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Celtic manager Gordon Strachan is backing his side to improve after a drab Old Firm stalemate. More...

Kris Boyd urges manager Walter Smith to give him the chance to fire Rangers to Old Firm derby victory on Sunday. More...

Has anyone heard this rumour about boruc failing a drug test and the papers have pictures of him snorting the marching powder? Thats a few people today told me about it and 1 guy in particular who is usually quite useful with his storys has siad that its going to come out in the papers this weekend! dont know whether this is just another rumour started by someone or whether it is true!

Celtic entertain old foes Rangers in the third Old Firm SPL clash of the season with the title race hanging in the balance. More...

MOPES 0 Rangers 2 Mendes, 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."

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."

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/

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/sport/Online-Poll-Watch-and-vote.4979433.jp Get voting. Close between Cooper and the martian.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan says he looks forward to matches against Rangers, but worries about defeat. More...

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

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

By Andrew Dickson SASA PAPAC has played down the importance of winning Sunday's Old Firm fixture and insists Rangers can win the league whatever the result. The Light Blues go into their clash with Celtic trailing Gordon Strachan's team by two points in the SPL table. Sasa PapacClaiming a derby victory wouldn't only send Gers top of the pile - it would also give them a huge psychological boost with three months of the season remaining. But even if Walter Smith's men lose and fall further behind their rivals, Papac is adamant it won't spell the end of their title hopes. With 13 rounds of fixtures to follow the derby, the Bosnian feels there will still be plenty of opportunities to climb to the summit. He said: "It is important we put Celtic under pressure and that we win as many games as we possibly can. "It would be great to get a victory again this weekend like we did when we last went to Parkhead in August. "But this match is just one of 14 we still have to play and there are many points still up for grabs. "We just need to concentrate as the end of the season is still some way away and a lot can happen as both sides have dropped points. "We have both beaten each other in the derby this season and lost to other teams in the championship too. "I won the league when I was at Austria Vienna and my dream now is to lift the SPL trophy here for Rangers. "It would be the best moment of my career. We will need a lot of points to do it but I feel confident we can get enough, regardless of what happens on Sunday."

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."

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

AMERICAN star DaMarcus Beasley is relishing the prospect of two massive derby matches in the space of five days. Beasley is in line to face Mexico tonight for the United States in Columbus, Ohio in a vital, sold-out World Cup qualifier. DaMarcus Beasley scores against AC MilanAnd he is desperately hoping to clinch a place in the Rangers squad for Sunday's Old Firm showdown at Parkhead. There is massive rivalry between the US and Mexico and the game at Columbus Crew Stadium was sold out in 90 minutes. Beasley was a hero the last time the sides met there in 2005 when he scored the second goal in a 2-0 win which sent the Americans on their way to the 2006 Finals. It's the first match in the final phase of qualifying for the USA and they want to get off to a flyer Beasley said: "It's a really big game. We'll be at home to our closest rivals and the tie will play a big part in who goes to the World Cup. "I have good memories of playing in Columbus against Mexico because of what happened four years ago. "We haven't lost to them in a while now and have only been beaten by them once in the last eight or nine years.DaMarcus Beasley "People don't realise how big the USA v Mexico games are. When you go to the Azteca and there are 100,000 people there cheering the other team it is pretty intense." Beasley, who has put himself back in the Rangers picture by scoring against AC Milan last week, added: "it could be a really big week for me with the Celtic game coming too. "Celtic games are the same and I'll take all of that as it comes. It would be great to think I could be part of both of them" Beasley is one of a handful of Rangers players away on international duty. Kyle Lafferty and Steven Davis are with Northern Ireland in San Marino for a World Cup qualifier they must win while Madjid Bougherra is in Algeria for a friendly with Benin. It will be Friday before all of them are back at Murray Park

Good read, all the sounds are that he'll keep his feet on the ground. Also thought there were other EPL clubs keeping an eye on him than just Manu.

