Leaderboard

After a nervy final 24 hours of the transfer window, with Chinese bids received and rejected for our top scorer, we survey the state of the squad and look forward to welcoming Hibs to Ibrox this weekend. Lennon's side will undoubtedly be combative. Look no further than the last game between the sides at Ibrox in August and the refereeing performance of John Beaton. At times it felt like a wrestling match Beaton was overseeing; and like all wrestling matches - he seemed to be steering towards a pre-determined outcome. Jesting aside, like many, I struggle with the idea that referees are actually biased. But that doesn't meant that they don't jump through some ridiculous mental hoops when it comes to how they referee us. Are we judged to a different standard? It often seems that way. But more likely, the standard of our officiating reflects the standard of the Scottish game overall. One of the the key protagonists for Hibs back in August was Anthony Stokes who, curiously, left Hibs yesterday by mutual consent. it seems even the bold Neil Lennon will only put up with his clear attitude and behavioural issues for so long, and that tells you something! Lennon has however brought in Florian Kemberi on loan from Grasshoppers Zurich to replace Stokes. He also brought in Cammy Bell from Kilmarnock, who replaces the departing Scott Bain who was on loan from Dundee and has now joined Celtic; as well as another couple of loanees - Jamie Maclaren and Faycal Rherras. Simon Murray who scored Hibs' first goal back in August has joined Dundee on loan, with Liam Fontaine going to Ross County. How much of an impact those player changes will make for Hibs remains to be seen. But as ever at a clubs like ours, it comes down to our own attitude and application first and foremost. We will need to win the battle first, before we can settle to play the game on our own terms. Murty has instilled a bit of grit to the team and its clear we find the big games easier to play in. With the new additions to our own squad, coupled with a productive training camp in the US for the Florida Cup, we've started the new year with confidence. Hibs will no no doubt put us under pressure at various times. The last game between the sides in December saw them go a goal up in the first few minutes and they were clearly the better side until we scored two goals late in the first half through Windass and then memorably Morelos, with his cheeky near post finish after a glorious bit of skill to eliminate his marker. We saw the game out but Hibs were wasteful at times and the game could have gone either way. Fans favourite Morelos remains with us for the time being. Murty's post match words on Sky following last night's scrappy win against Fraserburgh seemed to suggest that perhaps there wasn't much substance behind the bids from China. Given their transfer window still has another month to go, speculation will no doubt continue. I would however start Morelos and resist the obvious GIRUY temptation to start with Cummings on Saturday. I think its important we put an arm round the lad and make sure he knows he is loved and can progress his career with us. If he continues to improve he will get the move he wants so its not in our interests to stand in his way long term, unless we want to have a Dembele-like situation developing. Much of the rest of the team picks itself in my view, based on the game versus Ross County. Cummings for me is a stick-on to come off the bench and get a goal. I for one can't wait to see his celebration and the look on the spoon burner's faces. Match Prediction: Rangers 3 - Hibs 1 Morelos FGS

Yeah, when I think back to what an utter shambles the club seemed to be, both on and off the pitch, when McInnes knocked us back, I wouldn't have believed we could have strengthened the side the way we have. Like most of us I really want Murty to do well and one thing this transfer window has done is bring a renewed sense of optimism to the support. There's a belief now we are going in the right direction. Every single signing makes sense, there's a core to the squad now of people who understand the league, the opposition and the what the club means to the support, that can only be a good thing. I think we're still missing a bit of craft, particularly in midfield, but overall I'm delighted with the progress we've made in the last couple of months.

This apology is related to a tweet from same journalist earlier today where he informed his followers that his 'source close to the Chinese club' had denied a bid had been made as well as some claptrap about foreign player limits (despite Renhe signing an Argentinian player yesterday evening). In the day where BBC Scotland posted video footage of the Rangers stonewall penalty last night in which all three of their match commentators decided it was harsh this is quite something. Interestingly their match reporter last night (Martin Dowden who also helps produce much of their sporting output) suggest Holt tripped over the ball. Good to see Rangers challenge this nonsense and once again the Scottish football media are seen for the liars they are.

A queue of applicants form outside the SFA offices.

In case he bumps into Alex Salmond?

Thompson from DUTD? Petrie? some Rangers hater will get it.

Regan is no loss to Scottish Football, a celtic quisling no longer of use as Liewells puppet, so therefore surplus to requirements.

Sir, The BBC apologising to Rangers is like a dog walking upon its hind legs, it is not done well, but it is surprising to see it done at all. (With my apologies to the Sage of Lichfield.)

I couldnt disagree more in Niko's situation. It is clear to a blind man that his body simply can't react as quickly as his brain. IMHO you actually need to see it live. I have always been a Niko supporter but when I was at the Motherwell game a couple of days after Christmas it was painfully, and sadly, obvious that Niko's body has given up on him. His brain is as sharp as ever and some of his touches were sublime that night - one deft touch and he had beaten a Motherwell player with ease.... but even though the ball was only a yard or two away from him he couldnt get the next touch because he was so slow to make the next move. No amount of match practice will improve Niko's body and lack of mobility - the years and the injuries have taken their toll unfortunately. It is a crying shame because, at his peak, he would be the creative force we need. The ONLY way we could utilise him, IMO, would be in front of the defence in a 4-2-3-1 - but the other person in the "2" would need to be his legs. I am not convinced we need that now though given we have Goss who is more than able at spotting vertical passes. It is sad because Niko is an all-round good guy and someone that you just will to succeed and have the utmost respect for.

