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http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=630&Itemid=1 Novo by a fair distance...

Words from Walter.... Manager Walter Smith saw Rangers' SPL lead reduced to one point after a last-minute defeat at Celtic Park. "For us it is a difficult one to take losing it so late in the game," Smith told BBC Sport after the 2-1 loss. "After holding out for the length of time we did the disappointing aspect for us was losing the goal just in the last seconds. "Celtic, although they had territorial possession when we were down to 10 men, didn't create many opportunities." Although the visitors were disappointed to lose the match, they remain favourites to clinch the league title having played two games fewer than their city rivals. Smith admitted that his side were over-run in the first half but it was a different story after the break. "Celtic were the better side in the first half and imposed themselves on the game better than we did, although there weren't many chances for either team in that first half. "I don't think we could argue that Celtic deserved that lead. "In the second half we started to impose ourselves as Celtic did in the first half and we played very well. "We managed to equalise in our best spell of the game and then obviously when we got a player sent off the game was always going to turn. "We were always going to be under a little bit of pressure. We had to defend and we did so brilliantly until the last few seconds." Think he is a little miffed at losing it in the fashion we did. It is a typical Bheggars goal, well into time added on, but we have to expect it.

DAVIE WEIR and Celtic's Gary Caldwell are facing potential suspensions after angry scenes at the end of tonight's 2-1 defeat at Parkhead. A series of altercations broke out at the final whistle and players had to be restrained by team mates and officials. It is understood that Weir and Caldwell were called to referee Kenny Clark's room after things had calmed down. It also believed that another Celtic player was spoken to by the referee. Weir and Caldwell could now miss their clubs' next matches - St Johnstone and Aberdeen respectively - but would be clear to play in the next Old Firm game in 11 days' time. Carlos Cuellar is already out of that match after his red card tonight while Kevin Thomson is also missing as he completes his two-match SPL ban.

ALLAN MCGREGOR wrote his name into the history books on March 29 when he became the first Rangers keeper to record four consecutive clean sheets against Celtic but he doesn't want to stop there. Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor show their thanks to the fansThe club's No. 1 will travel to Parkhead tonight for another crucial clash against Gordon Strachan's men and would love nothing more than to increase his remarkable run to five as Walter Smith's side look to put one hand, or glove for that matter, on the SPL trophy. Keeping Celtic at bay in front of 60,000 fans in green and white is easier said than done but Greegs is confident his team can once again do the business in the world's greatest derby. When the clubs last went in to battle it was the men in Light Blue that gained a vital psychological boost with a stunning 1-0 victory. This game will be remembered for Kevin Thomson's majestic goal but few will forget the fingertip stop which denied Andrius Hinkel a second-half equaliser. When the German right-back cut inside and unleashed a dipping shot from 30-yard the Celtic fans in the Broomloan Stand were already off their seats ready to raise the roof. McGregor had other ideas and his save brought back memories of Andy Goram's unbelievable stop to deny Pierre Van Hooijdonk at the same end of the ground during the nine-in-a-row era. It was another moment of magic from the 26-year-old who has been inspirational in Rangers quest for an unprecedented quadruple this season. Allan McGregor celebrates at the final whistle Although Carlos Cuellar may be the early favourite to scoop the country's Player of the Year awards for his terrific consistency Allan must also be in with a fighting chance of picking up a few gongs. Winning individual honours, however, will be the last thing on his mind right now. The SPL takes centre-stage this evening in Glasgow's East End and Allan is hoping it is his opposite number Artur Boruc that is once again picking the ball out of his net. He said: "Obviously I would love to keep another clean sheet against Celtic, that would be a dream scenario but as long as we get a result that's all that matters really. "All the boys will be right up for the game and we have to be quietly confident of getting a result although it will be very hard. "They will be fighting for their lives and have a league title to retain while we are trying to win it for the first time in three years. "Both Celtic and ourselves need to be on our toes right now and try to take three points from every game we play in. "That is what happens when you are with the Old Firm and tonight's game is no different. "I think we will need to play better than we did in our last two wins over them at Ibrox but hopefully we can come out on top." Allan McGregorRunning out in front of a packed Celtic Park would have a lot of players quivering in their boots but Allan can't wait to get out on the pitch and strut his stuff. "I actually quite enjoy going to Parkhead and I think a lot of lads say that. It's a challenge and if you can come away with a win it's the best feeling in the world. "To be honest I am not too bothered about the atmosphere at away grounds and that's the same at Parkhead. "Once you are out there you just get your head down and concentrate on the job at hand. "I have no doubt that tonight's game will start and it will be frantic for a while and it usually settles down after that. "It will be up to our players to get on the ball and take the game to Celtic. "We want to win the game, that is our main priority and obviously my aim is to keep a clean sheet again but if we come away with a draw it is perhaps not too bad a result."

