ian1964

Oct 17 2008 By Ian Dow RANGERS star Kevin Thomson's car has been vandalised by thugs outside his Edinburgh home. The slogans "IRA" and "Bobo's gonnae get you" were scratched into the paintwork of his Land Rover He's the second Ibrox player to be targeted by vandals this month. The attack on Thomson's Land Rover happened late on Sunday evening. The midfielder called police to report damage to the valuable vehicle. A Lothian and Borders police spokesman said yesterday: "Our officers are investigating malicious damage to a vehicle in the west of Edinburgh. "It is obvious that this was not a random attack and we would like to hear from anyone who has any knowledge of it." Just over a week ago, vandals scored graffiti on Rangers keeper Allan McGregor's Bentley and the Range Rover of his fiancee, Leah Shevlin. The words "Holly Goaly"- a reference to Celtic's Artur Boruc, who is nicknamed the "Holy Goalie" - were gouged into the Bentley's silver paintwork. It was the second attack on the international keeper's car. In March, acid was poured over it, causing damage which cost thousands of pounds to repair. A spokesman for Rangers said last night: "This is the latest in a line of unacceptable attacks and threats against our playing staff. "The club has been working closely with the police with regard to recent incidents which we strongly condemn." Thomson, who turned 24 on Tuesday, was the victim of an unprovoked attack in an Edinburgh nightclub in March this year. He and his girlfriend were among 150 guests celebrating Hibs' striker Steven Fletcher's 21st birthday. A tumbler was thrown at him, which hit him on the forehead. Gatecrashers were blamed for the incident at the party, which was also attended by Celtic star Scott Brown. A witness said: "Kevin was the target but the glass struck another party-goer before being deflected, which undoubtedly saved him from serious injury." Teetotal Thomson grew up in Peebles in the Borders. Rangers beat Celtic and several English clubs to his signature in January last year. They paid Hibs �£2million for the midfielder. Seems to be a trend developing here.....................

Will he be quitting Rangers now as well because WS doesn't play him ?. Also, if Iwelumo had scored that chance and Scotland had won, would the manager have been correct in his team selection ?.

BILLY KIRKWOOD'S under-19 side secured an important three points with a 3-0 victory over St Mirren this afternoon. Isa Bagci Goals from Gregg Wylde, Archie Campbell and Isa Bagci sealed a comfortable win to get the 19s back on track after their first defeat of the season against Hibs on Saturday. It took them just 14 minutes to break the deadlock when Wylde deceived everyone with his free kick from wide on the right after Kyle Hutton was fouled. His curled effort caught Saints keeper Ally Semple off guard and beat him at the near post to give Wylde his first goal of the season in an otherwise quiet first half. Archie Campbell then effectively sealed the points just 6 minutes in to the second half when he made the most of a short pass back to slide a left footed effort beyond Semple from 12 yards. Stephen Forbes came close to increasing the advantage when Semple spilled a cut back from Gordon Dick. Campbell's resulting effort was cleared off the line, but Forbes couldn't find the net when the clearance landed at his feet. Kirkwood's side then had to wait until just 3 minutes from time before adding further gloss to the scoreline. Bagci, on as a substitute for the injured Jamie Ness, latched on to Campbell's pass and twisted his way clear of the Saints defence to roll the ball beyond Semple. RANGERS: Adam; Durie, Perry, Wilson, Wylde; Dick, Stirling, Ness (Bagci), Forbes; Hutton, Campbell.

