ian1964

WALTER SMITH admits Rangers might have to play even better than they did the last time they went to Parkhead if they are to win there this weekend. The Light Blues' 4-2 success against Celtic on their own patch nearly six months ago was their biggest derby victory there in 14 years. It was one of their best Old Firm performances in recent times too, with their second-half showing in particular drawing praise. But with Gordon Strachan's team two points clear of Gers in the SPL, Smith realises his men will have to excel again when they return to Glasgow's east end on Sunday. He also understands how crucial winning could be with regards to the final outcome of the title race - although he wouldn't be too upset with a draw. Smith said: "It would be a huge result for us if we won. We have managed to win at Celtic Park already this season and they have beaten us at Ibrox. "It would be nice to back to their place and win again but we will have to turn in a similar performance to the one we gave there in August. "In fact, we might have to play even better than we did that day and as the season goes on, our head-to-head meetings are becoming more important. "I don't think a draw would be a bad result for either team this weekend. It would leave us as we are at the present moment. "With one win each so far and some points lost to other teams, there isn't a lot between the sides." Celtic are the bookmakers' favourites ahead of the match, despite Rangers being the form team out of the two.Walter Smith Whatever way you lean, Smith is adamant past form and even performances on the day don't count for much when Scotland's biggest sides collide. He points to the last two derbies as proof, with the first being fairly close despite the final score and the second ending in a 1-0 Celtic win after Gers had dominated for long spells. Smith added: "When we were 4-1 up, I wouldn't say it was an indication of how the game had been going. "It was far tighter than that. We were delighted with the lead we had but the match had been a lot closer than the score suggested. "In the game at Ibrox, we played as well as we had done in our previous Old Firm games but went on to lose. "That just shows you need to be careful when you consider what might happen. They're not easy games to make assessments of. "I'm looking for a performance more than anything else and if we can match how we played in the previous two derbies, I'll be happy as we'll have a chance."

Rangers can go top for the first time this year if their manager can put pragmatism aside and play his most potent striker It is the most glaring example so far of Walter Smith's Kris Boyd conundrum that the Rangers manager is far from certain to pick a player who has rattled in 71 goals in 77 league starts for Sunday's Old Firm game. Without question on this occasion, though, Boyd should be handed a key role in a match which will revolve around each manager's use of his striking options. Boyd has, famously or infamously depending on your perspective, notched only a single goal against Celtic during his three years in light blue. Such a statistic flies in the face of his prolific record against the rest of the SPL but owes much to the fact that the marksman has seldom actually featured in the country's biggest derby. When Rangers won at Celtic Park on 31 August, Boyd was not even deemed worthy of a place in their 18-man squad. Smith's pragmatic approach ââ?¬â?? he isn't Marcello Lippi's biggest fan for nothing ââ?¬â?? has regularly reared its head in this fixture. Facing a Celtic defence which has conceded 25 times in 24 league outings suggests the Rangers manager can be more bold this time around as he seeks to achieve back-to-back victories at Parkhead. Boyd's form, probably much to the angst of a certain George Burley, has peaked to such an extent recently that the palpable prospect of the former Kilmarnock man being sold to Birmingham City last month had discerning Rangers followers sensing their club was handing another championship to Celtic. There was no move to the Midlands ââ?¬â?? as much to the delight of Boyd as those who idolise him ââ?¬â?? and the sight of his name on Sunday's team-sheet would surely worry a shaky Celtic back-line and their error-prone goalkeeper. If Boyd features from the outset, it will be as one of two rather than a lone striker. Smith has been unfortunate in losing Nacho Novo to injury just when the little Spaniard was in danger of making himself useful again; restored from the wing, where he was regularly anonymous, Novo had started to excel as a second striker. Notably, he scored 25 goals from that position when Rangers were last crowned champions. Kenny Miller, troubled by hamstring problems recently, is the ideal man to partner Boyd, as an ability to rise to the big occasion should compensate for the Scotland striker's lack of match sharpness. Smith's alternative would seem over-cautious given Celtic's current troubles. Miller has worked as a lone forward in the past ââ?¬â?? the manager has publicly stated he does not favour Boyd in such a position ââ?¬â?? and could do so again. That would look like a tacit admission, however, that he regards Celtic's porous defence as stronger than reality suggests. Moreover, is there really a need to use Lee McCulloch as a holding midfielder with Celtic virtually certain to retain an orthodox 4-4-2 stance? Scott Brown, while a danger breaking from Gordon Strachan's midfield, leaves space behind him which Pedro Mendes will seek to capitalise on. And will Smith persist with the youthful John Fleck? At 17, he has been hailed as something of Scottish football's saviour since the turn of the year. A poor showing at Pittodrie against Aberdeen and a penalty goal against Dundee United, it would seem, are sufficient motivations to have certain sections of the public and media hail you as a messiah. It is worrying, if predictable, that such pressures are put on one so young ââ?¬â?? wasn't Simon Donnelly supposed to be the new Kenny Dalglish at one stage? And what ever happened to Steven Smith? Fleck, to his credit, is as physically mature as he is fearless and would relish his first Old Firm outing at this stage. The cautious Smith may think otherwise; a recall for the hitherto invisible DaMarcus Beasley is certainly possible. Strachan, too, has a crucial forward dilemma. Jan Venegoor of Hesselink has troubled Rangers in the past but, amid a series of injuries, the robust Dutchman has cut a peripheral figure this season. Celtic's manager, while fond of aerial prowess to complement the crossing ability of Shunsuke Nakamura and Aiden McGeady, cannot pick a team based on former glories alone. Georgios Samaras is the more viable partner for Scott McDonald, the latter one of few certain home starters at Parkhead. That pairing were immense at Ibrox on 27 December as McDonald's superb goal claimed a Celtic win; Samaras, for all his failings, is his club's top scorer this season and unquestionably understands the intensity of Glasgow derby. Comparing this derby with the Manchester equivalent, in which he has also featured, the Greek explained in conversation last week: "They have the same hatred but it means more here ââ?¬â?? it is politics, community, religion, something different from other derbies. I am really glad to be part of it, it is a great feeling." No sensation beats winning, even if Smith regularly maintains that the over-riding sense even in victory is one of relief that you have not been beaten. Rangers have a genuine opportunity to top the table for the first time this year, that chance will grow if their manager exposes Celtic's shortcomings by deploying his most potent striker and attacking straight from kick-off. :cheers: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2009/feb/13/kris-boyd-walter-smith-rangers-celtic-old-firm

