ian1964

WALTER SMITH is hoping that his side can enjoy a successful away day at Parkhead this weekend but is fully aware just how difficult it will be to take three points in Glasgow's East End. The Gers' last victory at the home of their greatest rivals came on March 11, 2007 when Ugo Ehiogu's was the unlikely hero with a stunning overhead kick. A similar result this weekend would do just fine for the gaffer who is looking forward to another explosive encounter. "When you go to Celtic Park at any time you expect an extremely difficult game and that will be no different on Sunday," said Smith. "Historically, Rangers and Celtic don't lose a lot of home games and if you do then your position as manager can be in trouble. "So Celtic have an excellent record not just in the SPL but in Europe over the past five to ten years. "It's a tough place to go, as is Ibrox, but there is no doubt we can get a big psychological lift if we can get a good result on Sunday. "That is what we will set out to achieve." Several Ibrox stars including Perdo Mendes, Madjid Bougherra and Kyle Lafferty are likely to make their Old Firm debuts this weekend but Smith has no fears about throwing them into the world's biggest derby. He said: "Most of our players have a lot of experience, even the new lads, and they will be able to handle a situation like this. "They have been involved in important game throughout their careers including internationals so they will know what to expect. "At the end of the day playing in an Old Firm game is a great experience for any player as it doesn't come much bigger than that." Smith confirmed that Lee McCulloch is out of Sunday's game due to a knee ligament strain.

By Andrew Dickson PEDROS MENDES is desperate to get three points against Celtic on Sunday - so that he can crack open his growing champagne collection. The Portuguese midfielder was given the man-of-the-match award after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Aberdeen at Pittodrie and won a bottle of bubbly as a result. It was his second accolade in a week following the prize he received in his first game for the club after joining from Portsmouth, the 2-0 win over Hearts at Ibrox on August 16. Now he's hoping he can toast a first Old Firm success with a glass or two in the aftermath of this weekend's opening derby of the season. Mendes: "People always tell you about games against Celtic but I think you probably need to play in one to really live it. "They are special fixtures for the supporters and I really hope I get the chance to take part and that my team-mates and I do as well as possible. "I have enjoyed my time in Scotland so far and everything is going well, both on and off the pitch. "The lads in the squad have been fantastic and my family are here so I am happy with life as I'm playing well too. "Now I'm looking for three points against Celtic. If we get them, I'll definitely be opening the champagne I've won. That's a promise." Mendes has played a big part in revitalising a Rangers side which initially struggled to get going when the campaign began. Indeed, his form has led to him being recalled to the Portugal squad more than five and a half years after he won his last cap. Having helped Gers turn in more refined performances over the last couple of weeks, the 29-year-old is out to keep the improvements going at Parkhead. Mendes added: "We were disappointed only to take one point from the Aberdeen game but we are confident of building on the good things we did there. "It is up to us to improve and try to play as well as we did in spells for longer periods of the game. "We will work hard this week and make sure we are ready for Celtic. I can only speak about how we've done since I joined Rangers but I think we have done well. "Based on the last couple of performances, I think the team is improving and we just need to keep looking to do that."

True,but we don't have european football to contend with so I hope that eases the normal strains of '' The modern day footballer ''.

by Lindsay Herron KENNY MILLER will become the first player in over 100 years to cross the great divide twice in Old Firm derbies if he plays for Rangers at Parkhead on Sunday. Tom Dunbar is the only other player to have achieved this feat and that was back in the late 19th century when Rangers and Celtic were quite chummy rather than fierce rivals. It could be a daunting prospect but Rangers boss Walter Smith has no doubts that the Scotland striker will handle it all. He told Rangers World: "I don't think Kenny will be bothered about going back to Parkhead. I'm sure there will be the usual banter between fans, but it is not something that is going to affect him. "He is an experienced enough player to handle it." Smith could have a number of new faces in his line-up on Sunday. Pedro Mendes, Kyle Lafferty, Madjid Bougherra plus the returning Steve Davis and Miller are liable to start with the potential of Maurice Edu and young Spaniard Aaron also taking part. Smith certainly has no qualms about introducing some or all of them to the unique atmosphere. He said: "Old Firm games can inspire you. If you want to be in football then these are the games you want to be involved in. "Any player worth his salt would want to play in this game. "During the match you can't say you enjoy it. If you manage to get a win then you do but if you lose then it's the end of the world, so to speak."