With the 3rd Old Firm derby galloping over the horizon, our thoughts turn to the formation and personnel that Walter Smith and his staff will deploy against the auld enemy. Would it be overly dramatic to say that the outcome of this game could shape our short to medium term destiny? After losing the last Old Firm game at Ibrox, many pundits as well as Rangers supporters, myself included, claimed that the league was over and Rangers would labour to the conclusion of the season that would see Celtc warp up their forth consecutive SPL title. In fairness, we have laboured, but luckily and thankfully, so have Celtc. If our worst fears are realised on Sunday, will they be as generous in the remainder of the season? Whilst Rangers are fragile both on and off the pitch at the moment, it could be argued that Celtc are just as fragile on the pitch. So, will Walter and his staff ââ?¬Ë?stickââ?¬â?¢ or ââ?¬Ë?twistââ?¬â?¢ on Sunday? Will they be happy to return from Torbett Towers undefeated which would see us, at worse, 2 points behind with a relatively easy (on paper) run of games ahead of us? Or will he, like the vast majority of us would advocate, go for the jugular and attack Celtc and expose their glaring weaknesses? Off course, by ââ?¬Ë?twistingââ?¬â?¢, we give Celtc the opportunity to win the game and take a 5 point lead. However, even by ââ?¬Ë?stickingââ?¬â?¢ and playing safe, we could also lose the game (a dodgy refereeing decision, a deflected shot, an individual error etc). There is also the unknown factor of the ââ?¬Ë?Walters unexpected player(s) selectionââ?¬â?¢ to consider and throw into the equation. Unluckily for us, we donââ?¬â?¢t have a Daniel Cousin clicking his heels at Murray Park looking to impress EPL suitors. There is also the advantage that everyone believes that Walter Smith will ââ?¬Ë?stickââ?¬â?¢ and go negatively into the game with a 4-5-1 formation that will include, say Lee McCulloch playing the role he did successfully recently at Pittodrie. Now, by rights, McCulloch shouldnââ?¬â?¢t get anywhere near the starting eleven, but Walter has a history (recently) of the unexpected in these fixtures. As stated above, Celtc are fragile at the moment and have obvious weaknesses that we have exposed in the past. Their defence is strong, but static. They will swallow up a ââ?¬Ë?high-ballââ?¬â?¢ game but will not enjoy playing in a ââ?¬Ë?football gameââ?¬â?¢. Get the ball down, get the ball into wide areas and play in and around their immobile defence. Celtc have good forward thinking players, but get them going backwards and working in their own half and in their own area, you not only nullify their threat, you make them uncomfortable. So, will Walter play a ââ?¬Ë?bluffââ?¬â?¢ and go 4-4-2 with genuine width in the team and two mobile forwards who can get the ball down and attack their back line? Or will he go for the double bluff and play 4-5-1 with Miller or Lafferty as a lone striker? Given that he started 4-5-1 in the recent friendly with AC Milan indicates that he is tempted to start with this formation with Lafferty up top with Miller and Fleck supporting from the wide areas with Ferguson, Mendes and Davis (or more likely McCulloch) in the midfield. Either way, this game may not determine our short to medium term destiny, but if we are defeated, I canââ?¬â?¢t see Celtc being as generous and wasting another five point gap in the title run in. We must leave Torbett Towers on Sunday afternoon with at least a share of the spoils to remain in contention in the SPL title race. If we defeat Celtc, I would say that we would be in prime position in the title race. So Walter, ââ?¬Ë?stickââ?¬â?¢ or twistââ?¬â?¢?, as long as we donââ?¬â?¢t go bust - in more ways than one. Cammy F -

ALEX RAE is backing Rangers to complete a Parkhead double on Celtic this weekend and go top of the SPL. The former Ibrox star reckons the pendulum has swung in the title race in recent weeks although he is still anticipating a battle royal for the crown. It promises to be a huge occasion on Sunday when the two sides meet for the third time this season. Speaking to RangerKenny Miller celebratess World, he said: "Of course Rangers won at Parkhead earlier this season. I was there that day and Rangers played ever so well. "So that indicates that they have what it takes to go there again and win. "The huge incentive is there because if they win they go top and that would be a huge boost at this stage of the season. "Rangers have a lot of good players in their side and if they play as they did last August then they can win the game alright." Having been involved in a title campaign that went to the last day, Rae is also anticipating a tight contest in the remaining matches. He added: There is no doubt it is going to be neck and neck. "I think it has been a very good SPL this year because there are four or five teams who are capable of turning over the Old Firm. "When you look back three out of the last six championships have gone to the last day of the season so there is every chance the same will happen again. "There is very little between the two teams and you could see that in the last game at Ibrox. Celtic got a very good victory that day but the game could easily have gone the other way. "So there is a lot of football to be played and I know from experience how things can suddenly change. "Because of the nature of the SPL with Dundee United, Aberdeen, Hibs, Hearts and Motherwell all feeling they can beat the Old Firm on any given day, it's all up in the air."