By Andrew Dickson MARTIN BAIN has urged SPL clubs to accept the merits of the 5% away ticket surcharge implemented on them by Rangers and Celtic this season. The Old Firm announced their intention to impose the handling fee for the distribution of their fans' tickets at other grounds on behalf of opposition clubs in the summer. While some agreed to the plan, others have added to the price of away seats to supplement the new expense or begun selling the briefs themselves to avoid paying it. Gers chief executive Bain has stressed the levy was introduced to lessen the price of following Rangers and Celtic for supporters when they go on the road. While it has had the opposite effect in some cases, he still believes it is a scheme clubs that are currently against it could soon go along with. Bain admits a rethink may be needed to bring the situation to a satisfactory conclusion which suits all parties. But for the moment, he is intent on persevering with the Old Firm's stance as he feels it is one which is best for all concerned. Bain has previously stated he would be happy for other clubs to charge the same cost to the Old Firm for selling away tickets at Ibrox and Parkhead on their behalf. Speaking at the club's AGM today, he said: "The 5% levy was introduced and promoted by this football club to advantage Rangers supporters, not disadvantage them. "A total of �£2.5million worth of tickets is sold (by Rangers) on behalf of other SPL clubs which benefit them and their economy. "Rangers supporters, in recent times, have paid for that by way of a booking fee and it was our sole intention to alleviate that cost to our supporters. "We also want to make other clubs in the SPL wake up and smell the coffee and realise this football club and our supporters will not subsidise them without recognition. "SPL clubs do not recognise what the number of travelling Rangers supporters bring to the economy. "It is about time they did and it is my intention to make sure they stop disadvantaging our supporters by putting prices up.Martin Bain "If they can't recognise that is not the way to go, they need to have a long, hard think to themselves. "At the weekend, for St Mirren to put prices up for Rangers supporters with a difference of �£6 or �£7 to other parts of the ground was shocking. "You have my absolute assurance that I'm trying to hold firm with the other clubs on the 5% levy. "I have spoken to the SPL about this issue and to many other directors of other football clubs. "Now I am sitting at the juncture where I either persevere in the hope clubs recognise what I've set out to do or have to revisit the 5% levy in relation to prices. "It is all very well at the start of the season when the weather is a little better and clubs can sell debt to our supporters. "But when the winter comes and our supporters don't have the convenience of a ticket delivered to their doorstep things could change. "These clubs could then look at numbers and a possible drop in sales - which I hope doesn't happen - and they'll then realise the 5% levy is a good deal." Bain also promised to look into the allocation of tickets for major matches following questions about the distribution of UEFA Cup final seats.

His future is in his own hands mate,like you I would love to see the wee man reach his potential.

Agreed Frankie, he deffinately has the talent..........question is does he have the hunger / desire ?, time for Burke to produce the goods, or GTF

By Andrew Dickson CHRIS BURKE insists he can't even think about the day he pulls on a Scotland shirt again until he re-establishes himself at Rangers. The winger has been out of action for six months because of an ankle problem but is edging closer to a comeback after a string of reserve outings. Chris BurkeTwo years ago, Burke won two caps as the Scots won the Kirin Cup and he scored twice on his debut against Bulgaria. As such, he'll look on with envy as the national team takes on Norway this weekend in a crucial World Cup qualifier at Hampden. But as he waits to make his first Gers appearance since April, the 24-year-old admits he can't afford to look any further ahead than that. Burke said: "Things are going well for me in the reserves and I'm very happy with the progress I'm making. "My injury feels a lot better and it is good that my ankle is more stable now and close to 100% again. "It can only improve with more games and the most important thing at the moment is for me to continue building up my fitness and getting that back. "The more I play, the more that will happen. A few of my team-mates are away with Scotland this week and it is a great honour to play for your country. "But my aim first and foremost is to get back into the Rangers team and that's what I need to be thinking about. "Competition here is immense just now. Our squad is very big and there is a lot of talent throughout. "It will be very difficult for me to get involved again because it's not just one or two players battling for places. "There are three or four all going for the same spots all over the park and that means that if you're playing, you have to make the most of it.Chris Burke "I'm happy with the way things are going for me just now and hopefully that continues to be the case when I'm fully fit and if I get my chance." Burke is by no means the only person homing in on a first-team return, with captain Barry Ferguson also close to being available for selection again. The winger has welcomed news that the skipper could come back as soon as next weekend against Dundee United after next Tuesday's reserve game with Hibs. Burke added: "Getting Barry back will be a massive boost, both for him and for the club. He is our captain and has showed what he can do in the past. "I'm sure when he comes back, he'll be determined to prove to everybody that he's back to his best again. "From what I've seen of him in training, he looks as though he is back to normal again and I'm sure he'll be a great asset once more."

WITH the success of Pedro Mendes this season, many Rangers fans have asked whether Barry Ferguson will feature when he fin-ally regains full fitness. Mendes and Ferguson are, after all, almost identical central midfielders; they like to get on the ball, dictate play and weigh in with a few goals. Portuguese star Pedro has been outstanding for the Gers since clinching a �£4million move from Barclays Premier League club Portsmouth in the summer. The 29-year-old netted a sensational long-range goal in the 4-2 demolition of Celtic on his Old Firm debut at Parkhead back in August. advertisement And the ex-Porto ace also sent the Glasgow giants into the quarter-finals of the Co-operative Insurance Cup with a well-taken extra-time winner against Partick Thistle last month. After such a blistering start, Ibrox boss Walter Smith will find it impossible to leave him out when his talismanic captain is available again. So where, then, does that leave Ferguson, who is on the brink of returning to action after undergoing major ankle surgery back in July? Well, after the 1-0 defeat by St Mirren at Love Street on Sunday, Fergie will be welcomed back with open arms by his manager, team-mates and supporters alike. The Buddies' 3-5-2 formation stifled the creativity of former Champions League winner Mendes. But the ability and experience of Scotland skipper Barry alongside Pedro could have freed him to focus on the playmaker role. Former Rangers centre-half and captain and current BBC pundit Craig Paterson feels Smith will strive to accommodate both men in his starting line-up - and succeed. "Good players love to play with good players," Craig argued. "For me, the prospect of Ferguson and Mendes playing in the same starting line-up is a mouth-watering one. "Yes, both players are good at keeping the ball, are great passers and like to get up the pitch and into the final third. But Walter will find a way to incorporate the two of them in his team. "Rangers, and Celtic as well, are going to have games like the one against St Mirren on Sunday this season. Teams will set out to defend and frustrate them and sometimes they will succeed. "In those situations, Rangers will need all the good players the can get. Barry and Pedro have the ability to win the ball and grab a game by the scruff of the neck. The manager will want them both involved. "Rangers have done tremendously well to produce the run of results they have done without Barry in their team. But he will go into the side alongside Mendes as soon as he is ready." The defeat by St Mirren - the first they have suffered in Paisley in 22 years - meant Rangers failed to reclaim top spot in the SPL from Celtic. The unexpected loss has also led to an inevitable post mortem among their thousands of brassed-off fans - with many believing their team lacked any width. Off-form DaMarcus Beasley was benched as substitutes Kris Boyd and Kyle Lafferty tried and failed to make the breakthrough up front. Paterson, though, feels Smith was correct to go with the same group of outfield players who had dismantled Hibs in the league at Easter Road the previous weekend. He feels Buddies boss Gus MacPherson deserves tremendous credit for leading his bottom-placed side to a deserved triumph over Smith's team. Craig stressed: "Defensively, St Mirren were different class. They set out with a definite game plan and it worked. "Some fans are saying Rangers didn't have width, but it wasn't a problem at Easter Road. The full-backs, Kirk Broadfoot and Sasa Papac, did a lot of the damage against Hibs. "Gus has to be praised for identifying that as a danger area and ensuring his team snuffed out the threat." http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2458139.0.0.php

And i'm keeping out of it :cheers:

Gers Done Four POOR defending was to prove costly for Rangers Reserves this afternoon as Tommy Wilson's team lost 4-3 to Motherwell at Murray Park. Prior to the game both sides had taken eight points from five games and very little to separate the sides in what was an entertaining and dramatic 90 minutes. A lot of graft and endeavour was put in but, in the end, it was the Steelmen that came out on top. Somewhat surprisingly, fans standing in the pouring rain had to wait until after the half hour mark for the opening goal and what a cracker it was. Andrew Shinnie fed the ball to Rory Loy on the edge of the 18-yard box and a quick dip of the shoulder fooled two defenders before the striker curled a delightful left foot shot beyond Motherwell keeper Steven Coutts. The match flowed constantly from end to end and Rangers could only hold on to their slender advantage for six minutes. A corner was fed into the six yard box and Steven Saunders jumped above Graeme Smith to head the ball off the underside of the bar. Once again it fell to Motherwell's no. 4 who drilled it home from close range. The Light Blues, however, were to suffer an early blow at the start of the second-half when 'Well bagged their second. Ross Forbes played a through ball to Robert McHugh who should great composure to hit the net having been one-on-one with Graeme Smith. Rangers fought back immediately and should have been on level terms on 58 minutes when William McLachlan swung in a brilliant cross from the right flank and Rory Loy's downward header from 10 yards bounced off the turf before being tipped over by Coutts. This was a warning for the visitors but they didn't learn as Rangers bagged their second moments later with a brilliant goal. Giorgos Efrem played in Aaron on the left and the Spaniard twisted and turned his marker before crossing to Fleck who headed home powerfully from six yards. At this stage Rangers, who had Lee McCulloch at centre-half, looked to be in the ascendancy but, remarkably, they proceeded to let Motherewell take the lead again three minutes later. A cross came into the Gers' box and when Graeme Smith flapped at the ball it hit off the head of Saunders and finished up in the net. How much the defender knew about the goal is up for debate but the fact it was disappointing defending was not in doubt. With ten minutes remaining Rangers set up a pulsating end to the game by scoring a third, this time through Aaron. The winger cut inside into the box and received the ball before toe poking the ball past Coutts at his near post. Another goal always looked on the cards but the big question was which team would net the winner? Unfortunately it was Motherwell that made the most of poor marking again and when the ball fell to Marc Fitpatrick the midfielder slammed the ball past Smith to seal the points for his side. Tommy Wilson was understandably disappointed his players did not take anything from the match. He said: "I though we deserved at least a draw today but our defending let us down at times and Motherwell made us pay. "All the goals we lost could have been avoided which is frustrating. "But on the plus side I though some of our play at times was excellent but when you defend the way we did today that makes life very difficult." RANGERS: Smith; McLachlan, McCulloch, McMillan, Kinniburgh; Aaron, Shinnie, Fleck, Efrem; Loy (Scott 70), Campbell (Hutton 55)

by Lindsay Herron KENNY MILLER is out of Scotland's crucial World Cup tie with Norway on Saturday. Miller has been suffering from pain in the hamstring area for a few weeks now and Rangers have had to act in their best interests. He is receiving an injection that Rangers believe will cure the problem but he can't train or play for five to six days and that means he has had to pull out of the Scoland squad for the Hampden clash with the Norwegians. The hamstring problem forced Miller onto the bench for the Iceland game last month and also ruled him out of the Co-operative Insurance Cup tie at Firhill against Partick Thistle. Rangers boss Walter Smith told the official web site: "He has a problem at the top of his hamstring and he has had that for a few weeks now.Kevin Thomson injury "It needed an injection and it means he has to rest for five or six days before he starts training again and hopefully that will settle the problem. "From our own point of view it is something that had to be done but unfortunately it means he misses the Scotland game. "Although he played last Sunday against St Mirren, it is something that has been aggravating him and causing him pain. "Hopefully the injection will clear that and he will be ready for our game next week against Dundee United." As expected Kevin Thomson has also been forced to withdraw after suffering an injury in a challenge with St Mirren's Gary Brady on Sunday.

Rangers striker Nacho Novo claims he has received death threats as part of the Old Firm rivalry and insists he could never play for Celtic. Novo chose Rangers ahead of Celtic when he left Dundee in 2004 and according to the Spaniard, that has not been forgotten by the Parkhead fans. He said: "Rivalry between the teams remains something more than sporting. I have even received death threats this year. "I have seen on YouTube there is a video with a guy singing with his guitar that he hopes I die. That kind of thing has an impact on you. Threatening "In the four years I have been here, I have been through everything. Every time I face Celtic, the tyres of my car are punctured, the windows of my house are broken and I have been sent threatening letters. It is a pretty disagreeable situation." Novo, quoted in the Mail on Sunday via a Spanish football magazine, added: "Rangers have treated me so well, the fans have become like a family to me. "No matter how much money was put in front of me, I would never sign for Celtic." http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11781_4248717,00.html

Agreed, if anyone has slightly stubbed their toe they will know how excruciating that can be, al be it for a couple of seconds.........just more piss poor lazy journalism i'm afraid