CAN Rangers make a clean swoop for all four trophies? Coral are offering 6/1 on Rangers to complete a historic quadruple. Rangers are 7/4 to maintain their winning streak against Celtic, and you can also get 6/1 with Coral on Rangers winning both SPL matches at Parkhead this season! RANGERS SEASON SPECIALS Rangers to win: SPL, Scottish Cup & CIS - 1/3 SPL, UEFA Cup & CIS - 5/1 Scottish Cup, UEFA Cup & CIS - 11/2 Quadruple 6/1 Rangers to:Coral Logo Qualify for the UEFA Cup final - 5/4 To win both SPL matches at Parkhead this season - 6/1 Total Season Points (after 38 games) 93pts or more - 7/4 89-92pts - 13/8 88 or less - 7/4

STEVEN DAVIS is relishing the prospect of making his first trip to Parkhead as a Rangers player tonight and is desperate to make it two wins out of two against the club's greatest rivals. Steven DavisSteven made his Old Firm debut in the 1-0 win at Ibrox on March 29 and once again put in an industrious performance that Stuart McCall would have been proud of in his heyday. Having played in massive Premiership games with Aston Villa and Fulham and also come up against some of the world's best players on the international stage Davis has already proved that he thrives on the big stage. The 23-year-old has been outstanding in Rangers quadruple quest but admits that it does not get any bigger than playing against Celtic in the East End of Glasgow. Having watched his boyhood heroes in action at Parkhead on TV and get three points Steven hopes he can also achieve this and help Rangers get a victory which will take them one step closer to the championship. He said: "Old Firm games are always very tough game and there is a lot of importance on this one. Stecven Davis "If we can win it will put us in a great position but, on the other hand, if Celtic get three points they will get a massive lift. "So we all know what will be at stake going into the match but hopefully we can do the business on the night. "I got my first taste of an Old Firm game at Ibrox and it was a great feeling to come off the pitch at the end with a victory. The atmosphere at Ibrox was exactly what I expected. "I had watched the games on TV before and it was great to be involved in one. "Obviously I am now looking forward to going to Parkhead to play. "It will be hostile but I am sure that is something all our players will thrive on." Kevin Thomson was the Rangers hero when he scored a stunning goal to sink the Celts at the end of March and Davis would love nothing more than to hit the net tonight. Davis wins the ball from HartleyHis only goal in a Light Blue jersey so far came against Werder Bremen at Ibrox on March 6 but he is desperate to add to his tally as soon as possible. "Everybody dreams of scoring the winning goal in an Old Firm match, that would be unbelievable. "Thommo got the last one at Ibrox and I was delighted for him. It is unfortunate that he is now suspended this week. "But we have a lot of quality players in the squad and whoever is involved will be desperate to get a good result."

Celtic statement is as follows: HAVING been inundated with complaints in relation to an article in the Sunday Herald last weekend, Celtic Football Club has today written to the Editor of the newspaper looking for his comments on the matter. "The complaints have been in response to an article containing the line, ââ?¬Å?some fans would probably rather have a bead-rattling Hoopy the Huddle Hound in the dug-out.ââ?¬Â As a club open to all since its formation in 1888, regardless of race or religion, this disparaging characterisation of Celtic supporters is extremely disappointing and offensive. The reference is completely inappropriate, and one which has naturally caused great concern amongst our supporters. Clearly, with the level of feeling among our supporters being so high with regards to this issue, the club felt it important to address this issue with the newspaper concerned." They seem to be more concerned over this than their league game tomorrow night.

I'll give Rangers first chance to sign me, says loan star Steve Davis Apr 16 2008 By Colin Duncan RANGERS' hopes of making Steve Davis' switch from Fulham permanent were last night given a major boost. The midfielder revealed he will give the SPL leaders first crack at signing him. The Ulsterman has been a revelation at Ibrox since arriving from Craven Cottage on loan during the January window and has played an integral part in Rangers' push for four trophies this season. Now Ibrox boss Walter Smith has made keeping him his No.1 priority this summer. The 23-year-old is receptive to the idea of furthering his career north of the border if Fulham decide to let him go. But with Middlesbrough, Everton, Blackburn and Newcastle all chasing the �£4million-rated star Rangers might struggle to match the financial package on offer in the Premiership. Davis said: "The most important thing for me is to see this season through first. We are still involved in three competitions at the moment and that's what I need to focus on. "When the season finishes I will go away, have a break and hopefully sort out my future after that. What I can say is that I will listen to Rangers first. If they are an option then it's something I will consider. "I grew up a Rangers fan and I have enjoyed my time here. It has been good for everyone and the fact we're in the semi-final of the UEFA Cup proves we are a massive club. "The manager is well respected and it was good to read that he wants to keep me. I have enjoyed working with him. "I haven't really thought about things and I suppose a lot will depend on what happens with Fulham." Instead of fighting a relegation battle with the Londoners, Davis now finds himself closing in on four trophies with his boyhood heroes. Yet, as he gears up for his second Old Firm clash the Northern Irishman admits he was surprised Roy Hodgson allowed him to move north. He said: "I don't know why Fulham let me go. Before I came here I'd started almost every league game but then there was a change in manager. I was out of the team and when I heard of Rangers' interest I went to see the new boss. "I didn't think he would agree to the move but he did and I'm so glad I came. I've been able to add to the quality that was already here and things have worked out well." Victory at Parkhead tonight would leave Celtic needing a miracle to overhaul Rangers in the title race and while Davis is confident he knows it will take another Herculean display. He added: "We had big performance against Sporting last week, probably the best I've been involved in since I came here. "We showed we are a good footballing side and there's no doubt we've taken a lot of confidence from that performance. But it will take a similar showing against Celtic to get anything at Parkhead. "Things have gone well for me since I came to Ibrox but there's a lot of football to be played and it's now a case of seeing it through. "This will be my first experience of Parkhead but I'm looking forward to it. "There's no doubt this game is huge just because of what is at stake. It's vital we get a result. "A draw would suit us more than Celtic but you don't go into any game looking to draw. We'll be going there looking to win." GET THE LAD SIGNED WALTER

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=197&Itemid=1 The facts speak for themselves: Rangers are in a European semi-final with a domestic clean-sweep distinctly possible. The performance in Lisbon was exceptional, with ball retention and composed football of the highest quality. Getting an away goal at a critical time showed genuine character and if Steven Whittaker was Brazilian weââ?¬â?¢d still be raving about his slalom run through the Sporting defence. Having beaten 3 excellent sides to progress, Rangers now face Fiorentina as equals. In the Scottish Cup, the business was taken care of with 2 first half strikes. Credit to Thistle but not their supporters, who need to learn that sectarian abuse of both the Pope and the Queen is unacceptable. Anything other than defeat at Celtic Park should see Rangers as Champions, but with Celtic failing to score or secure a point in the last 4 OF fixtures, a major ââ?¬Ë?Timplosionââ?¬â?¢ is possible. Letââ?¬â?¢s hope the home crowdââ?¬â?¢s May 1999 behaviour isnââ?¬â?¢t repeated. Stephen Smith http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/SPL-fanzone.3984993.jp Seems, as usual, it's fair game to call Rangers fans bigots but if we have the temerity to question other supporters' regarding their own sectarian chants, we're, erm, still bigots. Great column, Stevie!

