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By Andrew Dickson PEDRO MENDES has been handed a massive boost ahead of Sunday's Old Firm derby with a recall to the Portugal squad. The midfielder is one of 18 Rangers players who have been called up on international duty next week. Many of those selected were expected to join up with their national associations for World Cup qualifiers, African Nations matches, youth games and friendlies. But Mendes wasn't anticipating a summons after winning his last cap for his country more than five and a half years ago against Italy. His early form at Ibrox following his move from Portsmouth appears to have found favour with new Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz. And the former Manchester United assistant manager has selected him for matches with Malta and Denmark in the coming days. The staggering tally of players who will be away from Murray Park next week is largely down to the number who will be in Scotland's squad. Allan McGregor, David Weir, Kevin Thomson, Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller have all been picked for meetings with Macedonia and Iceland. Kyle Lafferty and Steven Davis will also be on their travels for Northern Ireland's games against Slovakia and the Czech Republic. DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu will play for the United States of America as they visit Cuba for the very first time. And Madjid Bougherra and Brahim Hemdani will team up for Algeria in their home African Nations Cup preliminary match against Senegal. Sasa Papac is in Bosnia-Herzegovina's squad to face European champions Spain and Estonia. In addition, four Light Blues youngsters have been asked to appear in selected age group matches around Europe. Steven Lennon, currently on loan at Partick Thistle, is in Scotland's under-21 squad for UEFA Championship qualifiers against Slovakia and Denmark. In the same competition, Giorgos Efrem will represent Cyprus against Belgium and Andrew Little will play for Northern Ireland against Germany. Arturs Vaiculis, Rangers' under-19 goalkeeper, completes the jet-setting pack when he joins Latvia for two friendlies with Belarus at that level.

by Lindsay Herron KENNY MILLER will become the first player in over 100 years to cross the great divide twice in Old Firm derbies if he plays for Rangers at Parkhead on Sunday. Tom Dunbar is the only other player to have achieved this feat and that was back in the late 19th century when Rangers and Celtic were quite chummy rather than fierce rivals. It could be a daunting prospect but Rangers boss Walter Smith has no doubts that the Scotland striker will handle it all. He told Rangers World: "I don't think Kenny will be bothered about going back to Parkhead. I'm sure there will be the usual banter between fans, but it is not something that is going to affect him. "He is an experienced enough player to handle it." Smith could have a number of new faces in his line-up on Sunday. Pedro Mendes, Kyle Lafferty, Madjid Bougherra plus the returning Steve Davis and Miller are liable to start with the potential of Maurice Edu and young Spaniard Aaron also taking part. Smith certainly has no qualms about introducing some or all of them to the unique atmosphere. He said: "Old Firm games can inspire you. If you want to be in football then these are the games you want to be involved in. "Any player worth his salt would want to play in this game. "During the match you can't say you enjoy it. If you manage to get a win then you do but if you lose then it's the end of the world, so to speak."

MAURICE EDU is hoping to make a dream Rangers debut by lining up at Parkhead in next Sunday's Old Firm showdown. The 22-year-old US midfielder got work permit clearance on Friday and will fly across the Atlantic to begin his Rangers career once all of the paperwork has been completed. And the former Toronto FC star hopes he can go straight into the squad for the derby with Celtic. He said: "It's something I would love to experience right away. I don't know how my involvement is going to play out but I really look forward to that if that was possible. "I know there is a huge rivalry between Rangers and Celtic. What a potential first game that would be, to play in the biggest derby game in world football. It would be unbelievable. "If it works out like that I would be more than excited. I can't think of a better debut than that. "I'm excited about this new chapter in my career.I will miss Toronto, and the team's amazing supporters and fans. Toronto FC will always have special meaning for me because it's the club that gave me my professional start." Edu will become Walter Smith's eighth summer signing when he joins later this week. Edu told the Mail on Sunday: ""It all happened so quickly for me. I heard a little whisper when I was at the Olympics but at that tim was trying to focus on getting the United States out of the group stages. "We lost and I came back home. I flew into San Francisco on the way to Toronto and I got a phone call from my agent. He said that the league had taken a bid and it was from Rangers. By the time I got to Toronto we heard there had been approval. "I have some things to tie up but hopefully I can be in Glasgow by midweek."

Does anywhere know where I will be able to catch the Old Firm at the end of the month in Madrid. Tried bluenosebars but there is nothing on there. Cheers guys.