IT was one of those car-crash TV moments that got worse with every replay. The attacker leaping high to meet the ball arrowing his way. The defender shoving a desperate arm in his back to put him off. Then a second defender, leaping head-on, butting him square in the face. Suddenly, you realised why NFL players wear helmets. Because without one, who knows what condition Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin would be in today. We were playing pool and having a cold beer in a Toronto sports bar after running the marathon last Sunday when the whole place sucked in its breath and gave a loud Ooooh ... We looked up at the big screens � then gawped as the director showed every conceivable shot of one of the worst assaults ever committed on a sports field. There were only 27 seconds left when Boldin jumped in the end zone to try and score a touchdown, only to be pummelled by New York Jets safety Eric Smith. For a while, you wondered if he�d ever get up again. Thankfully, he did and was later released from hospital with no permanent harm done. Thank God for that. But as we stood there watching it all unfold, one thing struck home nearly as hard as Smith�s forehead had. That football�s probably the only sports where players want to lie and PRETEND they�re injured. Only ten days ago, I watched Pedro Mendes slap the Firhill turf in mock agony after a nothing challenge. The second he realised ref Steve Conroy wasn�t giving a foul he was back up and sprinting. Now, if any man should know better than to cry wolf, it�s Mendes. After all, it�s not so long ago that he lay spark out on Man City�s turf after a horrific forearm smash by Ben Thatcher that could have killed him. Yet still he wants to roll about pretending. It�s crazy, it�s embarrassing � and, sadly, it�s also rife. Then you look at American football where receivers, quarterbacks and running backs are battered to the ground all the time. Do they roll about the turf screaming? No way. Why? Because that would be showing weakness. You have to ask what happened to turn our own game into one played by men acting like children. Advertisement Some pundits and coaches say it�s a skill to fall down without any contact to win a penalty. It�s not � it�s blatant cheating. In the same vein, it wasn�t right for Reading to accept that ghost goal against Watford two weeks ago. That was totally unethical. This desperation to win at all costs is one of the reasons football is turning rotten and we should learn from other sports to clean out the game�s very core. I�m all for technology to sort out big decisions. If there�s any doubt in American football or rugby they go straight to the video booth. It takes away room for debate, eliminates any thought of bias and provides transparency for all. Reasons for decisions are as clear as a bell. As for punishments to fit the crime? Again, football has a lot to learn. Rugby bosses this week hammered Northampton forward Neil Best with an 18-WEEK ban for gouging an opponent�s eyes. And the NFL didn�t hang about in the Boldin-Smith case either, handing him a one game ban and a $50,000 fine. No wishy-washy disciplinary meetings weeks after the dust had settled. Just a quick look at TV evidence, an instant guilty verdict and a hefty slap. Surely that�s what football needs � a short, sharp retrospective system of discipline to weed out those who shame the game. American sports may have their problems off the park but on it honesty and respect are two things fans and coaches alike demand of their heroes. They have no place for time-wasters and expect full commitment at all times. Even if it means taking a helmet in the puss along the way. http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/columnists/desmckeown/article1766680.ece

OOPS !, Just noticed I put Coorie instead of Corrie !!!!!!

FURIOUS Rangers fans have forced soap bosses to drop anti-Gers jibes. They flooded ITV switchboards after Coronation Street's Tony Gordon, played by Gray O'Brien, had a go at the Ibrox team. Now the producers of the long-running soap have dropped plans for Celtic-supporting Tony to return to the attack in next Wednesday's episode. Last week, "dozens" of Gers fans rang in with complaints after Tony told fiancee Carla: "I could no more be interested in Rosie Webster than I could support Glasgow Rangers." Chiefs at the soap were stunned by the hail of complaints last Monday. And they have reacted by deleting a line recorded for next Wednesday's episode. Ayrshire-born actor O'Brien had been scripted to tell Tony's bestman Liam Connor that he's allergic to "warm beer, the English national anthem and Glasgow Rangers". The producers' decision to edit the show to delete the Rangers reference is highly unusual. But Corrie producers were keen to avoid antagonising fans further. Internet messageboards on both sides of the Old Firm divide went into overdrive following the scene, with Ibrox fans incandescent that their team were taking a kicking on national TV. But online Hoops fans celebrated and even composed a song about the Celtic-daft Corrie character. The controversy comes just months after scenes of Rangers fans rioting in Manchester at the UEFA Cup Final brought shame to the Glasgow club. But ITV denied the jibes in the Manchester-based soap were in any way connected to the scenes of violence on the city's streets. A spokeswoman for the channel confirmed they received "dozens" of complaints from angry fans following the scene. She said: "Both comments were in keeping with the character of Tony Gordon. But we have to bear in mind that it does seem to have caused some upset, so the decision was made to take the line out. "It doesn't compromise the drama of the episode, and if it did, then the line definitely wouldn't have been taken out. "We also felt in the absence of a character balancing things up on the other side of the Old Firm, it was a line not worth repeating." O'Brien, a Celtic fan in real life, who quit Scottish soap River City last year for Corrie, last night admitted he was surprised by the uproar. He said: "I have no input into the scripts, but I've had to explain the implications to people at Corrie. I certainly wasn't going out of my way to antagonise any Rangers supporters." http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2008/10/04/exclusive-coronation-st-bosses-drop-anti-rangers-jibe-from-script-86908-20771780/

THE Rangers Supporters Assembly is today pleased to announce that Andy Kerr has been elected as President of the Assembly after previously serving four years as Vice President. The Rangers Supporters Assembly is an independent body representing fans world-wide and as such the President communicates the views of fans to the Club and works with Rangers to ensure consultation with supporters. The Assembly President attends quarterly board meetings with Rangers Football Club as the fans' representative and is the official spokesperson for the Assembly in the media. The President also chairs Assembly meetings, ensures office bearers carry out their duties and is responsible for the Assembly's correspondence and overall operation. Andy is a lifelong Rangers supporter and has been the secretary of Harrogate True Blues Rangers Supporters Club in Yorkshire for ten years. He has also worked with Rangers FC as a fans' representative over a number of years in his roles as Vice President of the Assembly and as a representative on the Rangers Worldwide Alliance. He commented, "It is a considerable honour to fulfil the role of President of the Assembly and it fills me with pride to be representing our great fans. "I have always been a supporter and I could probably count on my fingers the number of games I have missed over the years. "Rangers has been a part of my life for a long time, so working with the Assembly is a privilege. "I am looking forward to the challenge and hope that I can help to ensure consultation and communication with all supporters when big decisions are being made about the Club's future."

FANS attending Sunday's match between St Mirren and Rangers should note trains between Glasgow Central Station and Paisley Gilmour Street won't be running. Instead, rail replacement buses will be in operation between the two stations and as a result, people should allow extra time for their journey. Heavy traffic is expected on the M8 and the roads network around Greenock due to the visit of the QE2. Congestion in the vicinity of the stadium is also anticipated due to ongoing roadworks in St James Street. Any issue that arises relating to unacceptable behaviour, sectarianism or racism will be proactively addressed by the police and stewards. Please note the stadium is a no smoking zone. For up to date information on roadworks and delays on the trunk road network fans should access http://www.trafficscotland.com.

Going The Extra Kyle By Andrew Dickson KYLE LAFFERTY is determined to stop his Rangers dream from going sour when the Light Blues travel to St Mirren on Sunday. The Northern Ireland striker fulfilled a lifetime ambition in the summer when he signed a contract at Ibrox after moving north from Burnley. Kyle Lafferty, RangersBut since then things haven't really gone his way as a string of minor injuries have hindered his progress. Lafferty scored on his home debut against Hearts on August 16 but has only made two substitute appearances in the time since because of the problems he has suffered. Now he is fit again and is hopeful of making his second start for the club when Walter Smith takes his men to Love Street for the last time. Lafferty said: "It has been a bit frustrating lately but I've been training all week and it is good to be back again. "Hopefully I can get into the team because I'm fit and available. Things started well for me and I scored in my first home game. "But after that things went downhill because of injuries and hopefully that is all behind me now. "It would be good to pick up from where I left off the last time I started and I'd love to get a chance against St Mirren."Kyle Lafferty, Rangers Lafferty hasn't been helped by the good form shown by some of the other strikers Smith has at his disposal. Both Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller have scored goals recently, while Jean-Claude Darcheville has also been in the first XI. But the 21-year-old knows the only way he can get involved himself is by impressing in training rather than hoping others slip up. Lafferty added: "It is really up to me to prove to the manager that he should be starting me in games. "Football is a team game and we're winning at the moment so as long as we're at the top of the SPL, that's what counts. "I relish the challenge though and I'm looking forward to trying to push in. It's hard to do that as Kris and Kenny are both playing well and scoring goals. "In turn, that's getting us results but I'll just work even harder to try to get into the gaffer's first XI and see where it takes me."