By Andrew Dickson PEDRO MENDES has been handed a massive boost ahead of Sunday's Old Firm derby with a recall to the Portugal squad. The midfielder is one of 18 Rangers players who have been called up on international duty next week. Many of those selected were expected to join up with their national associations for World Cup qualifiers, African Nations matches, youth games and friendlies. But Mendes wasn't anticipating a summons after winning his last cap for his country more than five and a half years ago against Italy. His early form at Ibrox following his move from Portsmouth appears to have found favour with new Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz. And the former Manchester United assistant manager has selected him for matches with Malta and Denmark in the coming days. The staggering tally of players who will be away from Murray Park next week is largely down to the number who will be in Scotland's squad. Allan McGregor, David Weir, Kevin Thomson, Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller have all been picked for meetings with Macedonia and Iceland. Kyle Lafferty and Steven Davis will also be on their travels for Northern Ireland's games against Slovakia and the Czech Republic. DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu will play for the United States of America as they visit Cuba for the very first time. And Madjid Bougherra and Brahim Hemdani will team up for Algeria in their home African Nations Cup preliminary match against Senegal. Sasa Papac is in Bosnia-Herzegovina's squad to face European champions Spain and Estonia. In addition, four Light Blues youngsters have been asked to appear in selected age group matches around Europe. Steven Lennon, currently on loan at Partick Thistle, is in Scotland's under-21 squad for UEFA Championship qualifiers against Slovakia and Denmark. In the same competition, Giorgos Efrem will represent Cyprus against Belgium and Andrew Little will play for Northern Ireland against Germany. Arturs Vaiculis, Rangers' under-19 goalkeeper, completes the jet-setting pack when he joins Latvia for two friendlies with Belarus at that level.

If this is true,it could be a good move for him. Rangers will send midfielder Dean Furman on loan to Bradford City so that the South African can gain more first-team experience. (The Sun)

by Lindsay Herron WALTER SMITH has confirmed that he will include Maurice Edu in his squad for Parkhead - assuming the American star arrives in Glasgow in enough time. Edu was in the process of trying to secure a working visa from the UK Embassy in Toronto after the relevant paperwork on his work permit arrived from the UK. All things being equal, he should be at Murray Park by Wednesday or Thursday and that will give him enough time to get ready for the Celtic game. Smith said: "We have to wait and see if we get him over on time. "The good thing is that he has been playing regularly and travelling around the world regularly with the US national team. "When I first met him he came across as one of these boys who would not be fazed by a great deal. He seems quite a confident lad. "If we can get him over in good time then I have no doubt that he would be involved on Sunday at some stage." The other good news for Rangers is that Kyle Lafferty is winning his fitness battles to face Celtic after suffering a hamstring injury against Hearts. Smith added: "I think he will be fit. He only just missed out on being involved at Aberdeen so after a few days on the training ground we would be hopeful of having him for this weekend."

By Andrew Dickson RANGERS' 100% record in the SPL Reserve League came to an end this afternoon as they drew 0-0 with Hearts at Murray Park. Tommy Wilson's men were the better side, particularly after the interval, but couldn't convert any of the chances that came their way. Failing to break the deadlock means they've now taken four points from their first two matches after the 5-0 win against Falkirk a fortnight ago. The first half was a fairly even affair, with Gers shading it for the extra possession they enjoyed. Things might have been different had William McLachlan seen a red card rather than the yellow he received for a late foul on Hearts' Branimir Kostadinov after just 90 seconds. Indeed, it was a shaky start by the home side and Craig Sives should have headed the Jambos ahead with six minutes gone but somehow nodded wide from two yards. Rangers hit back and Rory Loy, who scored a hat-trick against the Bairns, drove low at goal but saw his effort smothered. John Fleck then skipped past two men as he cut across the 18-yard line and found the target too but also had his shot held. Paul Emslie was proving to be influential for the Light Blues and he had a go himself but his rising drive was always flying over. Hearts responded through Kostadinov and Jordan McMillan had to react sharply to block his teasing pass across goal. Rangers continued to have more of the ball after the break but while Fleck almost struck at one end, Juho Makela should really have broken the deadlock at the other. The best chance so far then fell to Spanish winger Aaron, who had experienced mixed fortunes in the opening period. He showed the class that tempted Walter Smith to bring him to Ibrox on loan from Valencia when he burst in from the left past two men and curled just beyond the far post. It was an opportunity he created from nothing and if he keeps producing like that, it won't be long before he is pushing for a first-team place. Gers were getting closer and it seemed Loy had finally given them a lead with 25 minutes remaining after Fleck and Andrew Shinnie combined to play him in. But just as his shot across Jamie MacDonald was sneaking inside the far post, the keeper stuck out a strong hand to divert the ball wide. Loy saw a similar attempt trundle past the frame and with that, frustration started setting in. Wilson threw on Giorgos Efrem and Andrew Little for Aaron and Loy in a bid to make his team's pressure finally count. But they couldn't get themselves a lead and had to settle for a share of the spoils instead with their capital opponents. RANGERS: Gallacher, Lowing, McLachlan, McMillan, Dailly, Emslie, Shinnie, Adam, Loy (Little 83), Fleck, Aaron (Efrem 68). Substitutes: Robinson, Furman, Craig, Harvey. HEARTS: MacDonald, Kelly (Thomson 67), Armstrong, Park, Sikes, McGowan, Kostadinov, Stewart (Copil 67), Makela, Wallace, Templeton. Substitutes: Bjornsson, Balatoni, Mulrooney, Docherty, Mackie. Referee: Ross Haswell.