....according to Darryl Broadfoot. In a day of frantic transfer activity, Celtic last night completed the �£3m transfer of Glenn Loovens from under Rangers' noses. Walter Smith responded by securing the �£2.5m transfer of Pedro Mendes, the Portsmouth midfielder. Mendes will arrive at Murray Park today to undergo a medical and his likely capture will offset the disappointment of losing Cardiff City's Dutch defender to their Old Firm rivals. http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.2425965.0.Celtic_snatch_Loovens_but_Mendes_is_Ibrox_bound.php

BILLY KIRKWOOD will take an under-18 squad to Broadwood tonight to take on Old Firm rivals Celtic in the final of the Glasgow Cup. Billiy Kirkwood, Rangers and John McLaughlanThe showdown, which could not be played at the end of last season, will give fans of both clubs the chance to see the some of the country's best young talent in action as they bid to become the city's top side at this age level. Rangers defeated Partick Thistle to book their place in the final while Queens Park suffered at the hands of the Hoops. Murray Park kids including captain Danny Wilson (pictured), Jamie Ness and Archie Campbell will be joined by current under-17 players such as Max Wright and Gordon Dick in the Gers' squad. And Kirkwood hopes his troops can rise to the challenge against John McLauglan's team and bring the magnificent trophy back to Auchenhowie. He said: "This game is a historical one from last season. "Because it is not being played until now it's effectively become an under-18 cup final although it is still our under-17 team from last season that will mainly be involved. "Regardless it should be a fantastic occasion and the fact that Celtic have also reached the final will make it a bit special. "Old Firm games at every level are always competitive and fans tend to come in high number to give their support so everyone is looking forward to the match. "It's a good education for our young lads to be in a final and it's a beautiful trophy so we all hope we can get our hands on it on Thursday night." Billy is excited by the number of players coming through the ranks at Murray Park with great potential and believes the Glasgow Cup final, which will be decided by penalty kicks if the sides are level after 90 minutes, will be the perfect stage for them to showcase their talents. He said: "There will be a lot of international players on show for us at Broadwood and I Celtic will have the same.Grant Gallagher, Celtic and Danny Wilson, Rangers "The game is a good opportunity for fans to come along and see some of the players that are coming through the ranks below the Reserves and under-19s. "It should be a great game and fingers crossed we can bring another piece of silverware back to Murray Park." Captain Danny Wilson is looking forward to leading his team out in a Old Firm Cup final. He said: "It should be a great night and to face Celtic in a Cup Final will be a brilliant feeling. "Hopefully we can win the game and all the boys are well up for it." Tomorrow night's game at Broadwood will kick-off at 7.30pm

Not good but funny anyway.

Just watching this on Rangers World just now. A midfield consisting of Reyna, Albertz, Van Bronkhurst and Ferguson. What would we give for that now.....