Arthur Numan may not be considered thus by Rangers fans who witnessed him collect eight trophies in five seasons at Ibrox - particularly now that the Dutchman has made his home in Scotland - but the 38-year-old believes his former club should be looking to expand their horizons. advertisement <A HREF="http://ads.telegraph.co.uk/event.ng/Type=click&FlightID=27064&AdID=32704&TargetID=6217&ASeg=&AMod=&Redirect=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/flanders" target="_top"><IMG SRC="http://adc.telegraph.co.uk/f/flanders/cobrands/flanders_300x250.gif" WIDTH=300 HEIGHT=250 BORDER=0></A> Ironically, considering he was speaking in order to publicise broadcasters Setanta's exclusive rights to tomorrow night's Old Firm game, Numan played down the importance of that particular encounter and argued that Walter Smith should make winning the Uefa Cup the club's priority. Numan is of the opinion that winning the SPL title is a done deal and that local bragging rights should take a back seat to preparing properly for the visit of semi-final opponents Fiorentina in nine days' time. "For me the Uefa Cup is, without a doubt, the most important competition," Numan said. "Winning that would be a bigger achievement than five league titles put together. "Rangers have won 51 league titles, but how many European trophies have they won? Just the one. "In this country everyone is so focused on the league but when you look at the teams Rangers have already beaten in Europe this season you realise what this would mean. "It would also be good for Scotland as a country. Celtic and Rangers have already reached the last 16 of the Champions League and the national team has also been improving. "To be honest, I've been surprised by how well Rangers have done and I'd be lying if I said I was the only one. No-one expected them to get this far. "The home-grown players at the Old Firm know what it means to play for Rangers or Celtic but maybe you need to think like a foreigner to win the Uefa Cup. "I remember losing 5-1 at Parkhead in my first Old Firm game and afterwards Ian Ferguson just went mental. He even said he would rather beat Celtic four times each season than win the league. "But the club is now just two games away from going to Manchester for the final and that would be fantastic. It should be their priority." Celtic's management and staff claim that retaining their title remains a possibility, but Numan gives the impression that opinion is right up there with Scientology as far as questionable beliefs are concerned. "At the moment Rangers are four points clear with two games in hand," Numan said. "The way they're playing just now, realistically that puts them 10 points clear with just six games left. "Celtic have been losing a lot of games recently while Rangers have lost just one of their last 30 matches. So there's no need for them to worry -Rangers can afford to lose both games at Parkhead and still win the title. "Of course, that would make life a little more difficult for them because that's when the pressure comes. I remember in 2003 we were eight points clear with nine games left and then we lost twice to Celtic and drew with Dundee after missing two penalties. "That meant it came down to goal difference and we beat Dunfermline 6-1 while Celtic won 4-0 at Kilmarnock. But I don't think that will happen this time." Numan has been impressed by the resilience of Rangers since Smith's return, but doesn't doubt that the team he played in was superior in almost every respect. "We were a far better team and we also played better football," he said. "The strength of the current group is that they are well-organised and play as a unit.They're hard to beat and they don't give a lot of goals away." "My one regret is that the Rangers team I played in never made it past the first stage of the Champions League, especially when you look at the squad we had."

http://www.rangers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/sub/TVNews/0,,5~1289649,00.html

RANGERS will face Celtic in the Scottish Youth Cup Final for the second year running - and they will be hoping for the same outcome. Andrew Shinnie and Stevie lennon celebrate with the trophyCeltic won through today by beating Aberdeen 2-1 and Rangers will meet their Old Firm rivals at Hampden on Wednesday, May 23. Billy Kirkwood's boys romped to a 5-0 win last season with Stevie Lennon, now too old for the 19s, scoring a hat-trick, Andrew Shinnie and Dean Furman getting on the score sheet. Everyone at Murray Park hopes it will be the second leg of another League and Cup double. The 19s will clinch the title on Friday if they can avoid defeat against Motherwell.

Apr 13 2008 Exclusive by Mark Guidi SPURS are lining up a bid for Rangers keeper Allan McGregor. The 26-year-old Ibrox No.1's outstanding form this season has attracted the attention of several Premiership clubs. McGregor is contracted at Gers until summer 2010 and valued at more than �£5million. Tottenham boss Juande Ramos is aware of the keeper's ability after glowing recommendations from his scouts. He wants to bring in two new keepers in the close season to replace Paul Robinson and Radek Cerny. Ramos signed Alan Hutton from Rangers three months ago for �£9million and the right-back is already considered a bargain buy. Chiefs at White Hart Lane feel Mac could make a similar instant impact. McGregor is happy at Ibrox but has told those close to him he would love to play in the Premiership and is aware of the growing interest in him. He has also not ruled out making a fresh start away from the Glasgow "goldfish bowl". Hutton has raved to his old Ibrox mates about life in the Premiership and has urged them to join him there if they get a chance. McGregor knows Rangers will decide what happens next if they receive any bids for him. Newcastle gaffer Kevin Keegan is also considering a move for the Ibrox No.1 after his first choice, Celtic keeper Artur Boruc, told him he is not interested in joining the Magpies. The transfer fee would not be a problem for the wealthy Magpies. Keegan saw McGregor - and his other Gers target Spaniard Carlos Cuellar - in action at the home game against Sporting Lisbon. Rangers can prepare themselves for bids during the coming months. However, Spurs appear to be in pole position for McGregor and will have a representative in the stand for Wednesday night's Old Firm clash at Parkhead.