Here's a good wee website guys http://splwatch.blogspot.com/

MAURICE EDU is hoping to make a dream Rangers debut by lining up at Parkhead in next Sunday's Old Firm showdown. The 22-year-old US midfielder got work permit clearance on Friday and will fly across the Atlantic to begin his Rangers career once all of the paperwork has been completed. And the former Toronto FC star hopes he can go straight into the squad for the derby with Celtic. He said: "It's something I would love to experience right away. I don't know how my involvement is going to play out but I really look forward to that if that was possible. "I know there is a huge rivalry between Rangers and Celtic. What a potential first game that would be, to play in the biggest derby game in world football. It would be unbelievable. "If it works out like that I would be more than excited. I can't think of a better debut than that. "I'm excited about this new chapter in my career.I will miss Toronto, and the team's amazing supporters and fans. Toronto FC will always have special meaning for me because it's the club that gave me my professional start." Edu will become Walter Smith's eighth summer signing when he joins later this week. Edu told the Mail on Sunday: ""It all happened so quickly for me. I heard a little whisper when I was at the Olympics but at that tim was trying to focus on getting the United States out of the group stages. "We lost and I came back home. I flew into San Francisco on the way to Toronto and I got a phone call from my agent. He said that the league had taken a bid and it was from Rangers. By the time I got to Toronto we heard there had been approval. "I have some things to tie up but hopefully I can be in Glasgow by midweek."

Calm doon Johnny boy...............he only used one arm !!!!!!!

HA!HA!,Quality mate

THE last time a Scotland team represented their country at a major championship, Rangers front man Kris Boyd was just 14 years old. Like so many youngsters watching the action from France 98, he too dreamed of one day pulling on the dark blue shirt to go in to battle with his national team. But a decade later few who watched helplessly as Scotland slipped out of the World Cup on the back of a 3-0 defeat to Morocco in St Etienne now find themselves in Boyd's position. As he prepares to face off against Northern Ireland in a friendly tonight, the Gers No.9 can realistically target a place in South Africa in 22 months' time. And, if he's handed a shirt by Scotland boss George Burley when his side depart Glasgow next month to face Macedonia and Iceland, he can have a say over whether Scotland will return to the global scene after a dozen years on the outside, looking in. Boyd turned 25 earlier this week and on the back of the most remarkable season of his career he admits that joining Scotland in the World Cup in South Africa would be the highlight of his football life. He said: "As a player they are the best moments in football, both the European Championships and the World Cup. "To be part of that would, I think, be the highlight of your career when you look back on it in years to come. "Every player wants to be there and the likes of Davie Weir and Christian Dailly have already tasted it and they say it's the best thing they've done in their career. "I'm sure we'd all be no different. We want to get there and hopefully we can get off to a good start and then finish the job this time." It's a revealing statement that points to the hurt Boyd felt at coming so close to a place in Austria and Switzerland during the summer, before falling at the final hurdle against Italy. The striker had helped to get his country off to a flying start with two goals in their opening qualifier for Euro 2008 as Walter Smith's side chalked up a 6-0 over the Faroe Islands. But he was a dejected figure as he watched from the Hampden touchline as Christian Panucci's header sealed a 2-1 win for the visiting Italians and ended Scotland's dream. He was stripped to come on as a sub with the scores tied at 1-1, but as he replaced Lee McCulloch he knew qualification had slipped away and that experience still lingers. Boyd said: "It was obviously disappointing the way it ended but if we'd been told at the start of the campaign that we'd take it that far we would have been delighted. "But once you get so close you're obviously disappointed that you don't quite make it but that's life, we have to move on from that and we've got another chance to qualify for a World Cup now." The Gers forward will take the first step on that journey in tonight's friendly at a stadium he enjoyed huge success at last season. Putting aside the disappointment of that meeting with Italy, Boyd went on to score doubles for his club in two triumphant Hampden cup finals. He added: "I enjoy playing there. It's a great surface and a great stadium and to play there with your national team is a bonus. "It's good to meet up with the squad and start preparations for the World Cup campaign with the game against Northern Ireland. "There are a good few of us from Rangers in it and it's always a special occasion to go and play with your country so I'm looking forward to the game."