Aye, just ignore the wind up chunts :cheers:

Save your breathe SA, you can't reason with unreasonable people

The MOPES voting like they breed,they wouldn't know a class goal/player if one kicked them up the arse

If you don't think he is the best goal scorer we have then you need some counselling

Beasley played mainly on the right for he USA !!!

Anybody see this game ?, I thought Beasley played well,could Walter spring another surprise and play him ?

FWIW, I don't think Boyd will start on Sunday,which will please a lot of fans

No doubt about it, we should have got a replacement for him, but TBH I think he has played well so far this season.

True BD, but you can also say that these two players are our most consistent players who both do what they are picked to do,Weir is IMO our most consistent defender, and Boyd is our most consistent goal scorer

C'mon now SA, don't rise to the bait!!!!

The Old Firm matches may no longer decide the title, but winning them certainly won't do either side any harm. The inconsistent form of Rangers and Celtic this season, and the ease with which the lesser lights in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League have pinched points from both, mean Sunday's high-noon duel between the Glasgow rivals will, in all likelihood, not prove decisive. And yet, there are benefits to be obtained from victory this weekend that stretch beyond mere bragging rights and adding another three points to the total. Recent history tells us as much. Rangers went to Celtic Park four years ago, just as they do this weekend, looking to get their noses in front in a championship chase that threatened to go to the wire. They travelled in hope rather than expectation having failed to win in the East End for five years, but found in Gregory Vignal an unlikely hero. The Frenchman, on a season-long loan from Liverpool, gave Rangers a second-half lead after a glaring error by Rab Douglas, before Nacho Novo confirmed the victory with a second late in the game. advertisement It took a final-day loss by Celtic at Fir Park for Rangers to ultimately win the title in the most extraordinary of circumstances, but it was that Old Firm win that imbued them with the confidence that they could go on to sustain a serious challenge for the championship. "After the game we went top of the league and then everything was open," Vignal told The Herald. "It made us more confident that maybe we could do something because we had not won there for so long. It was very close all the way that season, but everybody in our dressing room knew when we won away from home against Celtic that we had everything we needed to be champions. "It gave us a big lift. Not just because we went to the top of the table but because if you can beat Celtic in their stadium, then you feel you can beat everybody else. "We believed we could win every week and could be champions. Of course, it was not that easy and we lost games we should not have, but in the end we became champions on the last day. Big Marvin Andrews used to always say, Keep believing' and he was right." Vignal's wandering career has seen him make stops at Montpellier, Liverpool, Rennes, Espanyol, Portsmouth, Southampton, and Lens - where he is currently stationed - but it is his time in Glasgow, and the Old Firm match in particular, that he recalls most fondly. "These games are so important for both teams, for the city, for the fans, and for the players, too. It's not just about the match, but what it means to everyone going forward. I still talk about the Old Firm game with my mates here in France, as it was unbelievable. Liverpool versus Everton is a big derby but Rangers versus Celtic is even bigger. The stadiums are bigger and the atmosphere is better. It was an incredible experience to play in these games." Rangers were keen to secure Vignal's services on a permanent basis once his loan deal had expired but the player elected instead to sign for Portsmouth. It is a decision he still regrets four years on. "It was a big mistake for me to leave Glasgow Rangers. When you play for a British team, the spirit and passion is unbelievable and I would love to come back again and play in Scotland or England one day. "I should have stayed. I spoke with Alex McLeish and the chairman about coming back to play in the Champions League in season 2005/06 because I really enjoyed working with McLeish, the chairman, and Martin Bain Rangers' chief executive. If the Rangers chairman wants to call me and bring me back to Ibrox that would be amazing." Before then, however, the 27 year-old Vignal has some unfinished business to attend to, namely helping Lens back into the top flight of French football. "We are top of Ligue 2 so it's going well. When I came back, I told the chairman I would stay to help them get promoted back to Ligue 1 and when you say something like that you have to keep your promise. "I have one more year on my contract with Lens and if the chairman says I can go, I will try to come back to England - or maybe Rangers - this summer or the one after. I spoke to Newcastle and Middlesbrough in the transfer window and was very close to coming back, but I made my promise to Lens, so for now I will stay. But one day I hope I will be back." http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.2488906.0.Vignal_away_victory_can_inspire_Rangers_to_title.php