RANGERS could face 14 fixtures in the final six weeks of the season if they stay on course for glory in the Scottish Cup and UEFA Cup. The Ibrox's side's outstanding trips to St Mirren and Motherwell have still to be scheduled and if Rangers do progress in both competitions it will be a challenge for the SPL to find suitable dates. Here is how the fixture line-up looks for Rangers: April 13 - Partick, Scottish Cup quarter-final replay (away); April 16 - Celtic, SPL (away); April 20 - Possible Scottish Cup semi-final v St Johnstone (Hampden); April 24 - Fiorentina, UEFA Cup semifinal 1st leg (home); April 27 - Celtic, SPL (away); May 1 - Fiorentina, UEFA Cup semi-final 2nd leg (away); May 4 - Hibs, SPL (away); May 7 - Motherwell, SPL (home); May 10 - Dundee Utd, SPL (home); May 14 - Possible UEFA Cup final v Bayern Munich or Zenit St Petersburg (Manchester); May 18 - Aberdeen, SPL (away); May 24 - Possible Scottish Cup final v Aberdeen or Queen of the South (Hampden). TBC: St Mirren (away), Motherwell (away). Fook me,it's quite frightening when you look at this list

STEVIE SMITH is in a Rangers team for the first time since December 2006 for today's Scottish Cup quarter-final replay with Partick Thistle at Firhill. The full-back has not featured since the 1-1 draw with Celtic 16 months ago because of a long-term pelvic problem but finally makes his comeback against the Jags. Kirk Broadfoot's one-match suspension allows the 22-year-old to return and he is one of seven changes to the team which beat Sporting 2-0 on Thursday. Barry Ferguson, Lee McCulloch, Jean-Claude Darcheville, Steven Davis, Sasa Papac and Brahim Hemdani have also dropped out of the first XI. In their places come David Weir, Chris Burke, Kris Boyd, Nacho Novo and Steven Naismith in a 4-4-2 formation. Euro hero Steven Whittaker also starts the game at right-back. Following Queen of the South's semi-final win over Aberdeen yesterday, Rangers have a real opportunity to claim their first Scottish Cup for five years. Another First Division outfit - St Johnstone - await the winners of this tie in the last four and Walter Smith is fielding a strong side to give Gers their best chance of going through. RANGERS: McGregor; Whittaker, Weir, Cuellar, Smith; Burke, Dailly, Thomson, Naismith; Novo, Boyd. Subs: Alexander, Ferguson, Cousin, McCulloch, Furman,

C'mon the Well. The pitch is shocking again.

Sunday, 13 April 2008 -------------------------Time--------TV Motherwell v Celtic-------14:00-------*** Wednesday, 16 April 2008 -------------------------Time--------TV Celtic v Rangers----------19:45-------*** Celtic get the chance to pull three points back on Rangers again on Sunday. To do that they will have to beat their public enemy No.1, Motherwell. Both will be missing key midfield players as Bob Malcolm and Scott Brown are both suspended. Adding to that the game will take part on the mud patch pitch that fir park has become it may make fighting spirit more important than classy football. I can see Celtic getting outfought in a midfield battle in this one but will go for the draw. A Motherwell win will virtually hand Rangers the League title so here's hoping. Draw. On Wednesday Rangers travel to the piggery which throws up a must win game for Celtic. Walter Smith's dominance in old firm games is almost becoming embarrassing and i see no reason to contemplate a change in fortune. Rangers are riding on a high wave while Celtic are drowning in their own saliva. I really think we are good enough to win this one and won't even contemplate a draw. Rangers win.