Don't bank on it

I think last season I was defending WS alot for some of his formations,as IMO he didn't have a lot to choose from,this season he doesn't have that excuse,so we improved the squad quite considerably and now he can set out the team to play a more attacking formation,the question is,will he ?..........he better !!!

Frankie,i've no problem with that,the competion might just be what he needs to get back to what we all know he is capable of,I suppose it all depends on how WS sets out his team

Playing beside a forward thinking/flair player may just bring the best out of BF

Played 70 minutes,no match report yet

Mo Johnston has backed Mo Edu to become a sensation at Ibrox after playing his part in securing a $5 million move over the weekend. There is still some bureaucracy to overcome as Rangers need to secure a work permit for 22 year old American star Edu, and a tribunal will make a decision on that next week. However, once that hurdle is overcome, Toronto FC's director of Football, Johnston is convinced that the kid he drafted from college will be a major player for Rangers this season. The former Rangers striker said: "I am quite sure that Mo will be a huge success at Rangers." "He is a very good player already but he is still learning and he will learn from great coaches at Rangers." "He is easily the best young player in the States right now and I have no doubts he will do really well at Rangers." Johnston, while head coach at Toronto, drafted Edu from Maryland college last year and the defensive midfielder was voted Rookie of the Year in his first season for the club. Rangers approached Johnston for recommendations on players and he had no hesitation in picking out California born Edu. Walter Smith made initial inquiries at the end of last season and then stepped these up after having Edu watched at the Olympics, where he represented the USA. Negotiations where then opened up with the MLS, who own the rights to all players in the league, and a deal was concluded. Edu then flew into Glasgow and watched Saturday's Hearts game, then signed a five year contract, subject to a work permit. He then jetted back across the Atlantic to join the USA's full squad for Wednesday's World Cup tie in Guatemala. Johnston added: "It was all a bit of a whirlwind. It's a great move for Mo and Rangers but it certainly leaves us with a big hole in our midfield." "We picked him up from Maryland in the draft last year and he was a top players for us last season, winning the Rookie of the Year award." "There was a lot of interest from other clubs but Rangers managed to get the deal done with MLS." "They own the rights but we get a portion of the money." "He can play right back and centre back as well as defensive midfield." "I noticed that Rangers had signed Pedro Mendes and I think Mo can be the perfect foil for him." "He is a big lad and he takes no prisoners. He is strong and he can break up the play really well." "I have no doubts that Walter will get the best out of him."

Agreed Craig,I think we would all have liked Carlos to still be here,but he's not and with him leaving we have strengthened our midfield,and in Madjid we have a decent replacement.

by Lindsay Herron RANGERS have clinched a deal to sign exciting US international Maurice Edu on a five year contract, subject to a work permit. The Light Blues have agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old midfield player after clinching a $5million deal with Major League Soccer. The next move is for Rangers to obtain a work permit for the American star who already has six caps for the full national team having come through the ranks. Edu was at Ibrox for Saturday's 2-0 win over Hearts but he has now flown back to the USA to prepare for the World Cup qualifier in Guatemala on Wednesday when DaMarcus Beasley will be with him. The midfielder was recommened by Mo Johnston, who worked with the player at Toronto FC in the MLS, and Rangers had him watched before making their move. Johnston was coach at the Candian club before moving upstairs and believes Edu has a very bright future. Rangers are pleased to have completed the deal but have to wait for the work permit situation to be sorted out and have now set the wheels in motion. Edu will join Pedro Mendes, who made a fantastic debut against Hearts after his �£3million move from Portsmouth on Friday, and Spanish sensation Aaron Niguez who has joined on a two-year loan deal from Valencia. Steve Davis is also set to become a Rangers player tomorrow. A fee has been agreed with Fulham for the midfielder, who was on loan at Ibrox last season. and a deal has been agreed with the player in principle. Davis has one or two things to tie up with Fulham but all things being equal he will be a Rangers player tomorow. He is already in Scotland with the Northern Ireland squad preparing for Wednesday's friendly with George Burley's side at Hampden on Wednesday.