Joseba Etxeberria has signed a one-year contract extension with Athletic Bilbao which will see him play the final season of his career for nothing. The former Spain international agreed the deal with his current contract due to expire at the end of this season. Etxeberria said he wanted to end his career as an Athletic player, adding: "I wanted to do this gesture but never did I want to set a precedent." Midfielder Etxeberria, 31, joined the club from Real Sociedad aged 17. 606: DEBATE This really puts to shame all those players making a fortune out there and not giving a penny back!! He hopes to reach the landmark of having played 500 games when he retires after a 15-year career at San Mames. "It's an idea I've had for years," added Etxeberria, who played at the 1998 World Cup and two European Championships for Spain. Club president Fernando Garcia Macua said: "From the club's standpoint there are not words enough to thank such a gesture."

By Andrew Dickson ALLAN McGREGOR has retained his place in the Scotland squad despite his omission from the starting line-up at Rangers. After the 26-year-old sat out the last three Light Blues games, there was speculation his replacement Neil Alexander would take his national team spot too. Allan McGregor, ScotlandBut McGregor has been selected once more by George Burley for the crucial World Cup qualifier with Norway at Hampden next weekend. In Scotland's last game at the national stadium, the Gers star made an excellent penalty save from David Healy and that will have stuck in Burley's mind. McGregor is one of six Ibrox players chosen in the 25-man pool for the meeting with the Scandinavians. Kirk Broadfoot keeps his place in the group after he capped his excellent international debut against Iceland with a headed goal in the 2-1 victory in Reykjavik three weeks ago. David Weir has also been called upon and with Celtic's Stephen McManus suspended for this match, he could start in his place. Kevin Thomson gets another summons while strike duo Kenny Miller and Kris Boyd complete the Gers sextet asked to report for duty. FULL SQUAD Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Sunderland) ALLAN McGREGOR (RANGERS) David Marshall (Norwich City) Defenders: Graham Alexander (Burnley) Darren Barr (Falkirk) Christophe Berra (Hearts)Kevin Thomson, Scotland KIRK BROADFOOT (RANGERS) Gary Caldwell (Celtic) Jamie McAllister (Bristol City) Gary Naysmith (Sheffield United) DAVID WEIR (RANGERS) Midfielders: Scott Brown (Celtic) Kris Commons (Derby County) Darren Fletcher (Manchester United) Paul Hartley (Celtic) Shaun Maloney (Celtic) James Morrison (WBA) Barry Robson (Celtic) KEVIN THOMSON (RANGERS) Forwards: KRIS BOYD (RANGERS) David Clakson (Motherwell) Steven Fletcher (Hibernian) Chris Iwelumo (Wolves) James McFadden (Birmingham City) KENNY MILLER (RANGERS)

I know he has had a couple of injuries, but for the money we paid for him, I for one am expecting a lot from him this season, for me he really should be starting to make an impact yet no-one seems to be saying much about him !!. Thoughts

By Lindsay Herron SANDY JARDINE has called on the Rangers players to follow the example of Kirk Broadfoot as the Light Blues look to consolidate their SPL pole position at Love Street on Sunday. Kirk BroadfootJardine, voted Rangers' best right back, says Broadfoot deserves enormous credit for the way he has applied himself after his move from St Mirren last year. Rangers legend Jardine said: "I think Kirk has done really well. His best position is probably centre half but because of various injuries and other things like the Alan Hutton transfer, he has moved to right back. "I think he has grown as a player. If you look at the difference in him in the space of a year it is quite considerable. He has applied himself really well and he deserves all the credit for the simple reason that no-one works harder. "If some other players with so-called better ability worked as hard as Kirk Broadfoot they would be far better for it." Broadfoot is ostensibly a defender but he set up both goals for Kenny Miller at Easter Road on Sunday and, of course, scored on his Scotland debut in Iceland last month. Broadfoot is a certainty to be picked by George Burley when he names his squad for the World Cup qualifier with Norway today.Sandy Jardine And Jardine feels the Ayrshireman is not appreciated as much as he should be. He added: "Outwith the Rangers support Kirk doesn't get the credit he is due. "Of course there was that comment - limited ability - but that was completely wrong. He does not have limited ability. He is a really good defender. "He is also a very adaptable player because he can play right across the back four. "When he made his Scotland debut it was one of the best Scotland debuts I have seen - and not just because he scored a great goal. "His performance on the night made him one of our best players. Kirk Broadfoot"He deserves huge credit for the way he has gone about his job, considering that his best position is centre half." Broadfoot has admitted it would be another massive high for him if he could play for Scotland at Hampden on October 11 when the Norwegians come to town. He said: "First and foremost I hope to make the squad for the Norway game and if I can be involved in the game I will be delighted. "There are a lot of experienced players that George Burley might go with. Graham Alexander is there, for example, so it's up to the manager. "Guys like him have been over the course before so he might choose to go down that route. "But if he does pick me to play at Hampden in front of the home crowd it will be something special. "To make my debut in Iceland and score there was a fantastic feeling but to play in front of the home fans would be brilliant."

RANGERS goalkeeper Neil Alexander today confirmed Fairbridge in Glasgow as the Rangers Charity Foundation's new Community Charity Partner for season 2008/09, which will see the Foundation work with the organisation to raise �£25,000 for projects set to benefit the city's young people. Neil AlexanderFairbridge in Scotland provides support and training to young people in some of Glasgow's most deprived areas, dealing with issues such as homelessness, unemployment and problems at home and at school. The Fairbridge team help to develop young people via a personal programme which combines learning new life skills with challenging activities and one-to-one personal support. The Rangers Charity Foundation will fund new sports equipment for the charity, including canoes, kayaks and a new trailer - adding an exciting and challenging new activity for young people at Fairbridge to experience. The funding will also pay for a residential canoe course and part of a series of healthy living courses. Neil Alexander said: "It was a great privilege to meet some of the young people who are currently working with Fairbridge here in Glasgow. "I know the organisation offers invaluable support to the city's young people in areas such as job interviews and educational opportunities and builds their confidence and practical life skills with a range of outdoor activities and challenges." Charity Foundation Manager, Connal Cochrane, said: "We are really looking forward to working with Fairbridge to raise their profile and boost the opportunities available to young people. "As a Club we have a responsibility to work with the local community and this partnership, together with our Community Grants Scheme, demonstrates our commitment to the people of Glasgow."Connal wants you to raise money for the Foundation Scott McAlpine, Fairbridge in Glasgow Manager, said: "We are delighted to be appointed as Rangers Community Partner. "This partnership will not only help provide vital equipment for our centre but will also help to promote a more optimistic and positive attitude for Glasgow's young people. "Furthermore, the platform Rangers will offer us means we can take our message and an understanding of the work of Fairbridge in Glasgow to a wider audience in the hope that every young person in Glasgow can be given a fair chance in life." The appointment of Fairbridge in Glasgow as Community Charity Partner will be followed in the coming weeks by the announcements of the Foundation's new International and National Partners for season 2008/09. These new partnerships have been instigated following a strategic review of the Foundation's activities as a result of the growing success of its charitable and fundraising concerns.

By Andrew Dickson STUART McCALL has revealed he wants to keep Rangers midfielder Dean Furman at Bradford on loan until the end of the season. Dean Furman playing for Bradford CityThe City manager, an integral part of the Light Blues side which won nine league titles in a row, currently has the 20-year-old in his squad until January 5. But he has been so impressed by the South African in his first few weeks at Valley Parade that he wishes to extend the arrangement by another four months. Furman made his first League Two start for the Bantams on Saturday and played the full 90 minutes as they lost 2-0 at Shrewsbury Town. With fellow midfielders Chris Brandon and Lee Bullock out injured, he now has a chance to establish himself in the side. McCall said: "My thinking is that Dean is going to stay with us for the season because he has been a real asset. "In a perfect world, he'll get into our team and do well and Rangers will do fantastically well without him up at Ibrox.Dean Furman "If that happens, I'd love it if Walter (Smith) decided that because he was getting some decent coaching with us, he'd let us keep Dean. "It is early days yet but with the competition for places at Rangers and Barry Ferguson still to come back, it's difficult to break in there. "I know a lot can happen in a week in football, never mind three or four months, so we'll see what happens. "We've not discussed anything like that and it would be no good for Dean to stay with us if he wasn't getting a regular game. "But I'm sure he'll get a place in my side in the foreseeable future. If he performs the way he has been in training, he'll make a starting shirt his."