A youth player attempting to get into the Rangers first team (and staying there) is a very different prospect from getting into the Hearts or Hamilton first XI to name but two other clubs. Of course any Rangers manager would want to promote the best young players but only the very best are capable of making that step and it's worth noting that players develop at different stages as well.

I don't have any worries about Morelos other than he may struggle now and again without having had a proper rest of note since last April.

I think he's just pointing out that a striker 4 years older than Morelos with a pretty average scoring record in the championship has gone for £10m, £2m more than was offered for Morelos. 12 goals in 44 last season, 8 in 27 this season. For once Sutton is right, Scottish clubs are letting players go too cheaply.

Just a wee comparison to money being spent on a striker

Erm, what's that to do with us?

I would tell Moreloss keep scoring plenty of goals and we will have to sell you when the 40 million pound offers come flowing in

Seems like cause for optimism. I'm not sure how I'll cope with that but will try. ?

Interesting that Thomson resigned as Chairman of Dundee Hiv's during the week. One door shuts another opens?

He is an under 15 player signed from Drumsaggard Boys Club in the summer, Rangers tried to sign him a couple of years ago but he opted to remain at Boys Club. Rangers beat of several clubs including our rivals across the city to sign him. His older brother Andy was a Rangers a few years ago.

I guess this maybe also pours a touch of cold water on the idea of a reconciliation with the BBC given the rumoured visit by King last week.

I think the difference with Niko though is that even when he had got himself fitter and was getting regular games, he was still woefully off the pace physically. Also, he was back training full time circa November from memory, so if he is unable to get himself fully fit and functioning after 10-12 weeks then I'm afraid he never will. I can't fault his attitude or effort. by all accounts he's well liked in the squad and is a positive influence... He's just not physically equipped to do the things his brain wants to do. And its a real shame.

thanks for listening to my rants and moans folks, I am just a bitter parent, feel free to ignore me

The gunners have never got anywhere near replacing Viera .

Frankly, if i was you I would seek some legal advice, from a lawyer versed in sports' law. It is important to establish just where he stands contractually, and if the Club has been in breach of its obligations.

Agreed. Its like what we mentioned about Jordan Jones and the way Killie rejected out bid so publicly and essentially stated they felt he was worth £1m? If that is the case, are they reflecting his value in his wage packet? The same logic would apply to how we are remunerating Morelos. Keep him motivated, let him develop, give him a rest (i.e. when Cummings is fit enough to start) and lets see if he can't kick on and push that value up and over £10m.

And it should be a rebuke to us that the main team doing this right now is Hearts, who's shining star has been a 16 year old who scored against Celtic in the 4-0 win, who was taken from us a few years ago. And he's not the only U20 playing regularly for them who was taken from us.

A 7 million plus profit on a player in 6 months would be exceptional. If he is staying we should get him on a new deal he only signed for 3 years i think.

I'm not surprised, there needs to be a clear pathway to the first team. I don't see why everyone is so concerned about having senior backups for every position. I find it bizarre. How little trust do we have in our U20s that we wouldn't trust them to step in on an odd occasion? And the big thing for Rangers is we're throwing money away to do this.

Of course! He's a solid defender, loves heading the ball and clearing his lines. His distribution is abysmal, but that's nothing we didn't know already; he can always get better but I doubt he'll ever be good. You need defenders that can defend, and he's as good as anyone in the League.

Agreed. Games like last night on a tight, soft and bobbly pitch, showed how exposed his distribution can look. Its definitely something that can be improved but probably never going to be his strong suit.

The SFA is quite spoiled for choice.

I think it makes a lot of sense to cash in, but given we didn't manage to bring in a replacement I'd be disappointed if he goes before the summer.

Kris Boyd's comments on Niko Kranjar last night were very strange indeed. He seemed to be eulogising his performance and Commons also joined in with the chorus, as they played a clip of his best moments in the match. Now, I think its fair to say that between them they know far more about playing football than I do, but what game were they watching? Yes it was poor overall, but Niko especially, those couple of glimpses aside, was absolutely dreadful. He's shot as footballer and just doesn't have the legs to compete. I lost count of the number of times he was outpaced and oumuscled, the number of times he misplaced passes and gave the ball away, or was stretching to reach a ball because he wasn't quick enough to reach it in the first place... it was embarrassing quite frankly and I can't fathom why he was given a run out unless it was some sort of final hurrah for being a good guy round the squad and because the U-20s were playing Villareal the other day. Was Boyd over-compensating for his ridiculous comments on our bid for Jordan Jones? He's fast moving into Chris Sutton territory for me.

Martin can also play right back.

Anyone remember the wee blue invalid cars parked in front of the north enclosure . maybe if people with wheelchairs or bad at walking with the cooperation of the club could hire something like an enclosed golf buggy that would let them have access along the front of the stands

It's usual to take an interest in your biggest rivals. Celtic fans take that to a whole new level, and in many cases it is an obsession that borders on mental illness. You can't compare the two fan bases when it comes to this. It's night and day.

HI Liam!