By David Melvin MAN of the match Pedro Mendes enjoyed an Ibrox debut that lived up to his expectations as he helped his new side to a 2-0 win over Hearts. The Portuguese midfielder's impressive first performance at the heart of the Gers' midfield was recognised by fans in the stadium who chose him as their pick of the bunch from a successful afternoon. A fine array of skills and an eye for a pass were evident in everything the 29-year-old did on his first appearance in a Rangers shirt. And he admits that his first Ibrox experience lived up to his pre match expectations. He said: "It was a game where everything went well and the support from the fans was fantastic. "It's nice to be picked as man of the match but I am just pleased with the performance and of course with the win. "It was a fantastic atmosphere, but I was expecting that as everyone I have spoken with has said 'Pedro, you will love Ibrox' and they were right." Mendes suffered some cramp towards the end of the match after a whirlwind move ended with him in the starting line up a little over 24 hours after his arrival at Murray Park on Friday. The former Portsmouth man admitted it was a tiring few days, but he's looking forward to a bright future in the Scottish game and ahead to next weekend's meeting with Aberdeen. He added: "It's always good to start with a win, but I'm a little tired now. Everything went so quickly, I only arrived in Glasgow yesterday and it was a busy day with the medical and signing. "I only managed a little bit of jogging yesterday and then the game today, but everything went well so I'm happy with that. "I was tired towards the end of the game. I hadn't slept much since hearing about the move but now hopefully with the training my fitness will go up again. "I was pleased with the game, it was an open match and Hearts played well - they have some good footballers. "So it was an open game and that wasn't too much of a surprise to me so I'm looking forward to the next match."

http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/sport/39Everything-was-agreed-We-came.4398689.jp

RANGERS target Maurice Edu will today jet in to Glasgow to discuss personal terms after the club agreed a $5m fee for the midfielder. The 22-year-old American will be at Ibrox to watch the first SPL home game of the season against Hearts after recently returning from the Olympics in China. The Toronto FC star appeared in all three of his country's matches in Beijing and is viewed as one of the rising talents in US Soccer. He enjoyed a fantastic start to his Major League Soccer career with the Canadian side after being selected as first pick in the 2007 MLS draft. His first season in the American top flight saw him go on to score 4 goals in 25 games with those performances earning him the crown of Rookie of the Year from his fellow players and MLS coaches. That first season in the professional game also earned him a call up to the US national side late last year, and saw him included in their under-23 squad for this summer's Beijing Olympics. Rangers will now work with the player and Toronto FC in a bid to secure a work permit for Edu. After discussing terms in Glasgow, the player is due to join up with his international team mates, including Ibrox star DaMarcus Beasley, for the World Cup qualifying match against Guatemala.

The Rangers Supporters Trust have warned the club's chairman, Sir David Murray, that they expect a demonstration against the sale of Carlos Cuellar at today's game against Hearts. Sir David accused those who suggest there is a conspiracy behind the sale of the defender of trying to cause "mayhem" at Ibrox. He insisted he and his fellow administrators did nothing wrong in agreeing to include a �£7.8m release clause in the player's contract when he joined from Osasuna last summer. That clause was triggered by Aston Villa this week, with Cuellar choosing to leave rather than accept vastly improved terms. Some fans have demanded resignations and there are rumours of protests this afternoon. An RST spokesman, David Edgar, said: "Sadly, I still believe there will be protests on Saturday. The RST are not in favour of it and will not encourage it, but I can see something unorganised happening." But Sir David said: "I know there have been a lot of questions asked: 'Was he forced out the door?' etc, etc. But the clear fact is we sent out on the website an honest statement by the chief executive [Martin Bain] explaining the situation. But then people want to read into it and put their own twist on it; there's not a lot we can do." Pedro Mendes will go straight into the Rangers squad after his �£3m move to Ibrox. But his fellow new recruit, the Spanish youngster Aaron Niguez Esclapez, will not be involved as he is short of match fitness. David Weir returns from suspension, but Nacho Novo is banned. The Independent