By Julian Taylor "When Rangers limped off after a Champions League capitulation at home to Lyon in December, few thought that just four months later the same players would be eyeing a European final. The dejected Glasgow club were parachuted into the Uefa Cup and now only Fiorentina stand in the way of an appearance at the City of Manchester stadium on 14 May. It would be a remarkable achievement and long overdue for a club who have not tasted continental success since a European Cup Winners' Cup victory in 1972. HOW HAS SMITH SUCCEEDED? One of the main criticisms of Smith's first spell in charge was that, for all Rangers' domestic domination, he could not adjust his teams to the European arena. Ironically, this time around, the Light Blues have fewer resources, and their Uefa Cup run has been the result of Smith's greater experience and pragmatism. His approach has been to play with just one striker up front, with Jean-Claude Darcheville carrying the responsibility, with the prolific Kris Boyd featuring just once, against Panathinaikos. This hasn't always been popular with the fans, but the former Scotland manager's persistence has paid dividends, as Rangers have conceded only two goals in six games ahead of the semi-final clash against the Italians. Rangers looked comfortable for long periods in Lisbon, with a maturity to their possession play in midfield. Darcheville simply delivered when opportunity arose. Smith admitted earlier that the prospect of Uefa Cup football was firmly down his list of priorities, with the SPL title the main item on his agenda. But now, with each passing success, confidence and excitement has grown, with Rangers supporters eager for their club to emulate Celtic's run to the 2003 final. THE SCOTTISH FACTOR Smith's experience with the national team has helped - his emphasis on Scottish-style industry has transformed Rangers. The 60-year-old's success with Scotland - particularly when plotting the famous Hampden win over France - will no doubt have imbued him with the belief that, as a manager, he can outfox the biggest names at the highest level. Central to the Uefa Cup campaign has been the form of key Scots such as goalkeeper Allan McGregor, veteran defender David Weir plus Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson. McGregor's performance away to Werder Bremen was quite outstanding, while captain Ferguson has always looked comfortable in any European company. Weir's partnership with the exceptional Spaniard Carlos Cuellar - who has a rugged, traditional Scots style - has been one of the major reasons why Smith can rely on a solid backbone in pressurised situations in Europe against quality sides. RANGERS' NEW EUROPEAN RESILIENCE On several occasions the Ibrox side have answered a stern test of their character. The second leg of their tie in Bremen saw the German side dominate. Yet Rangers prevailed, thanks to McGregor, Smith's organisation and a fair slice of good luck. A tricky tie in Athens was negotiated when Nacho Novo netted a priceless late away goal against Panathinaikos, and Steven Whittaker's sublime finish against Sporting crowned a deserved win. Curiously, it could be argued that the Uefa Cup adventure has been a relatively relaxing diversion from the SPL title battle with holders Celtic, with the season set to reach another edgy conclusion. The fact is that the prospect of actually winning the Uefa Cup is only now beginning to dawn on Rangers, taking even Smith by surprise. The manager will continue to claim that winning a 52nd Scottish championship will be the main priority. However, a serious tilt at the Uefa Cup now gives Rangers a profile in Europe they certainly would not have dreamt of earlier in the season. "

By Andrew Dickson RANGERS' win last night has helped ensure whoever wins next season's SPL goes directly into the group stage of the 2009/10 Champions League. Along with the club's continued progress in Europe, this week's Champions League results and Aberdeen and Celtic's continental performances this term have also contributed. Kirk Broadfoot celebrates after Jean-Claude Darcheville scoresA combination of the three has allowed Scotland to stay 10th in UEFA's country rankings list for the second consecutive campaign. Whoever wins the league this term should also start next season's Champions League in the group phase, with the same incentive now definitely on offer for the following competition. The basis for UEFA's country rankings is the performance of each nation's club in European competitions over a five-year period, with points awarded for wins, draws and progression. The list is consequently used to determine how many clubs should enter continental tournaments and at what stage. Lex Gold, executive chairman of the SPL, said: "We wish Rangers continued success in the UEFA Cup. "Oiur clubs' performances in European competition this season have been superb and continue to raise the standing of our game across Europe."

BILLY KIRKWOOD'S Rangers under-19 side is showing as much spirit as Walter Smith's first team after their 2-0 win over Dundee United yesterday. Isa BagciThe youths beat the Arabs at Glenesk Park with goals either side of half-time from Isa Bagci and captain Andrew Shinnie. Collecting another three points takes the young Gers a step closer to retaining the SPL title they won last year. When they will have a chance to claim the trophy once more is unclear because of the situation regarding Gretna and their remaining fixtures. If the Borders side is unable to fulfil them and points won against them are removed from the standings, nearest challengers Hibs would move three points closer to Rangers. Regardless, Kirkwood's team could win the league on Monday when they take on United again at Murray Park, although Friday's clash with Motherwell is a more likely date. Yesterday's victory was all about grit and determination and the manager was delighted with the application his men showed.Andrew Shinnie Kirkwood said: "It was an exceptional team performance. Every single player, including the subs who went on, showed real desire and resilience. "Without playing fantastic football, there wasn't a single failure and that was the most pleasing thing. "We have still got a wee bit of work to do, but only because we don't know the situation with Hibs. "Our result yesterday puts us nine points ahead of Celtic, who only have three games left, and we have a superior goal difference to theirs. "That means Hibs are probably our only realistic challengers and if we can win on Monday then take a point next Friday, that could clinch it." RANGERS: S. Gallacher, McLachlan, Kinniburgh, Perry, Harvey, Ness, Stirling (Hutton), Shinnie, Bagci (Little), Fleck, Efrem (Durie).

Fookin brilliant :cheers:

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football-news/scottish-football/scottish-football/2008/04/07/three-celtic-players-nominated-as-player-of-the-year-86908-20375840/ What a joke, How can they jutisy this? Robson hasn't kicked a ball since he's went there and the goals have dried up for McDonald Where is McShagger or Weir?

Celtic striker Derek Riordan claimed manager Gordon Strachan was "talking rubbish" by claiming that he is still in his plans. Riordan was signed in June 2006 after scoring 64 goals in 146 appearances for Hibernian but has failed to make an impact at Parkhead. The 25-year-old could not even find a place on the bench for Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Motherwell which all but ended their SPL title hopes. "I only get chucked on when we need a goal so he must think I can get him one," Riordan told Scotland on Sunday. "But he obviously doesn't want to do it unless he really has to because he doesn't want me to prove him wrong. "He knows I would score quite a lot if he played me as much as he has played the other strikers but I don't think he wants to be proved wrong. "When I speak to him, he's nice to me and says all the things that players want to hear about me being part of his plans but you know by his actions that he is talking rubbish. "It is frustrating. I was left out of the squad (for the defeat against Motherwell) and was training with the reserves on Friday. "I've virtually chucked it at Celtic , what's the point when I'm not getting a chance? "I feel let down by the manager. I remember him sitting in my mum's house trying to sign me and he said I could play anywhere in his midfield or up front. "It was the same in the press conferences but now I can only play left-midfield for some reason and that's not even my best position." -- Don't really think any player should slam a manager he's still employed under, but still.. in this case you can't help but feel like Strachan has been a bit of a pompus arse and is another case of him being made to look silly.

Sunday, April 27 - Celtic (a) ko tbc Sunday, May 4 - Hibs (a) 2pm Wednesday, May 7 - Motherwell (h) 7.45pm. Saturday, May 10 - Dundee Utd (h) 12.30pm Sunday, May 18 - Aberdeen (a) 1.30pm I knew tims would be first...

Rangers striker Kris Boyd insists his frustration at being reduced to a fringe role in Walter Smith's team does not mean he will ever want to leave Ibrox. The 24-year-old former Kilmarnock frontman has started just 19 matches this season, coming off the bench a further 12 times, but has scored a remarkable 20 goals. That record makes him comfortably the club's leading scorer, even though Boyd has started fewer than half of Rangers' matches in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League. He was left on the bench throughout last week's Old Firm clash with Celtic, and has played in just one of the four matches Rangers have contested since his two goals as substitute saved the day in the CIS Insurance Cup final. There is no guarantee he will be involved against Dundee United at Tannadice in the SPL on Sunday. But Boyd told the Daily Record: "Look, the team has been winning so nobody can say the gaffer has got it wrong. I certainly am not saying that. "But I don't think he or anybody else at the club would be happy if I wasn't frustrated. Of course I'm frustrated. I want to play. "But although I'm not happy about not getting game that doesn't mean I want away." He added: "I'm committed to Rangers and I want to be at Rangers for the rest of my life. I'm happy here."