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1144161/He-fancies-future-Ibrox-boss-Rangers-crave-Prso-pomp.html

You obviously don't like/rate Boyd,that's your opinion which you are entitled to, but it's not the opinion of every Rangers fan. Regarding your ST,I was merely suggesting that you don't go to watch Rangers if Boyd annoys you so much. Tell me, do you ever cheer or clap when Boyd scores ?

I don't think you will find anyone disagreeing with the fact that he is not a good footballer,but you have to give the guy credit for banging the goals away so consistently, that is not luck,you don't just take to the pitch do nothing and score goals as consistently as he does, that is a skill in it's own and I can think of other Rangers players that I would rather see leaving before Boyd. If Boyd annoys you so much then give up your season ticket

Correct,gerintaethum

I really don't see any reason not to play him,he is our best/only option on the left,and I for one don't think he will be fazed by the game,the MOPES WILL be worried about him. By the way, wait until he gets a run in the team in his favoured position to see the best of young Fleck

by Lindsay Herron IAN DURRANT was just a kid when he sampled the Old Firm atmosphere for the first time and he handled it like a seasoned professional. He has no doubts John Fleck can do the same on Sunday if he is selected for the third Rangers-Celtic showdown of the season. Fleck is in line to make his debut in the often volatile Glasgow derby having performed very well in the last four Rangers matches. And first team coach Durrant, who was 18 when he made his bow in this fixture back in 1985, insists the teenage star is ready. He told Rangers World: "He can handle it. Of course it's a big arena and it's an Old Firm game but he is in the first team on merit and we have been happy with his contributions. "He is a very good football player and the other parts of his game will come with the more experience he gains. "Right now he is enjoying his football. At his age there are no barriers. He just wants to get out there and play." Rangers, of course, can go top of the league for the first time since the beginning of November. Durrant added: "The incentive is there. We know if we win the game we can go on and win the league. "But I'm sure we would be delighted with a draw. As long as we don't lose the game I think we can be happy. "The down side of it is that we have had a few players on international duty and we can only hope that they come back unscathed. "If we have a clean bill of health then it will give the manager food for thought for Sunday. "It would be great if we could win on Sunday but it is the toughest of venues. We know that Celtic will be hurting from the 4-2 game earlier this season but if our attitude is right and we produce the same form then we can win the game. "We are on a great run. The boys can hopefully keep the run going."

Murray wins first set,AMRO World Tennis Championship,against Andreas Seppi

RANGERS' under-19s will be looking to take one step closer to retaining the SFA Youth when they face Motherwell in the fifth round stage at Fir Park on Sunday (kick-off: 1pm). The Murray Park starlets have already beaten Brora Rangers and Dumbarton convincingly in this season's competition but will expect a far tougher challenge against the young Steelmen. Motherwell beat Kilmarnock and Livingston to set up a mouthwatering tie against the Gers and currently sit fifth in the Under-19 League after 13 games. Gordon Young's side suffered a 2-1 defeat when they last travelled to Murray Park on November 29. On that occasion goals from Isa Bagci and Archie Campbell proved enough for the Light Blues but it was John Fleck's performance that stood out on the day. Kirkwood is looking forward to seeing his side in competitive action following Saturday's league postponement against Aberdeen and is expecting another entertaining game. He said: "It's great for our boys to be playing at Fir Park this weekend. "They have had the chance to play at Ibrox twice now against Brora and Dumbarton and it is a thrill for them to run out at these venues. "On both occasions we managed to progress and we now have a tough test in front of us against a good Motherwell team. Andrew Little and John Fleck with the SFA Youth Cup "They will be desperate for a win against us at home but as the holders of the Cup we need to rise to the occasion and make sure we are up for it. "In the past couple of seasons we have reached the final of the tournament and that is our aim again this season. "To get to Hampden is very special for these young players but along the way you always have to face tricky hurdles and that is exactly what we can expect this weekend."

by Jim Hannah, Supporters Liaison Officer RANGERS lost one of their biggest fans yesterday when Garry Lynch passed away at Hairmyres Hospital. Everyone at the Club was saddened and shocked to hear of the sudden death of Garry, known to his mates as big Gadger. Garry was one of a group of true bluenoses who travelled everywhere and anywhere to see their beloved Rangers. It made no difference if the Rangers were training in America or playing in Aberdeen -you were sure to see him there. Almost everyone inside Ibrox I told about Garry said that they new him and described him as the big guy who was always at a Rangers game. This speaks volumes of him, indeed the Rangers Anthem Follow Follow could have been written with Garry in mind. I last spoke to Garry late on Friday afternoon just outside the Superstore at Ibrox and he was laughing and joking telling me how good he was at his other passion, signing Karaoke. He was looking forward to the next two games Celtic and Forfar. He was looking in good shape, which makes it all the harder to believe that he is no longer with us. Garry Lynch was a larger than life character, who certainly wasn't bashful and it was not uncommon when the crowd were silent at a match you would hear this booming voice from the terracing shouting some sort of funny quip which made people laugh. I received calls from all over the world yesterday from grief stricken fans and pals of Garry all of them shocked by the news. Strangely I was standing at Moses McNeil's graveside when I got the sad news about Garry's death, now when I think of one I will remember the other. He will be sorely missed by his Family and close friends and by his fellow Bears in the stands. Everyone at the Club from the Chairman down sends their condolences. Our thoughts go to Garry's family at this sad time and especially to his wife Elaine, daughter Angela and son Garry RIP Garry Lynch

by Matthew Lindsay A TOP financial expert today told the Old Firm that there is no embarrassment in falling off the football rich list. Neither of the Glasgow giants feature in the annual Football Money League published this week by business advisory firm Deloitte. Deloitte rich list for 2007/08 revenue (previous position in brackets) 1 (1) Real Madrid �£289.6m 2 (2) Man United 257.1 3 (3) Barcelona 244.4 4 (7) B Munich 233.8 5 (4) Chelsea 212.9 6 (5) Arsenal 209.3 7 (8) Liverpool 167.0 8 (6) AC Milan 165.8 9 (11) AS Roma 138.9 10 (9) Inter 136.9 11 (12) Juventus 132.6 12 (13) O Lyonnais 123.3 13 (16) Schalke 04 117.5 14 (10) Spurs 114.8 15 (15) Hamburg 101.3 16 (19) O Marseilles 100.4 17 (14) Newcastle 99.4 18 (n/a) Stuttgart 88.3 19 (n/a) Fenerbahce 88.1 20 (n/a) Man City 82.3 It is the first time since the league's inception in 1998 that Rangers or Celtic have not rubbed shoulders with the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Real Madrid. But Deloitte senior consultant Alex Byars is astonished it has taken so long for the Old Firm to drop off given their inferior broadcasting deals and the weak Pound. He said: "To be honest, it's amazing that one or both of Celtic and Rangers have always featured in the top 20 in the past. "The reality is that for any club outside the big five European leagues of England, Spain, Italy, France and Germany it is incredibly difficult to achieve the level of revenue required to make it on to the list. "Fenerbahce have managed it this year, making it in 19th place, and that is largely on the back of reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League. They are also operating in a larger domestic market than Celtic or Rangers and are doing well commercially. "Celtic and Rangers both had good years on the pitch last season. Celtic made it to the last 16 of the Champions League for the second year running, while Rangers got to the final of the Uefa Cup, but it is the relatively small broadcasting market they are in which is really holding them back. "They are also not helped by the depreciation of the Pound against the Euro. "I think the only way we will see either Celtic or Rangers back in the top 20 any time soon is if they can make major progress in the Champions League. From their point of view, hopefully their performances in Europe this season are just a blip and not a sign of a downward trend." Celtic, who were 17th in last year's 20-strong list, drop out despite their revenue showing only a minor decrease from �£75.2million in 2007 to �£73m in last year's annual accounts. Rangers, who were 18th in the list in 2007, recorded record turnover of �£64.5m last season as they reached the Uefa Cup Final, but were still some way behind 20th-placed team Manchester City. Publication date 12/02/09

If I can be bothered,and remember

Just have a roll call thread !!!