RANGERS Chief Executive Martin Bain has spoken for the first time on a number of important topics as the new season opens. He revealed record season ticket sales, explained the reasoning behind the five per cent charge on the sale of away tickets and insisted work is still being done to bolster the squad ahead of the new campaign. During the interview, the Chief Executive also announced exciting plans for Ibrox that will make it amongst the most cutting-edge in European football. He said: "We are well on target to set a new record of 44,000 season ticket holders which has been achieved as a result of our new ticketing strategy enabling a higher saleable capacity within the stadium. In the past four seasons we have reached highs of 42,500 but on the back of last season, the demand for the coming campaign has been such that we will hit the new record figure. "Last season was a journey beyond all expectation for Rangers supporters and was what we all aspire to, which is Rangers competing at the highest level in Europe and on all fronts domestically. The last day of the SPL season was our only downside. "Our new strategy aims to make football more affordable to families, and to maintain and create a great atmosphere in the stadium where supporters are safe. It wasn't just about pricing however, we also wanted to provide some additional benefits to season ticket holders. The first of these takes place on Friday with a free training day which will be a great day out for families. "To date the initiative has resulted in an 11 per cent rise in juvenile season ticket holders with many more on the waiting list and we are absolutely delighted with the ongoing response from the fans. "We had 19 European games last season and with the financial pressures in our economy today we could not have asked for more from our supporters, their commitment has been second to none. Tickets for tomorrow's Kaunas game are going really well and the Liverpool match on Saturday is fast approaching sell-out. "Last year we identified the need to address the playing surface and other aspects of the stadium infrastructure, resulting in the commitment of capital expenditure for an interim overhaul. We have ensured that the items invested in are easily transportable should our long term development plans come to fruition. "First on the agenda was restructuring the pitch and Walter Smith told me yesterday that he is delighted with the new playing surface. "Despite the inclement weather in Scotland we are confident we will have no problems with our pitch this season and let's hope it is the same scenario at every other SPL ground. We have invested in our pitch and it would be good to see the other clubs investing in a similar way to avoid the problems of last season. "Our next priority was to introduce a fully integrated stadium entertainment system. This will be phased in from the first SPL home game where our new state of the art LED perimeter advertising system and LED scoreboards will be unveiled. "The perimeter advertising will run the complete length of the Copland, Broomloan and Govan stands. In September we will install LED jumbotrons, giving Ibrox one of the most ambitious media and entertainment systems in British football. We plan to introduce the system into the concourses thereafter. Even the dugouts, uniforms and Club ties are changing!" Rangers begin the SPL campaign on August 9 against Falkirk, one of four clubs who have refused to accept the Old Firm plan of a five per cent charge for the sale of away tickets. Bain remains unrepentant at the approach taken and commented: "It is incredulous that despite our attempts to explain this rationally to other clubs, some of them continue to refuse to accept our approach. Rangers supporters travel the length and breadth of the country, often paying premium prices for grounds which are often found lacking in their overall facilities. This is about our fans. I believe they more than pay their way in Scottish football and we want to alleviate some of the financial pressure. "I am also disappointed at the other clubs lack of understanding of our continual efforts to make it as easy as possible to distribute their tickets with minimal cost and effort on their behalf. We help maximise ticket sales for SPL away grounds to the region of �£2.5million, but accept that this comes at a cost, hence our proposal for the reciprocal arrangement. This would allow us to remove the costs currently borne by our fans. "I am surprised that other clubs have failed to realise that we have maintained a core fan base for away matches and that base may drop off given the convoluted systems they are operating to sell tickets to Rangers fans. "The actions we have taken have been in the best interests of our fans and the Club and we hope this is recognised by our travelling support, despite the complicated and difficult route that may now exist to obtain tickets for fixtures that were once easy to obtain." The Rangers Chief Executive hopes that those who choose to sell to Old Firm fans directly will ensure that they take all the responsibilities which accompany this decision. He said: "The SPL guidelines are such that every person who buys a ticket has to supply their name and address, and I now look to the SPL to ensure that while these other clubs have taken it upon themselves to sell these tickets that they record all these details. That said, it is unfortunate that I won't have the same level of awareness of whom the tickets are now being sold to. "At this stage Falkirk, Hibs, Hearts and Dundee United have indicated that they will sell tickets to our fans themselves and we await confirmation of the official response from the remaining clubs." Although the signing deadline has passed for tomorrow's Champions League qualifying match with Kaunas, the Chief Executive insisted that work is still being done on the playing front. He said: "We are still working hard to make sure we have a squad capable of challenging on all fronts. "The nature of Rangers is such that we are constantly linked with players with no foundation. But we are used to that and know what our priorities are. I am confident through experience of transfer windows in recent years that there will be movement, both in and out, in the weeks ahead. Walter has a core squad to meet the immediate challenges, although we are disappointed to have picked up a couple of injuries at this early stage." http://www.rangers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,5~1353740,00.html

To be honest i can't blame Falkirk. I would have done the same thing. I would be thinking if you want your supporters in the stadium then do your own donkey work.

Sorry i can't say Mo Johnston and Kenny Miller in the one sentence.

Unfinished business For this to work we need to get the scouts off their arses and if Walter Smith is the man to lead the way is also debatable, given his record in actually playing young players. Davie Weir? I rest my case.

Walter Smith: Judge Kenny Miller on the present, not the past :eek: I hope that statement is just a red herring, if not then i see the same midfield slog we have had for the last 3 years.

The opening Old Firm match of the season at Celtic Park has been switched from Saturday August 30 to Sunday August 31 with a kick off time still to be confirmed. Walter Smith's team will also feature as Setanta's live match the previous weekend when their trip to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen will be moved to an early Saturday start. Instead of the scheduled 3pm kick off on Saturday August 23, Smith's men will kick off against the Dons at 12.30pm. Rangers may face a European fixture between those two SPL clashes with the second leg of the third qualifying round of the Champions League due to be played on August 26 and 27.

It's going to be a busy road come Thursday afternoon and night. Both sets of Old Firm fans will be using the main drag upto Dundee at the same time which isn't ideal given the circumstances but yet again the SPL have fucked up reegarding the fixtures. If you're heading up be careful, there's a chance fights could break out.

Arsehole!

Standing On The Edge Of Greatness If like me, you are too young to remember that fabulous night in Barcalona, then you’ll be entering un-chartered waters as our date with destiny hurtles towards us. It is ironic that our foe for the evening will have a couple of familiar faces within its ranks. Dick Advocaat and Fernando Ricksen, whilst not being Rangers heroes do have and deserve places in our rich history and in some of our hearts. It is also ironic that some people, even Rangers fans are claiming that this is one of the worst Rangers teams since that historic evening in Barcelona. Like me, you’ll have watched ‘better fancies’ Rangers teams torn apart on the European stage (by very decent opposition at times, but lets be honest, more often than not, by some pretty average teams). This Rangers team / squad are different. They have resilience in abundance, they have undoubted team spirit, they have a will to win, they have heart and courage and lets not forget, the have some skill as well. We have defeated some very decent teams during this European adventure, the highlight for me was watching us dismantle Lyon in their own back-yard. This was closely followed by our outstanding 2-0 victory in Lisbon (the home of the real Lisbon Lions). Admittedly we have at times been very ‘frustrating’ to watch but it is undeniable that we are very, very hard to defeat on the European stage. This has been highlighted by the fact that we had a very decent showing in the CL Group of Death and by the fact that we are 90 minutes (or 120 + penalties) from writing a whole new chapter into our already rich and illustrious history. These players (and management staff) stand on the edge of greatness – they are so close to creating history, so close to writing themselves into folklore, so close to be know as the ‘invincibles’. They have a huge amount of work ahead of them, they have a huge amount of ‘blood, sweat and tears’ ahead of them, they have a huge amount of personal and physical sacrifice ahead of them – however, it’ll all be worth it. 18 months ago, a quadruple would have been unthinkable, even a domestic trophy seemed a long, long, long way away. Tonight, we, THE RANGERS are one step closer, we are nearing the finishing line and we can see the glittering prizes. It is now up to the players to go that extra yard – come on Rangers – we can’t do it can we? We won’t do it, will we? As you know, I’ the above was penned before Sunday’s uninspiring (and rather worrying) draw / performance at Easter Road and before the ludicrous SPL decision to force us to play 2 huge SPL games before playing Zenit in Manchester. That is not even considering the titanic schedule we have AFTER the UEFA Cup Final. However, the sentiments remain and are worth reiterating. This gruelling schedule belittles or game and the SPHELL have shown themselves to be nothing more than Liewells bitches. The word that Liewell and the SPHELL keep referring to is ‘integrity’ – neither knows the true meaning of the word. Let’s remember that Cynical FC used the unfortunate, untimely and tragic death of Phil O’Donnell to have the New Year’s Old Firm game postponed – for no other reason than injuries and suspensions. These ambulance chasers have no shame but most of all, have no integrity. As for the SPHELL, well, what can you say about these freeloading, good for nothing bastards? They’ll happily take their free tickers and junkets to Manchester whilst laughing and sniggering at our fixture pile-up. There is little or nothing we can do about this situation but I would love it (I know I am about to sound like Kevin Keegan here and we all now what happened after is ‘I would love it rant) that if (when!) we win this SPL title that we decided not to have a celebration or presentation. I would love it if we were to go to Aberdeen with the title already won and I would send up our under 16 team. As for next season, no matter the outcome of the SPL title, the UEFA Cup final or the Scottish Cup Final, if I were Rangers, I would refuse tickets to ALL domestic away games next season. Let’s see how the SPL, SFA and League would cope without the 10’s of thousands of Rangers fans who travel to all corners of this country cheering on The Rangers. Remember folks, they need us more than we’ll ever need them. No matter what happens, one thing is for sure, the SPHELL have, at a time whilst we should be basking in the glory of a Scottish club getting to a UEFA Cup Final, reduced our football to the laughing stock of Europe. Well done. Manchester Here We Come So back to some positives and I still can’t believe that The Rangers have secured a place in the UEFA Cup Final. After so long in the European backwaters, here we are one game away from securing our second European trophy. I am not a superstitious person, but if you like your omens, then we are halfway there. Make no mistake, Dick Advocaat has assemble a very decent outfit at Zenit and they have had all the help they could have asked for in their perpetrations for the UEFA Cup Final. Whilst we can’t get one SPL match postponed, they have had 3 games rearranged to allow sufficient time to prepare. I sincerely hope (and I know its impossible) that everyone gets sorted for a ticket as all our support deserves the opportunity of witnessing what is potentially one of the greatest nights of our glittering history. As ITV4 stated – Brace yourself Manchester, Rangers are coming…… Isn’t it ironic that you have to watch ITV4 to hear some positive things being said regarding our European adventure? Now, its not that the presenters or pundits are ‘Rangers friendly’, in fact, Jim Beglin and Andy Townsend were both ROI internationals, bit both have given us nothing but praise and are more then delighted that we have secured a UEFA Cup Final place. Compare and contrast to the bigoted tossers on STV who make snide comments et al. Masonic Referees Now, I am not one for conspiracy theories and I am the first to laugh when Timmy claim that all Scottish referees are Masons and biased against Celtc. You’ll also remember Wee Chesney claiming something similar recently and as usual, the combined Celtc intimidation has worked for them big-time. As well as Chesney, we’ve had Liewell (yip, him again) making his mouth go about certain officials and lets not forget the GFITWÃ?© legendry intimidation of officials. It is undeniable that in the last 5 SPL games, Celtc have benefited from decisions that have won them games that they were going to lose / draw. Now, when we are beneficiaries of refereeing decisions, the Celtc minded go into overdrive and meltdown (remember the SPL title has been tainted by the stench of cheating) yet, when decisions go for them (hence against us), you don’t hear the same hyper-broil for the unbiased Scottish media. Given the decisions that they have benefited from and the SPHELL doing everything it its power to stop us winning the SPHELL title and UEFA Cup, if journalists wanted an example of any season being tainted by the stench of cheating, it is this season – but guess what, not a peep from them. Rallying Cry Right, we all know what is required and we all know that given an even playing field (that is all we ever ask for) that 7 victories in the next 7 games is more than achievable. We all know that we don’t have a level playing field, so that is going to make our task even harder, some may say it’s bam near impossible. However, there is one thing that this squad has continually achieved this season and it is upsetting the odds. We have seven cup finals ahead of us and we need to win the seven games. I know we are entering ‘squeaky bum’, ‘nail-biting’ and ‘stomach churning’ territory here, but let’s get right behind the team and lets cheer them on no matter what happens between now and the end of the season. Hopefully we can turn a promising and exciting season into an unforgettable season. Congratulations I understand that as we enter this crucial part of the season that we won't have much time to think of others, but I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Chelsea on getting to the Champions League final and taking the EPL into the last game of the season. I would also like to extended my best wishes to West Brom on gaining automatic promotion back into the EPL COME ON RANGERS – JUST DO IT – KEEP BELIEVING Cammy F – Support The Dublin Loyal - We Are The People….

Taking a look back over the last few weeks Rangers qualified for the Scottish cup final by beating St Johnstone in the semi-final. If St Johnstone had gotten through to meet Queen of the South we would have had the first ever Old farm final. News coming out of Parkhead was that Artur Boruc had auditioned for the BBC West-end talent search� I�ll do anything.� He heard they were looking for the right Nancy. Wee Gordy fancied himself as the artful dodger. And Peter Lawwell could be Fagin. Artur Boruc has applied for planning permission to build a completely round house. Seemingly after the old firm game he has developed a fear of corners. Jan Venegoor of Hesselink has become known as Jan Vinegar of Castlemilk. After the last two old firm Games, Assault and Vinegar would be more appropriate. After the last old firm match a link has been made between the Murphy�S and the Cambells. Neither will wave at a McDonald. Steven Whitteker was looking for a Brazilian name after his goal against Sporting Lisbon. He came up with Daya. It makes him Whitt daya ker. Talking about Brazilians, Ronaldo has made himself one of the hottest properties in Europe. Seemingly he can keep three men busy in little room. David Murray had asked the SPL to cancel Saturdays game against Dundee utd at the weekend, in the light that Zenit St Petersburg had games cancelled before the UEFA final. He was turned down. I guess the Russians had a better Advocaat. A primary teacher starts a new job at a school near Parkhead and, trying to make a good impression on her first day, explains to her class that she is a Celtic Supporter. She asks her class to raise their hands if they, too, are Celtic supporters. Everyone in the class raises their hand except one little girl. The teacher looks at the girl with surprise and says: "Mary, why didn't you raise your hand?" "Because I'm not a Celtic supporter," she replied. The teacher, still shocked, asked: "Well, if you're not a Celtic supporter, then who are you a fan of?" "I'm a Rangers supporter, and proud of it," Mary replied. The teacher could not believe her ears. "Mary, why are you a rangers supporter?" My mum and dad were born and raised in Govan, so my mum is a Rangers fan and my dad is a Rangers fan, and so I'm a Rangers fan too!" "Well," said the teacher, in an obviously annoyed tone, "that's no reason for you to be a Rangers supporter. You don't have to be just like your parents all of the time. What if your mum was a prostitute, your dad was a drug addict, and your brother was a car thief, what would you be then?" "Then," Mary said, "I'd be a Celtic supporter." The old ones are the best. Taxi!!!!

....do something historic this season?? Firstly, credit has to go to Walter Smith, Ally McCoist and the baldy one (KM) for what they have done to Rangers in the last 14 months. They have turned arguably the worst Rangers team in 20 years round into the frontmen in Scotland again and pushed us into the last 8 of europe. Yes it has not been pretty in certain games but recently the moaning has stopped about performances due to the progression the team in making in the competitons we are in. Thats what it is all about from March onwards - winning football matches. We are coming into the business end of the season with finishing lines in sight and still in a wonderful position. Our Green friends from the other side of Glasgow along with a few of the so called "balanced 4th estate" must really be beginning to panic with what we could achieve this season. However there is still a lot of football to be played and as good as getting to the last 8 of the UEFA cup feels we have to come back down to earth as we have not won anything yet. We still have 3 old firm derbies to play which will no doubt decide if the league flag comes back to home to Ibrox. We are in pole position for these games with the next meeting to be played at Ibrox. We also currently have advantage of 3 point lead with 1 game in hand, thus depending on the farcical situation of Gretna. All attentions can be turned to the league cup final on Sunday where we need the lads to produce yet another solid defensive display and do enough in Dundee Utd's half to take the first trophy home. The Scottish cup will come around again and with all due respect to Partick Thistle we should be looking forward to facing either St Johnstone or St Mirren for another date at Hampden. That leaves the UEFA cup. We fear no team in the here. Bayern are the favourties but we'll see what the draw brings us. One game at a time is what is required at the moment and who knows what we will be celebrating in 2 months time. :cheers:

Linky Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist says David Weir still has a slim chance of playing in their Uefa Cup semi-final second leg against Fiorentina. The Glasgow club had confirmed the defender's absence on Tuesday with a groin injury, but he flew to Florence with the squad on Wednesday morning. Yet, despite making progress, McCoist concedes Weir is still 'extremely doubtful' to make Thursday's match. Allan McGregor, Lee McCulloch and Charlie Adam are definitely out. Steven Naismith, Chris Burke and DaMarcus Beasley are also on the long Ibrox injury list. But Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson return from European suspensions. Weir limped off injured during Sunday's Old Firm defeat and, although scans showed no muscle tear, the club ruled him out of Thursday's crucial match. However, McCoist revealed that the management team still had not given up on the Scotland international. "It would be a fantastic boost if Davie was fit, but that remains to be seen," he said. "He's still feeling his groin so he is extremely doubtful and there's no magic wand." ------------------ Ooh err missus. Lauren, being the resident physio, can you shed any light on this new technique?

Apr 29 2008 By Paul O'Hare CELTIC star Aiden McGeady was caught up in a street brawl just hours after Sunday's Old Firm match. The winger clashed with Rangers fans after being taunted as he left a nightclub with team-mate Scott McDonald, 24. McGeady, 22, was targeted by the yobs who squared up to him and chanted: "If you hate Aiden McGeady clap your hands". One onlooker said: "They were right in his face and very threatening." Seconds later, the Republic of Ireland international was attacked. McGeady is said to have defended himself and the bust-up was over in seconds. McDonald was not involved in the scuffle. The two players had been celebrating their team's 3-2 win over Rangers when trouble flared outside Bamboo in Glasgow. Hours earlier, Australian McDonald scored two goals and was brought down for Celtic's penalty clincher. But it was McGeady who was singled out by the drunken louts. Police were called to the city centre nightclub around 3.30am yesterday but no complaint was made. A Celtic spokesman said: "The players made the club aware of this incident on Monday. Aiden has made it clear he'd be more than happy to co-operate with the police as both players were undoubtedly the aggrieved parties in this unfortunate incident." Midfielder McGeady was last week named Scotland's player of the year and young player of the year by his fellow professionals. But one Parkhead season ticket holder who witnessed the fracas was critical of the star. He said: "Nobody deserves what happened to Aiden and he did his best to avoid the confrontation. "But I don't think it was too clever going out after a Celtic v Rangers game, especially after his team had won. "It's a sad indictment of Glasgow but players are best lying low after an Old Firm match." The incident came just 24 hours after Motherwell captain Paul Quinn was attacked in Wishaw, Lanarkshire. He suffered a broken jaw and is out for the rest of season. Meanwhile, a Celtic fan has died after being attacked in Govan, Glasgow. Patrick McBride, 51, was assaulted by a gang around 9.30pm on Sunday. It's believed the Gorbals man suffered a heart attack. He was not wearing any football colours but cops believe the confrontation was triggered by the Old Firm game. Three men, all aged 21, were arrested in connection with the incident and are expected at Glasgow Sheriff Court today. There were six other arrests linked to the Old Firm match, mainly for minor offences. I hoped we were above this sort of Bullshit.

C'mon Rangers!!! Im up early and tempted to go open a few beers now but with 10 hours until K/off I may end up missing the game. But the excitement has kicked in and I cant wait. Yesterday I thought a draw but today Im edging towards us winning this by a goal.

Traynors' view.I can't stand the cretin,but this is a good read. THEY are still so far away from reach but at least now the glint of the three trophies Rangers seek can be seen by the naked eye. All they have to do is keep following the light. Walter Smith is constantly told his players are running on empty but all he can see is a group of believers still striving to reach beyond human limits. If what fuels some of these players could be siphoned off, the Grangemouth refinery's workers and management could close the place, argue the toss from now until the end of time and our motors would still be running. But this Rangers squad don't even need to keep their legs pumping like pistons for ever. They have only to make sure their limbs function through just a handful of matches, starting tomorrow with the final Old Firm encounter of the season. Celtic won the last one - Gordon Strachan's first Old Firm victory over Walter Smith - which ensured the championship remained a live issue, but the Parkhead side must come out on top in this final meeting also if the pressure is to be piled on their rivals. Anything less than three points would make it virtually impossible for Celtic to hold on to the SPL title even though Rangers have a punishing run-in. If Rangers win, or draw, they would be boosted by a powerful mix of adrenalin and confidence and the effects of a spineless SPL's refusal to sanction a meaningful extension to the league campaign wouldn't be too destructive. Rangers would be almost certain to collect the remaining points necessary without operating at full tilt, but to ensure that luxury they have to be prepared to summon up one more massive effort at Parkhead. Strachan's side are in better shape and the manager has probably been struggling to hold them back in training but just after midday tomorrow he'll let them off the leash. They are likely to attack Rangers at pace and try to dominate the midfield areas just as they did 10 days ago and Smith's side will be willing to soak up pressure, believing they'll also pierce Celtic's defence at times. However, this time Rangers will have to match up, especially in the middle, if they're to take what would be the most important step towards winning the title. The bulk of the evidence, though, suggests Celtic are fairly firm favourites to even the score, at least in terms of matches won against their traditional rivals. Strachan and his players know that if they can win again they will force Rangers to doubt themselves, perhaps for the first time this season. Barry Ferguson and the others won't be able to prevent their minds from wandering up ahead and looking at their packed schedule which is enough to frighten even the most seasoned pros like DavidWeir and Christian Dailly. Celtic, Fiorentina in Florence, Hibs, Motherwell twice, Dundee United, St Mirren and Aberdeen all between now and May 18. That's eight matches in 22 days and don't forget Rangers, who also have a Scottish Cup Final on May 24, could yet have a UEFA Cup Final to play. That's not a match schedule, it's hard labour as a result of criminal negligence on the part of the SPL. Let's make it absolutely clear just one more time that this group of preening lame brains have done nothing to help a Scottish side reach a European final and have failed also to protect the integrity of their own competition. Should Rangers overcome Fiorentina and reach the final in the City of Manchester Stadium, it will be in spite of the people who are supposed to be working for the benefit of the Scottish game. If Rangers claim European glory, Lex Gold and the rest shouldn't dare try to bask in the success. No doubt he'd be tempted but it would be disgraceful if he were to hold up his league structure as the reason for this success. In fact, in finding it impossible to assist Rangers properly in their quest to reach the heights, the SPL might inadvertently have boosted their determination to get the jobs done. Rangers now feel victimised. They believe it's them against an establishment they suspect were afraid to upset Celtic and if this anger is channelled properly it could give the Ibrox club added momentum at the most critical time of the season. Rangers are equipped to go to Parkhead and do just enough to end Celtic's interest in the title pursuit and then do the same to Fiorentina next Thursday. If they are in the final and cruising towards the championship, they would go to Easter Road next Sunday on an incredible high. Fatigue wouldn't come into it and Smith would then find himself trying to subdue his players just as Strachan has been doing in the build-up to tomorrow's match. Although they allowed Celtic to win the psychological and physical battles last time, Rangers know they can kill off their rivals tomorrow but it will take a tremendous effort, remarkable calmness and buckets of belief. They have to put everything out of their minds except this one challenge, simply because the outcome will have such a significant bearing on how many trophies they win. Three points tomorrow would give them vital breathing space in a hectic few weeks and you can be absolutely sure Smith has been using the SPL, as well as Aiden McGeady's comments, to fire up his men. He'll have been telling them to prove they don't need the SPL's help and to show McGeady, who said Rangers shouldn't be allowed an extension to the season, that the balance of power really has switched from one end of Glasgow to the other. McGeady, of course, will be one of the key players along with Shunsuke Nakamura and Barry Robson, but Rangers believe they have been pushed into a corner. They are wounded and there is only one thing they can do now. They'll come out fighting and despite their aches and pains they'll keep going until they drop. They'll be battling for Smith, themselves, and the fans. There are a lot of angry men in Smith's squad and if they really do believe this is their season, all their effort and sacrifices now come down to this one match, they could clamp both hands around the championship. Win tomorrow and they'll be on such a high they wouldn't need an aircraft to get to Florence but lose and they could crash and burn. There is just too much to lose in this one match and the very fear of seeing everything slip away in the wake of defeat could galvanise Rangers just enough to do what is necessary.

ALLAN McGREGOR and Lee McCulloch could both be back for Rangers this season. Boss Walter Smith today revealed there is a chance they could be ready for the SPL game against Dundee United at Ibrox on May 10, and the subsequent run-in. Both players were injured a week ago at Parkhead and have had various scans since. And Smith revealed: "There is a chance they could be back for the last two weeks of the season. That is the outcome of the scans, so we obviously hope that can be the case." Chris Burke has delivered the most positive news after injuring his ankle in the Scottish Cup win over St Johnstone. The damage is not serious and he will be back in a week to 10 days. However, Stevie Naismith's badly damaged cruciate ligament will require surgery. "We are looking at maybe five or six months for him and that is clearly a blow for the lad first of all, and also for the squad," Smith said. He also reported American winger DaMarcus Beasley was back in training after five months out with his own knee ligament injury. Smith said: "He is another who could play in the last couple of weeks. But in his situation, given the time he has been out, we have to balance that against whether it's worth taking a risk for just a few games. We'll need to see." Kris Boyd has recovered from the food poisoning that ruled him out of the Saints game. Smith refused to be drawn on the SPL extension plans, saying: "We have the first leg of a Uefa Cup semi-final to play. That is getting my full attention, everything else is in the background for me." Defender David Weir felt that governing body could maybe have done more to aid Rangers with their fixture plans. He said: "Like the manager, I have been focusing on the game tomorrow. Looking at the situation, we had one game put off to help us in Europe and the other ones have been for things outwith our control. "There is a big arguement for the SPL to maybe have helped us out a bit, but they make the decisions. "As players, we just need to try and get over all the obstacles and have as successful a season as we can. STEVEN NAISMITH was today facing up to at least six months on the sidelines after scans confirmed he has damaged his anterior cruciate ligament. The Scotland Under-21 skipper crumpled in agony early on in Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Johnstone as his left knee buckled under him. Yesterday, after travelling to Bradford to see a specialist, he was given the worst possible news. He will have to rest for a month before undergoing surgery, most likely to take place at the famous Richard Steadman clinic in Colorado. The �£2million signing from Kilmarnock has been left devastated by the news that will see him out until most probably October. Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist confirmed: "The news from the specialists is a blow for us. But, on a personal basis, clearly it's a real shame for Steven and a huge disappointment for the lad in his first season at the club. "He had made a good start to his career with us and would have played a vital role in the run-in for Rangers. "Now the most important thing is for Steven to get the right kind of medical advice and face up to his rehab programme. I am sure he will come back stronger, and everyone at the club will help him towards that goal." There was better news on Allan McGregor and Chris Burke. The keeper could be back for the last couple of weeks of the season after scans should ankle ligament damage is not as bad as first feared. Burke will return inside 10 days after also injuring his ankle at the weekend. Lee McCulloch, who suffered a foot injury in last week's Old Firm defeat, feels he can play a part in the run-in. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2218253.0.mcgregor_mcculloch_on_the_comeback_trail.php

RANGERS' under-19 squad have clinched the SPL title for the second successive season and coach Billy Kirkwood is encouraging fans to flock to Hampden for Wednesday's SFA Youth Cup Final against Celtic. Billy Kirkwood with league trophyThe 19s drew with Motherwell at Murray Park last Friday afternoon to win the championship and current Captain Andrew Shinnie and winger Georgos Efrem were pictured with Kirkwood and the SPL trophy at Murray Park today. With the title secured, Billy's team are now concentrating on Wednesday's tie against Celtic - who were beaten 5-0 in last season's Final thanks to goals from Steven Lennon (3), Dean Furman and Andrew Shinnie - and supporters have the chance to see the latest crop of young Light Blues in action at Hampden. Turnstiles in the West Stand are open to Rangers fans who can pay at the gate from 6pm on Wednesday (Adults can attend for just �£5 with Concessions costing �£2) and the match kicks of at 7.30pm. Kirkwood commented: "The boys have worked hard all season and I am delighted they were able to win the league for the second season in a row. We are now looking forward to the SFA Youth Cup Final and we hope for another big crowd at Hampden. "An amazing 11,486 supporters turned out to cheer on both teams last season and it would be nice to top that. There will be a lot of talent on show and it would be a fantastic achievement for the Club to clinch another league and cup double. "It will be a difficult game, of course, but we hope to have a good crowd behind us to help secure further silverware for Rangers." The Under-19s squad will parade their league trophy at half-time in next Thursday's UEFA Cup semi-final tie with Fiorentina at Ibrox and from next season the Under-19s will play their Old Firm league games at the Andrew Shinnie with league trophyStadium, with entry free to Season Ticket Holders. The Club has already frozen prices on Adult Season Tickets for next season and reduced the cost of Juvenile Season Tickets by a third to encourage more families to football and Midfielder Andrew Shinnie knows playing at Ibrox in front of supporters will be beneficial for the Club's youth players. He commented: "We are fortunate to play the majority of our games at Murray Park and the facilities are excellent but moving the Old Firm games to Ibrox will be a great experience. "All the youth players here dream of playing for the first-team there so it will be nice to play in front of the Rangers supporters on home soil."