ian1964

Frankie, is this official mate

by Alison McConnell SCOTLAND is facing Champions League armageddon after it was revealed the SPL winners will have to qualify for the money-spinning elite group stages from 2010 - alongside Europe's minnow clubs. This season's title winners WILL go straight into the Champions League. But the season after that both the league champions and the runners-up will face a gruelling qualifying campaign to book their passage into the group stages. Greece have leap-frogged Scotland in the co-efficient table after Olympiakos thumped Hertha Berlin 4-0 last night, meaning Scotland have just one more season on a golden ticket into the group stages of the Champions League. And, with Panathinaikos awaiting their fate in the Champions League draw later today, Greece will consolidate that twelfth spot in the provisional UEFA co-efficient table. Only the top 12 countries enjoy automatic entry into the group stages. advertisement However, while the regulations for the revamped Champions League qualification format have not yet formally been published by UEFA, it is more than likely that the champions of the 13th placed nation - at this time that is Scotland -could still gain automatic entry if the Champions League holders also qualify through their domestic league position. That means that if, for example, Manchester United were to win the Premiership and the Champions League, then the SPL winners would go straight into the Champions League through the back door. So, in that event, it is vital that Scotland hang on to 13th spot. That slot is currently under threat by Belgium who have two clubs left in the Uefa Cup. A combined six more victories from Standard Liege and Club Brugge would take Belgium above Scotland. Denmark too are an outside threat with Aalborg still in the Uefa Cup as well. Celtic and Rangers know the serious hazards that lie in wait in the qualifying stages. Celtic were put to the sword by Artmedia Bratislava in 2005 and had to go without European football for a full season, while this year Kaunas heaped the same fate on Rangers. And the bad news is that it is only going to get harder. Uefa President Michel Platini wants the qualifying games for the Champions League to be revamped and that mean is an even tougher route to the Champions League group stage. Given the financial incentives available, it would be a nightmare for both Celtic and Rangers if they were to miss out on Champions League football. Despite missing out on both the last 16 of the Champions League and the latter stages of UEFA Cup this season, Celtic still stand to make around �£15m from their participation. And in the current climate when the gap between the top teams and the rest is particularly galling, it is vital that these kind of finances are brought in in order to help strengthen teams. Missing out on that money on a regular basis would be a disaster for the Old Firm who are struggling as it is to bridge the chasm. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2476602.0.0.php

By Andrew Dickson WALTER SMITH has challenged several first-team stars to make the position on the left side of Rangers' midfield their own. Lee McCulloch being chased by Michael HigdonLee McCulloch became the seventh Ibrox player to turn out on that flank in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Dundee United at Tannadice. Kenny Miller, Kyle Lafferty, Charlie Adam, Aaron, Nacho Novo and DaMarcus Beasley are the six others to have occupied such a role to date. Steven Whittaker, Chris Burke and the returning Steven Naismith, who made a scoring return to reserve action last week, can perform there too. While Steven Davis has made the right-midfield position his own with some steady performances, Smith is disappointed the same hasn't happened across the park. And although he knows each person he has deployed offers him something a little different, he is looking for somebody to establish themselves on that flank. Manager Smith said: "As everyone keeps telling me at the moment, we have changed who plays in that position a few times over the season. "But we have done it because different people give us different things. Naturally, I'd prefer to have someone settled in the position.DaMarcus Beasley "There have been players who have come in there then got injured. DaMarcus, for instance, is a natural in that role but has been out with a couple of knocks. "These are things we just have to put up with. We have made changes but we've been playing people who we feel have been best for certain circumstances. "Hopefully we'll soon get to the stage where that starts to settle down and somebody becomes a regular in the team there."

Football Debate - McGeady http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/videos-pics/sport/podcast/2008/12/17/football-debate-aiden-mcgeady-s-future-at-celtic-86908-20977763/

BILLY KIRKWOOD has loved watching his U19 teams win domestic doubles for the past two years and has urged his current crop of emerging youngsters at Murray Park to make it three-out-of-three in 2009. Despite having a young squad in comparison to other clubs around the country Kirkwood always believed his players would cope at U19 level this season and so far he has been proved right. Kyle Hutton, RangersThe club's young guns are sitting three points behind league leaders Hibs after 12 games following their 1-1 draw St. Mirren at Murray Park on Dec 13. Billy has been delighted with the spirit his team have shown so far but wants them to continue their progress and maintain the standards they have set. He said: "I am very satisfied with the way things have gone so far. "At the beginning of the season we knew it was going to be a younger team we would have at this level. "In the previous two seasons we had a mix of older players who were in their last year at U19 level and a few younger ones. "But this season, due to injuries to players such as Tom Miller and Craig McShea, we only have three older lads in Ross Perry, Arturs Vaiculis and Stephen Stirling. "So we are asking a lot of our younger lads that are only 16 and 17 but they have done exceptionally well and hopefully that will continue. "They have all shown that they can handle themselves which is very pleasing." Hibs have performed consistently so far throughout the season, winning nine and drawing three of their fixtures to date. Stephen StirlingIndeed Rangers only defeat of the season came at the Hibs Training Centre on October 4. The 2-1 scoreline highlights how tight a game this was and Kirkwood insists there is little to separate the teams. He said: "There is no doubt that Hibs have shown good form this season although they do have an older group of players along with Falkirk. "I think they have nine or ten in their starting eleven who are in their last year at under-19 level so that can make a big difference. "But we are tucked in nicely behind them and we are not too far off the position we were in last season at this stage. "We are a couple of points down but also haven't scored the same number of goals so from all positions we will need to look at creating more chances and taking them." Archie Campbell has been a stand out for the 19s this season, scoring two goals from 12 stars, but Billy still believes there is more to come from the talented teen. "Archie can sometimes blow hot or cold but one thing he has been doing consistently of late is getting goals which is great credit to him. I think he now has nine which is a good return but we want to see him get more and continue to work on every aspect of his game. "All the young players still have so much to learn and Archie is no different but if he can stick the ball in the net consistently that is a big asset for any club. "You always get players who grab the headlines at different age levels such as Danny Wilson, John Fleck and Archie but the others in the Reserves and U19s have so much they want to achieve. Archie Campbell, Rangers"Gregg Wylde, for example, is another boy who is in a rich vein of form and he was recently voted the Clydesdale Bank Player of the Month of October. "So it is nice to see a bit of recognition spread throughout the team as everybody plays their part." The SFA Youth Cup is another tournament in which Billy hopes his side can enjoy success this season and he admits that playing at Ibrox Stadium against Brora Rangers and Dumbarton in the 3rd and 4th rounds left his players buzzing. He said: "The SFA Youth Cup is a great tournament because it lets the boys play at Ibrox this season and then the final is at Hampden. "The experience of playing at big stadiums is something they will never forget and it's invaluable for the development. "Our 6-0 win over Brora, followed by 3-1 win over Dumbarton at the start of this months were both pretty convincing and that is pleasing. "But overall I think the boys have done very well both in the league and in the cup. "They are still young and developing so hopefully there is a lot more to come from the after the New Year."

By Andrew Dickson BARRY FERGUSON has vowed to make his doubters eat their words after stinging criticism left him more determined than ever to shine for Rangers. The club captain has constantly found himself under the microscope ever since he came back into the first team at the start of November. Barry Ferguson, RangersAfter five months out injured, the skipper made a slow start on his return to action and has had people questioning whether he can still be a key player for the club. They've also queried whether he and Pedro Mendes can gel at the heart of Walter Smith's midfield - and the signs are finally there that they can. The pair performed well in the 2-2 draw with Dundee United on Saturday and Ferguson is starting to get back to his best again. He has always insisted it will take him time to hit top form again and as the weeks have progressed, that has proved to be the case. Now, having heard from some that he's a spent force, he's eager to show he still has what it takes to lead by example. Ferguson said: "People perhaps don't realise how much being out for as long as I have holds you back when you start to return. "You're well behind everybody and it's a really slow build-up when you take the first steps towards the team again. "It takes a long time to get your sharpness back and that has been the case with me over the first few games. "I'm always open for criticism if I'm not fully up to speed but I've said all along that it'll take me a few matches to catch up with the rest of the squad. "It has been frustrating for me knowing I've had to wait and be patient as I've tried to get to the level I should be at.Barry Ferguson "Now I feel I'm getting towards it and that I'm coming out of the other side. I'm a strong character and in the weeks to come, I'll shut my critics up. "The thing is I've been finished two or three times already according to some people. Being told the same thing once more doesn't make any difference to me. "It's what I do on the park now that counts and I'll prove those people wrong, there's no doubt about that. "Everybody's got their opinion. I heard these sort of things when I came back from my last ankle operation and for my first month back in the team, some said I'd lost it. "A couple of months later, I started to play the way I should have been and everything that had happened in the past was forgotten about. "These things stick in my mind. I'm here to show that folk are wrong with what they've been saying and I'll do that, have no doubt. I'll make them eat their words."

Aye, correct BD, however he will make up for it this time :devil:

I think if WS can get rid of some of the dross we have, he will look to bring in a couple of loan signings, who I don't know,but I but I can't see us buying anybody

CRAIG THOMSON has been named as the referee for the crucial Old Firm game at Ibrox on December 27. The whistler - who has recently gone part-time in his job as a lawyer to help him concentrate more on refereeing - has plenty of experience in the fixture now and is regarded as the best whistler in the country. Thomson's last Old Firm outing was Celtic's 3-2 win at home in April.

I am completely joking, I am in agreement with you. Why some players,{Cousin}, would rather get humped most weeks instead of playing european football every season is purely down to money

Does anyone else think that the MOPES kick off about this, McGeady writes an apology,all is forgiven and he plays, regardless we WILL HUMP them

As we all know cal, playing in the '' best league in the world '' and earning big money is the attraction

THE COUNTDOWN is on to the crucial second Old Firm derby of the season and it's a match no-one wants to miss. Rangers, of course, triumphed in the first meeting with that stunning 4-2 win at Parkhead back on August 31. However, since that day Celtic have opened a lead in the title race and Rangers are determined to notch their second win of the season against their rivals.Steven Davis, Rangers It's a match every fan wants to go to and you can win tickets right here. Check out this question: Who scored Rangers' first goal in the 4-2 win on August 31? A - Kenny Miller B - Daniel Cousin C - Pedro Mendes GOT IT? Now text GERS A, GERS B or GERS C to 88442 and you could be on your way to the big match. The competition closes on Monday, December 22 at 5pm so make sure your mobile is switched in at that time. Texts cost �£1.50 plus you usual rate.

Czech left-back Milan Misun is set to sign for Celtic on Thursday, according to the player's agent Ondrej Chovanec. The 18-year-old, presently with FK Pribram, trained with the Scottish Premier League leaders last week. "We are delighted as we have managed to get Milan to one of the biggest clubs in Europe," said Chovanec. "There was also huge interest from AC Milan, but Celtic acted quickly and my player should be in Glasgow on Thursday to pen a professional deal." And Czech Republic under-20 international Misun says he is delighted at the prospect of joining Gordon Strachan's team. "It is the best gift I could have got for Christmas," he said. We have not received any feedback from Celtic yet Erlend Hanstveit's agent, Per Bjarte "When I was at Celtic on trial for a couple of days, they treated me really well and I believe I can improve as a player there." Celtic have deployed Lee Naylor and Mark Wilson in the left-back position this season, but Wilson is a naturally right-footed defender. Misun was joined at Celtic's Lennoxtown training centre by FK Pribram team-mate Anton Fantis, but Celtic have put a possible move for the 16-year-old on hold. Meanwhile, Brann Bergen defender Erlend Hanstveit, who was also on trial with Celtic, has returned to Norway early for his wedding. Hanstveit's father and agent, Per Bjarte, was last night still in the dark over a possible move. "We have not received any feedback from Celtic yet. We were concentrating on his wedding, but we expect an answer soon," said Bjarte. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/7783307.stm

Aye, no matter the oposition it can only be good for the players who are scoring IMO

A Rangers fan has been given two years probation and a football banning order for singing the 'Famine Song'. William Walls, 20, was found guilty of breach of the peace, aggravated by religious and racial prejudice, at Kilmarnock District Court. The offence was committed at Rangers' away match at Kilmarnock on 9 November. Rangers have asked fans to not to sing the song, which refers to events that killed an estimated one million people in Ireland in the 1840s. Speaking after sentence, Kilmarnock District Procurator Fiscal, Les Brown, said: "The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service takes all instances of racism and bigotry very seriously. "We will prosecute in court all offences which are aggravated by racial or religious prejudice. Where any singing, chanting or other behaviour is perceived as being racist or sectarian in nature, we will take positive action Asst Ch Con John Nielson Strathclyde Police "In this case we worked closely with both police officers who were present at Rugby Park and senior officers to ensure that the full extent and impact of the accused's conduct was put before the court. "The key witnesses in this case were stewards employed by Rangers Football Club who brought Mr Walls' conduct to the attention of the police. I would like to thank them for the fair and frank manner in which they gave their evidence." Assistant Chief Constable John Nielson, of Strathclyde Police, said: "We work closely with football clubs to eradicate any racist and/or sectarian behaviour in football - it will not be tolerated. "Where any singing, chanting or other behaviour is perceived as being racist or sectarian in nature, we will take positive action. "Over recent years, Strathclyde Police has made a significant number of arrests for sectarianism and racist behaviour at football matches and will continue to do so." http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7786133.stm

His agent says he is to appeal the decision http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/7786437.stm

Maybe their new Oirish signing

Has to be seen as a bonus for the OF game !!!

Next up will be Lafferty for his comments post DUTD game

Celtic midfielder Aiden McGeady has been fined two weeks' wages and suspended for the next two games for a breach of club discipline. McGeady was reported to have clashed with manager Gordon Strachan following the 1-1 draw with Hearts on Saturday Celtic said in a statement: "Gordon's decision has the full support of the Celtic board of directors." McGeady's agent David Holbrook said he was disappointed and told BBC Scotland that the 22-year-old would appeal. Reports claim that relations between the pair are at an all-time low after an argument in the dressing-room following Saturday's draw with Hearts. Holbrook said: "I can confirm that Aiden has been fined by the club and suspended. He's shocked, disappointed and I can say he will be appealing. "He feels that the action is completely unjustified." McGeady's agent said he hoped the problems between the midfielder and Strachan could be resolved. MY SPORT: DEBATE What do Celtic fans think of McGeady's suspension? Holbrook said that the Republic of Ireland international would be disappointed to miss the Old Firm derby at Ibrox on 27 December. "He wants to play in that game and every Celtic game," Holbrook added. "He remains 110% Celtic; he's supported them and loves them. "But there's a difference between how Aiden feels he's been treated by the club's hierarchy as opposed to his relationship with the club at large. "He's as disappointed as the fans that he won't be turning out for the Old Firm game." Holbrook would not be drawn on whether McGeady would now consider his long-term future at Celtic. "Let's just say we intend to appeal the decision and see what the panel decides." The return to Celtic from Aston Villa of Shaun Maloney has increased the competition for the wide berths with the Scottish champions this season. Strachan has at times left McGeady, who has also been hampered by injury, out of his starting line-up. Earlier in the week, Holbrook had denied knowledge of any bust-up between the pair.

McGeadyhino suspended from first team training for two weeks

Under-19 Game Off BILLY KIRKWOOD'S under-19 side will not face Motherwell this Thursday after their SPL meeting was postponed. Kirkwood's team were looking to get back to winning ways after a 1-1 draw with St Mirren on Saturday, but now have no more scheduled fixtures until January 31. They were due to face the Lanarkshire side at New Brandon Park on Thursday just three weeks after a 2-1 victory over the same side at Murray Park. No rearranged date has yet been settled for the match, but details will appear on rangers.co.uk when they are available.

Fook me, I never tire of watching that BUFFOON making an arse of himself :-]

What ?, that's the best goalie in the world don't you know