Interesting the difference between Rangers and them. I am a bit surprised. Clubs competing in the Champions League will learn on Tuesday if they are to face stringent restrictions on spending on wages. The European Clubs' Association (ECA) are meeting in Geneva where they are expected to come up with proposals to limit the proportion of a club's income that they can spend on salaries. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the chairman of Bayern Munich who heads the new clubs' body, is pushing for a 50 per cent limit of turnover going on wages. Article Continues below... Among English clubs, Chelsea would have the most to fear from such a ruling - they spend 71 per cent of their turnover on salaries. Liverpool, according to the most recent figures available from 2006, would also be affected with 57 oer cent of turnover going on salaries. Manchester United would have least to fear - they have made a policy of prudent spending on wages, and their current level is 43.6 per cent. Arsenal's proportion is also comparatively low at 45.4 per cent, although this rises to 49 per cent if the income from property sales at the old Highbury stadium is discounted. Rummenigge said of his plan: "The 32 participants [in the Champions League] would have to meet certain conditions. Only 50 per cent of the club's total revenues could be invested in wages." Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon is on the ECA board, as is his Liverpool counterpart Rick Parry, and they are likely to argue for a less drastic limit such as 60 per cent or even an initial 70 per cent with clubs being given several years to cut their wage bills. A 50% ruling would not trouble the Old Firm in Scotland too much - Rangers only spend 43 per cent of turnover on wages, while Celtic's figure is a less comfortable but still acceptable 50 per cent. Rangers vice-chairman John McClelland is also on the ECA board. UEFA president Michel Platini is keen on imposing limits and he has already met with Rummenigge for talks on action. Speaking in London last week, Platini used Manchester City's �£100million bid to sign Kaka as an example of why some restraints were needed. Platini said: "Clubs have to operate within their income. "How one guy can cost 150million euro is ridiculous from a social, football and financial point of view. "It's why we have to do something to have a transparency and a fairness in football. It's not good for the popularity of football."

CALUM MURRAY will referee this Sunday's Celtic v Rangers showdown at Parkhead. This will be the first time the Edinburgh whistler has handled an Old Firm derby. However, Murray has impressed SFA chiefs since returning from injury, and was outstanding in a recent Hearts v Hibs clash. The Fifa-listed official will have Alan Cunningham and Gordon Middleston as his assistants, with Iain Brines the fourth official. advertisement The game is live on Setanta and kicks off at 12.30pm. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2488060.0.0.php

by Lindsay Herron NACHO NOVO is almost certainly out of the vital Old Firm clash at Parkhead on February 15 after damaging his ankle in today's 2-0 win over Dundee United. The little Spaniard, who was the inspiration for last Wednesday's Co-operative Insurance Cup win over Falkirk, took a knock early in the game and then suffered again just before half-time, forcing him tNacho Novo gets treatmento come off. The Rangers medical team have confirmed there is no break but there is considerable discomfort. Boss Walter Smith said: "He has a badly sprained ankle and it will keep him out for a few weeks so that is a disappointing aspect." Sasa Papac, however, will be ready for the Celtic clash. He was left out of today's game which meant that he could not incur a booking which would rule him out of the Celtic game by going through the penalty points barrier. Smith, however, insisted the move was tactical. He said: "We had a situation there where Dundee United's aerial threat was something we had to handle and I just felt that Kirk Broadfoot would handle that on the left side. "However, Sasa will be back - I just felt it was something we had to do today."

RANGERS will find out tomorrow if their Homecoming Scottish Cup fifth round clash with Forfar Athletic will take place on Sunday as planned. Homecoming Scottish CupThe Loons' Station Park ground has been hit by the cold weather that has engulfed much of Britain over the last few days and conditions in Angus are difficult. While there isn't much in the way of snow there, there has been plenty of frost and that could pose problems. But with sunshine and showers expected over the next 24 hours or so, it is hoped a thaw might kick in despite the low temperatures. A pitch inspection at the ground is planned for 11.30am and the Third Division outfit's officials are doing everything they can to ensure the game goes ahead. We'll let you know whether it is taking place right here on the official Rangers website so make sure you check in with us again tomorrow lunchtime. If the tie is postponed, the rearranged fixture is scheduled to take place at 7.45pm on Wednesday 18 February, three days after the Old Firm derby with Celtic.

Was just thinking about the income we will get from tonights game then thought about how much it could actually cost us long term. Im thinking back to the Liverpool friendly in the summer and how we were battered on the day so it not only turned out to be a pointless match but it was sandwiched in between the Kanuas CL qualifier. Rather than preparing for a huge 2nd leg we risked players getting injured for the sake of a money maker which ended up playing a part in not qualifying for the CL - how costly was that! So Im looking towards tonights game against Milan. On one hand the revenue from this game will be helpful and we are likely to rake in about 30% of what we wanted from the sale of a player in January. But on the other hand do we really need a friendly during a busy period on a cold night when we are still going for the 3 domestic trophies? Shouldnt we be resting players with an ugly tie at Forfar coming up at the weekend followed by a massive Old Firm match!!! After all , what happens if we get freak injury to a key player which puts a dent in our title bid? Winning the title is a must this season for 1) financial reasons as we gain auto entry to the CL and 2) Because Rangers shouldnt go 4 in a row without a title.

A post that Shroomz will enjoy and will make MF irate. :devil: I make no apologies for stealing this from FF, I thought it would be a good post to stir debate and bring a bit of optimism to the board after what was a fraught transfer window: