ian1964

By Andrew Dickson BARRY FERGUSON insists one bad derby with Celtic doesn't make Rangers a poor team to watch. Barry FergusonEver since the sides' 0-0 draw at Parkhead on Sunday, there has been much condemnation of the game as a spectacle. Many have said the Old Firm clash isn't what it used to be and claimed a dip in quality signings by each club has led to a more disappointing product overall. But Ferguson has hit back and is determined to prove Gers are still an entertaining team when they take on Kilmarnock in the SPL at Ibrox tomorrow. He said: "We've heard all week about the derby and we know it wasn't great game for people to see. "But I've played in plenty of great Old Firm matches and it's just a case that the latest one wasn't a great spectacle. "Hopefully we'll show that was the case tomorrow against Kilmarnock and we will give a better performance against them. Barry Ferguson"We want to go and entertain people. It would have been great if we could have gone out on Sunday and won 4-3 but it didn't turn out that way. "Now we'll move on. There have been plenty of times this season that we've played good football and we'll do that again. "People criticised us for the way we played last season, despite the success it brought us, and they're going to have their opinions. "But we try to go out and play as well as we can every week and we are still capable of doing that for our fans." Ferguson is eager to take Gers top of the league tomorrow ahead of Celtic's game with Motherwell on Sunday. It is more than three months since the Light Blues found themselves at the top of the summit but now they're only a victory away. Ferguson battles for the ballFerguson added: "We are under pressure this year and we know that so we need to handle that and win the league. "Now it's close again. After the last Old Firm game, people said we had lost the title but we're only two points behind. "We never believed it was over and if we win against Killie, we'll go top. That is a big incentive for us and I feel we've got a good enough squad to take the title. "When you set out at the start of the campaign, your focus is on winning the championship but we've not done that in the last three years. "That's not good enough. It was nice winning cups last season and getting to the UEFA Cup final but me and the rest of the guys in the dressing room really want the league."

Yip, and the MOPES will be Flecked

To be fair,that's not a bad line up,if played correctly,ie midfield getting up in support

JOHN FLECK will become Rangers' youngest OId Firm debutant for almost 25 years when he faces Celtic at Parkhead today. Walter Smith has kept faith in the teenage star, who will play on the left side of midfield in a 4-1-4-1 formation which means a holding midfield slot for Lee McCulloch and a lone striking role for Kyle Lafferty. Derek Ferguson was two months younger than Fleck when he played against Celtic in a 1-1 draw at Parkhead in December 1984. The line-up is much as expected with Lafferty given the major striking role and McCulloch charged with sitting in behind the regular four of Steve Davis, Barry Ferguson, Pedro Mendes and Fleck. RANGERS: McGregor; Broadfoot, Weir, Bougherra, Papac; McCulloch; Davis, Mendes, Ferguson, Fleck; Lafferty.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9eLeZS9OeY]YouTube - The Clash - White Riot Live (1978 Victoria Park London)[/ame] After a Rangers win

Mon the wee Fleck chappie

RANGERS midfielder Steve Davies last night backed Northern Ireland pal Kyle Lafferty to silence his critics and star against Celtic. The Ibrox side travel to Parkhead for today’s crunch Old Firm clash, with boss Walter Smith likely to operate his favoured 4-5-1 formation. Kenny Miller has shaken off his hamstring injury and could feature as lone striker rather than Rangers goal machine Kris Boyd, who has scored only once against the Hoops since he arrived from Kilmarnock in 2006. But Davis, 24, is confident that Ã?£3.2million striker Lafferty could also do a job in attack as he bids to score his second victory at Parkhead this season. Davis said: “We’ve got different options up front. I don’t know who the manager is going to go with but if Kyle is picked I’m certain he will do well. “Because he’s so tall, people assume he’s a target man, but there is a lot more to his game than that. He could definitely do a job for us if the gaffer chooses him. “His favourite position is up front and that’s probably where he plays best. “Up until now, Kyle’s had a few niggling injuries which have kept him out the team. He has mostly played on the left as Boyd has been playing so well and scoring lots of goals. “In the last couple of games the gaffer has brought Kyle on and he’s done well. He’s going to be a great player for us and you can see already that he’s starting to settle in. “Some people forget that he’s still only 21. Kyle’s come off the bench a few times and scored some important goals.” While Davis backed his fellow Ulsterman to shine, he insisted he was happy to play in the formation that brought Gers so much success last year. He added: “You saw last season that formation, especially in Europe, worked very well for us. “If we had gone 4-4-2 in most of those games we probably wouldn’t have got anywhere near the final and the manager is experienced and knows his tactics well and will have us set up correctly for the derby.” Davis is delighted today’s match has come quickly after the 1-0 home defeat to the Hoops in December. And the midfield ace is hoping Rangers repeat the form they showed at the start of the campaign when they travelled to Parkhead and thrashed Celtic 4-2. He said: “The last time we went to Parkhead we won pretty comfortably and we probably played our best game away from home this season there. “Hopefully, we can go there again and get the victory that we need. “Our performances have been quite good as a team recently, especially in midfield where Barry Ferguson and Pedro Mendes have shown they can play together. “Both Rangers and Celtic just want to get the title and we are all hungry to bring the trophy back to Ibrox. “But regardless of the result, Rangers and Celtic will still drop points so it’s not going to have an overall effect in deciding the title.”

