances to win the game, the visitors had to settle for 0-0. Celtic (a), February 15 2009 Rangers crossed the city to Parkhead in the knowledge that victory would see them leapfrog Celtic into top spot. Once again, Boyd was left on the bench as Rangers went with a similar line-up that drew 0-0 at Pittodrie but with Kyle Lafferty taking over from Kenny Miller as lone striker. In one of the poorest meetings between the two clubs in some time, there was nothing to separate the clubs on the day. It was a missed opportunity for Rangers avoiding defeat at least kept them in the title hunt. Caley Thistle (h), March 4 2009 Back at the top of the table and seemingly enjoying a new lease of life, disaster struck at a most unlikely time. Despite dominating for long spells, there was little in the way of clear-cut chances created and, against the run of play, the visitors won an injury-time penalty after a mistake by Davie Weir. Black secured an surprise 1-0 win for his team. It allowed Celtic, who defeated Kilmarnock 2-1 away form home, to move top on their own right again with a two-point advantage. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2493865.0.0.php

Football too easily lends itself to hysterical judgment. It hasn't taken long for Rangers' 1-0 defeat by Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Ibrox on Wednesday night to be decreed a ââ?¬Å?calamityââ?¬Â and a ââ?¬Å?disasterââ?¬Â, with every claim ranging from calls for Walter Smith's head to the permanent dumping of Kris Boyd being made. Rangers, a club with every chance of winning the 2009 title, are said to be at a low ebb. Caley Thistle's victory was certainly a setback for Smith's side but too much is already being read into the result. The chase for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title, at both Celtic Park and Ibrox, is going to endure quite a few more such moments as Wednesday night, so it seems silly to sound off emphatically about the harm that Terry Butcher's men have done to Rangers. Come early April, let's just see how many more random glitches have been added to the plot. Rangers were poor on Wednesday but they weren't ââ?¬Å?disgracefulââ?¬Â or ââ?¬Å?shockingââ?¬Â as some hot-headed supporters around the pressbox were claiming. Caley Thistle, in truth, were extremely lucky to win and, as stonewall a penalty as David Weir's late challenge on David Proctor was, Butcher's team had hardly been within 30 yards of Allan McGregor's goal. The fact that Rangers revealed some obvious flaws cannot conceal the fact that they were blatantly robbed at the death. Those who rant and rave at Smith's renowned caution may also pause to consider some of the aspects of Rangers' failings on the night. John Fleck, whom you could almost be forgiven for thinking was a new, young Diego Maradona in our midst, given some of his press coverage, played poorly, losing possession easily or running up blind alleys with the ball. A few Ibrox diehards were yelling for Fleck to be taken off long before he was on Wednesday, and it should serve again to warn those who already have this young footballer's mesmerising career mapped out ahead of him. Related Links * Fans turn on sorry Rangers * Someone is letting Rangers down These games happen every so often. Before Wednesday night Rangers had been running into some decent form - unlike Celtic - and their defence had begun to look stingy in the extreme. Right now, one match cannot be said to have undone all of that, and talk of the wheels coming off Rangers' title challenge is simply absurd. What you do need if you are a Rangers supporter today, given some of the players at the club, is a well of compassion and patience which are normally alien to football supporters. In their different ways Boyd, Kirk Broadfoot, Steven Davis and Maurice Edu all have the ability to infuriate. Davis, in particular, is neat and tidy, but for a Ã?£4million player should probably have more severe weapons in his arsenal. In Edu's case, it is still too early to judge, though some remain faintly amazed that Rangers paid an alleged Ã?£2.6million for the player. In terms of such a price, is Edu a Filip Sebo - all Ã?£1.8million of him - all over again? The most infuriating Rangers player of all remains Boyd: what a goalscorer and what a plodder. When Boyd, in the opening moments against Caley Thistle, was given time and space in the old inside-left channel in the penalty area, but then over-ran the ball, Ibrox let out a knowing groan. The striker will forever have his limitations, and when he is enduring one of his leaner scoring spells, such as now, they will always be held against him. Some of Britain's greatest goalscorers have also been average footballers, but their goals were all that mattered. That truth is something that Boyd is going to have to live with. In the weeks and months ahead Rangers have still to go to Celtic Park, Tannadice, Tynecastle, Easter Road and many another testing ground. As the noose tightens in the SPL race, Celtic face an equal gamut of hazardous trips. If last season's dramatic closing weeks taught us anything, it surely is that early March is no time to be making weighty pronouncements about the title race. It seems inconceivable that both halves of the Old Firm do not have stumbles and failures remaining within them. Smith looked a mite world-weary as he faced the media after Wednesday's humbling defeat. Ibrox had just been on his back, and for a brief moment he resembled the same Smith who bore the pressure somewhat less well in his first innings with Rangers back in the 1990s. But the 60-year-old Ibrox manager has seen it all, and will not be joining those who have started writing the club's 2008-09 obituary. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/scotland/article5854044.ece

welcome mate..........enjoy the forum

Well.........not all the time............and quietly