CELTIC ace Artur Boruc last night LAUGHED off an internet smear campaign, declaring: “This is just typical of Glasgow.” The Polish star — who WILL play in today’s Old Firm match — had been left bemused by a week of unfounded speculation about his private life. Rumours circulated via texts and fans’ websites that the Hoops hero had failed a drugs test. But today we can reveal that the allegations are COMPLETELY untrue — and the Holy Goalie is ready to face Rangers at Celtic Park this afternoon. A senior Parkhead executive told the News of the World: “Artur knows all about the rumours. “He’s laughed them off, saying it was ‘just typical of Glasgow’. “He doesn’t take a blind bit of notice about what other folk say about him.” And last night a club spokesman said: “There’s absolutely no foundation to these rumours. They are absolute RUBBISH. “Artur is completely focused and ready to play.” Football fan sites were buzzing all this week with the false claims. The frenzy culminated in speculation that Boruc, 29, was to be DROPPED for today’s big game. Last night one message board user said: “I’ve never seen anything like it — these rumours just spread like wildfire.” Boruc IS facing a heavy club fine for PUNCHING his own Hoops team-mate Aiden McGeady, 22, earlier this month. And off the pitch, he’s split from wife Kasia, 28, and is dating sexy Polish model Sara Mannei, 24. The former contestant on the Polish version of Pop Idol is the ex-lover of notorious Polish gangster Rafal Majewski. When contacted yesterday at his new home in Bearsden, near Glasgow, Boruc — who signed from Legia Warsaw in 2005 — refused to comment. http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/scottish/scottish_news/177712/Rumour-is-a-big-joke-to-Boruc.html

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQmxaWoO6vQ&feature=PlayList&p=FB3ACA60E57AD35D&playnext=1&index=18]YouTube - Tribute to Jock Wallace Rangers FC manager[/ame]

And a neebur

Wallyford is 2 minutes from my,also Frankie & Johnnyk, home town

I stuck �£10 on Draw HT/FT Rangers win,5/1 = �£60 return �£10 on Rangers 1-0 win Fleck scores,65/1 = �£660 return Corals

Published Date: 12 February 2009 By Dawn Morrison Reporter Work on a plaque commemorating Wallyford-born football hero Jock Wallace will begin soon. The round bronze plaque, to be crafted by engraver Alexander Pollock of Haddington, will feature a picture of Jock and the history of his career. Rangers Football Club has lent its support to the Wallyford Community Council project, which will see the finished article placed within the village's community centre. Goalkeeper Jock began his career with Blackpool and over the years played for Berwick Rangers, Airdrie and West Bromwich Albion. He played for and managed the Berwick Rangers side which defeated Rangers in the Scottish Cup in 1967, one of the most famous cup upsets in Scotland. Championship In 1968, Jock was made assistant manager at Hearts before going on to manage Rangers over two spells in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1972, Rangers won the Centenary Scottish Cup in the final year of his first year in charge. In 1974-1975, Rangers won the championship for the first time in 11 years. Next season they made a clean sweep with the treble, which they repeated in 1977 to 1978. Jock died in 1996, aged 60. http://www.eastlothiannews.co.uk/news/Rangers-back-Wallyford-tribute-to.4974261.jp

Just watched Swansea v Fulham, 1-1 FT. The football played by Swansea was excellent, looked a far superior standard to our game and Fulham were never really in the game

Aye, that's what I think we'll see tomorrow

4-1-4-1 -------------Shagger--------- Kirk----Weir----Boogie-------Papac ------------McCulloch----------- Davis----Mendes------Fergie------Fleck --------------Lafferty------------

By Andrew Dickson KYLE LAFFERTY has told Walter Smith he's ready to lead Rangers' attack in tomorrow's Old Firm derby with Celtic. The Northern Ireland hitman is being tipped by many to make his first derby start at Parkhead, either as a lone striker or as one of two players up front. Kyle LaffertyLafferty has enjoyed an upturn in fortunes in recent weeks, scoring three times off the bench in his last five competitive appearances for the Light Blues. In his last outing against Dundee United, his introduction changed the game and he looked really comfortable in the front line. Now he could be handed a starting berth there against Gordon Strachan's team and insists he's primed for action. Lafferty, 20, said: "It would be nice to be in the team. It's a big game for the club and if we win we'll go top of the league so it would be great to be involved. "I just want to play football but if the gaffer throws me on up front, I'll be delighted with that because that's my position and I want to play there. "I felt I did pretty well there in the last game with United and I got a goal as well which was good. "Everyone probably sees from the way I play that I'm much happier when I'm used as a striker and I want to prove myself in that part of the pitch. "Whether I'm there myself or with someone else, I'll do what's asked of me and I don't mind what job I'm given."

Feb 14 2009 James Traynor JOHN FLECK, by all accounts, is a level-headed teenager who can rely on the guidance of decent, down-to-earth parents. Just as well. Rarely in the long history of this game can so much have been written and spoken about an emerging talent. And almost all of it has been guff. Some hacks and commentators, who really ought to know better, already have this 17-year-old down as a special talent and one or two have actually attempted to chastise George Burley for not promoting him to the senior national squad with immediate effect. That's almost as equally weird as the SFA's oversight - and let's be clear on this, the coaches did forget about him when it was decided he wouldn't be in the Under-19s for afriendly in France. That left him out of every squad last week but the hysteria surrounding Fleck is one more indication of just how badly off we are for genuine talents. This product of the oft-maligned Murray Park development system has something, of that there is no doubt, but whether or not he possesses enough technique, intelligence, pace and desire to overcome a lack of height remains to be seen. We can only hope. What is beyond debate is Fleck's readiness to start against Celtic at Parkhead tomorrow, even if his performances so far have not merited the blaring headlines. He has been good and immensely promising and has added a spark to Rangers' play. So the best thing Walter Smith can do is kick this too-much too-soon nonsense out of play, stand back and let Fleck show what he's got. Besides, when you look at Rangers' squad, Fleck is as ready for this moment as anyone of the others, even those with vast experience of the Old Firm arena. But there's another reason he should be thrown in at the deep end tomorrow. You see, right now this boy is not acquainted with fear. He is still at that age where he believes he can do anything, be anything and beat everyone. He hasn't been affected by the trappings of fame and fortune and hasn't built up a name or an aura yet so has no reputation on which to fall back should he perform badly. That's why he has to make the most of every opportunity to shine. Fleck is fresh and untainted and the way he barged forward to take a penalty against Dundee United at Ibrox and score his first goal for the big team suggests he is in a hurry to reach his goals. The agent who was on BBC Radio Scotland the other night bleating about the pace and momentum building up around his client would do well to bear this in mind. The player's own talent and attitude will determine the speed of his development rather than anything written or said about him but the agent seemed to be saying everyone should stay away from Fleck. Preposterous, but this agent fellow went on tomake a great deal about how awful it was that people were approaching Fleck on the streets. "Everybody wants a piece of him," he said. No they don't. They might just want an autograph or something as simple as a smile in response if they wish him well as they pass. There are athletes from other sports all over the world who have to deal with public adulation from a young age and it hasn't ruined them. Look at Andy Murray. He feeds off the attention and turns it to positive energy. The trouble with football types, though, is they think they're so much different, but Fleck should look beyond football for his role models and always remember in his business it pays better if you are noticed and in demand everywhere. But of course he'll have to maintain progress if he's to remain in the spotlight and that means he must take tests like Old Firm matches in his stride. And it would make more sense to play him from the start rather than hold him in reserve hoping the game unfolds favourably enough for Rangers to introduce him when the pressure is off. If Fleck starts and the evidence begins to show he isn't ready after all there is no harm done if he is subbed. He's still young and no one would judge him harshly because of that so there is more to be gained by placing him in the eye of the storm than there is to be lost by leaving him out. Surely Smith will see it this way, although he is unlikely to start Kris Boyd, even if he has been insisting he should be given another chance against Celtic. Rangers, it's fairly certain, will opt for a 4-1-4-1 formation with Lee McCulloch between the usual back four and the middle line of Steven Davis, Barry Ferguson, Pedro Mendesand Fleck. Kyle Lafferty will probably get the nod ahead of Kenny Miller who has just returned from injury, while Celtic's manager Gordon Strachan will need to assess the condition of ScottMcDonald and Shunsuke Nakamura who were on World Cup duty in Japan. Naka played and McDonald didn't but it's the possible effects of long-haul flights that will be concerning Strachan. The boss must also have some doubts about the mental state of his keeper Artur Boruc. The Pole is in trouble for whacking Aiden McGeady and can expect to be hit by a club record fine after tomorrow's showdown, so he has some clutter to clear from a head that isn't always properly screwed on. And will McGeady play? Only if Strachan believes Nakamura's travels have left him drained but it all adds up to an intriguing match and hopefully the standard of play will be better than the last Old Firm game. The Ibrox encounter, which Celtic won 1-0, was bereft of decent football and the players owe their fans an improvement. Rangers also believe that having dragged themselves back to within touching distance of the defending SPL champions they must make sure the two-point gap doesn't widen, but it could all depend on which players win their head to heads. It is never wise to predict the outcome of these contests, which are often battles of will, but if these individual struggles include Boruc against any inner demons, Nakamura and McDonald against fatigue and Fleck against Andreas Hinkel then Rangers might win a second successive match at Parkhead in the SPL this season. 'Fleck should look beyond football for his role models and always remember in his business it's better to be noticed elsewhere' http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/rangers/2009/02/14/john-fleck-can-be-an-old-firm-star-if-he-gets-the-better-of-andreas-hinkel-86908-21122444/

I thought you'd like this MF

Agreed, that is what I was getting @. Also, I have just decided I will NEVER get into another Boyd debate, nothing more to debate IMO

KENNY MILLER is a shock transfer target for newly-crowned Russian champs Rubin Kazan. SunSport can reveal the Rangers striker is being tracked by the club set to make their Champions League debut next season. Now Kazan boss Gurban Berdiyew could swoop for the 29-year-old before the Russian transfer window shuts on March 1. They head a posse of Russian clubs, which also includes Spartak and Lokomotiv Moscow. They are willing to offer �£2million for Miller, who has 18 months left on his deal. Kazan stunned Russia as they swept to a historic first title. Their only real star is Ukrainian legend Serhiy Rebrov and Berdiyew wants to boost his squad before their new season begins on March 14. Ex-Celtic target Stephen Appiah is set to sign for Kazan on Monday after being at their Spanish winter training camp. Scotland star Miller could soon be set to follow. Although our transfer window has closed, Miller WOULD be able to join Kazan before March 1. The club is based in Russiaâ��s Tatarstan Republic and bankrolled by local industry. Ibrox bosses are still keen to offload a high-earner after banks ordered them to tighten their belts. Gers boss Walter Smith is a huge Miller fan but his hands would be tied if a Russian bid was tabled. Itâ��s understood Miller wouldnâ��t be put off by the prospect of moving east and would listen to any offer. http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/article2237068.ece

Hmmmmmmmmm, I've really enjoyed the mature debate

So did you think Jon meant Boyd is our best player ?

You forgot to add GAY

It has been doing the rounds,nobody knows if it is true