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Arsenal v Reading - Will be interesting to see how Arsenal react now that there season is over. Reading are still much in the relegation battle. A draw wouldnt surprise me seen as Arsenal have 2 wins in 13 games with most being draws. They are struggling to kill any team off - again, if they find that missing link they would destroy all infront of them. But il go with home win. Blackburn v Man Utd - Could be the game that effectively wins Man Utd the title. If they win they will be 5 clear again going into the Chelsea game. Its a tricky game for them though but I see them winning by a goal. Fulham v Liverpool - Fulhams last chance to save there top flight status. But Liverpool may tinker with the CL semi final coming up. A home win would really throw a spanner in the battle of the bottom but I think it will be a draw. Middlesboro v Bolton - Bolton beat West Ham last weekend and it will spur them on to play Boro. Boro are a decent side on there day. Draw. West Ham v Derby - West Ham's form is terrible and Derby are just making up the numbers. Has to be a big chance for the Hammers to cement a top 10 finish and if they dont win here Curbishley better pack his bags. Banker Home win. Wigan v Spurs - Spurs still pushing for a top 10 finish have been weird since winning the Carling cup. Wigan are pulling good results out the bag when it matters and a point at Chelsea did them wonders plus almost handed Man Utd the title. Home win here to keep Wigan in the league. Sunday: Aston Villa v Birmingham - Martin O Neill v Alex McLeish - they renew there former rivalry from there Old Firm days so this will be a very interesting game. Birmingham need something to keep them in with a fight and Villa still are going for Europe. Narrow home win. Man City v Portsmouth - This has draw written all over it. Newcastle v Sunderland - Most NE derbies always finish in draws, this one will be close but a narrow home win.

Rangers fear Allan McGregor may be out for season Apr 22 2008 By Keith Jackson INJURY-RAVAGED Rangers are bracing themselves for the bombshell news today that Allan McGregor's season is over. The keeper will report to hospital this afternoon for a second opinion on the ankle injury he sustained in last week's Old Firm defeat at Parkhead. But while McGregor is praying for good news, manager Walter Smith is all but resigned to losing his keeper for the rest of the campaign. McGregor has damaged ligaments so badly Smith doesn't expect him back in training until July when Rangers begin their pre-season preparations. It means Neil Alexander - the hero in Sunday's penalty shoot-out win over St Johnstone - will be placed in the firing line as Rangers' season goes down to the wire. Smith will be without seven top-team players on Thursday against Fiorentina in the first leg of their UEFA Cup semi-final. Lee McCulloch, Charlie Adam, Steven Naismith and Chris Burke are also injured while Kevin Thomson and Barry Ferguson are suspended. Rangers did receive one piece of good news last night when it was revealed Burke could be back sooner than expected after fears he'd broken his ankle on Sunday in a challenge with Saints skipper Kevin Rutkiewicz. Doctors believe Burke's ligaments would have been severely ruptured had they not already been loosened by previous injuries and he could be back in action in a fortnight. But Smith admits Burke and his other weekend casualty Naismith are definitely out of the mouth-watering clash with the Serie A side. He said: "Naismith and Burke have no chance of playing on Thursday and I think they will miss our next three games at least. "We will wait and see what the specialists say but at this stage they look unlikely to feature in either of the Fiorentina games or against Celtic on Sunday." As I said before, thank God we replaced Roy Carroll.

There is a team that can be made up of Old Firm players that have played in a Champions League Final. its a 4-4-2 formation First to post a full team wins a pint:drink:

Is it just me or are the Scottish press desparate for Rangers to fail in their quest for a domestic treble and a uefa cup win ? , we have been slaughterd for our peformance's and given no credit for getting through to 2 Scottish finals and into a European semi final with a reasonable chance of Reaching the Final in Manchester. Last week before the old firm game it was "Strachan must go" "Celtic in Crisis" now after a last minute winner against us everythings Rosey again and their the media darlings again. The one that drives me mad the most is Bill Leckie this man cannot hide his hatred for our club he is a prick of the highest order Also McGreedy getting young player and player of the year can someone please tell me how many good games this little weasel has turned up in this season ?? to say he is better than Cuellar is a joke. We do have a lot of injurys at the moment but the chance to do a quadruople must spur the players on , i will be there on Thursday signing till i cant sign no more and give whatever playerrs smith chooses 110% backing and hopefully we pull of a result despite being written off already before a ball is kicked. Yours in "i hate Celtic with a passion mode"

So we've crawled into the Scottish Cup final, we can put that on the back burner until the near end of May and concentrate on the big 2 - the SPL and the UEFA cup. Everything was going so well but all of a sudden we have players dropping like flies and a few suspensions to deal with. Naismith and Burke are the latest 2 to join McCulloch and McGregor on the sidelines. And we have Ferguson, Thomson and Cuellar with pending suspensions. The squad is really going to be tested especially the centre and left side of midfield. On the right Novo and Davis can still fill in and we still have Darcheville, Cousin and Boyd upfront plus Buffel who made a rare appearance yesterday. The match yesterday should have been played on Saturday to allow us an extra day to prepare for Fiorentina. Less than 72 hours after that game we go over to Parkhead again for the last Old Firm Derby of the season. Even with 3 games in hand, getting something in this game is needed to reduce any growing pressure of having to win our all 3 games in hand. Walter must be scratching his head about the change in fortunes in injuries which have been quite kind all season. At least for the Celtic game Ferguson will have had the best part of 10 days off and should be re-charged a bit. But Im a little worried about personel for Fiorentina. At least both Cuellar and Weir are available for this one meaning Dailly can sit in midfield again - probably next to Davis and Hemdani. Time to really dig deep!!!

Rangers have the stamina for fight on four fronts, vows Ally McCoist Apr 18 2008 By Keith Jackson ALLY McCOIST last night insisted that burn-out will not see Rangers' quest for a quadruple go up in flames. McCoist was rolled out to face the media yesterday as part of his duties as "caretaker" boss for the Ibrox club's Scottish Cup run. He has been handed increased responsibility for team affairs by manager Walter Smith and will again be the front man at Hampden on Sunday as Rangers bid to see off St Johnstone and reach the Final. But while Smith and his players are still licking their wounds after Wednesday night's Old Firm defeat, McCoist remains adamant Rangers are not about to run out of gas on the last leg of their incredible journey towards a clean sweep. He said: "There will be questions levelled against us now, I'm aware of that. As far as I'm concerned it's questions that must be levelled at the players. "This was always going to happen at some stage this season. So far the lads have answered all the questions and I don't have any doubts that they will keep on answering positively. "There are a lot of strong characters in the dressing room. We'll need those strong characters, that's for sure. "But we've never, ever said that the league campaign was over. We have a cup game next but I have no doubts we'll bounce back. "I see comparisons with the team I played in back in 1992. There is a real togetherness and there is a real team spirit. There are characters who just don't know when they're beaten and you learn more about yourself in defeat. "Just like that 1992 side this lot are prepared to roll up their sleeves when they have to and that's exactly what they will do now." By the time Rangers get back to league business at Hibs on May 4, Celtic could have opened up an eight-point gap at the top of the SPL pile. But McCoist said: "I wasn't aware of that because I only look at the next game. "We have a lot of games to play in a short space of time. It's a problem but it's one we will have to address. It's a case of getting on with it. "I'm not overly concerned about the burn-out issue because we have a squad of players who can handle it. "We asked for one game off so people could throw that back in our faces. We could have squeezed games in had we looked at things a little bit better but this is the situation we find ourselves in and we have to deal with it. And I have no concerns with this squad of players." McCoist is relishing the chance to work with a group of players who could yet go down as the most successful Rangers side of all time. A win over Saints on Sunday will see the quad squad move one step closer to their improbable dream. And McCoist said: "When we pick the team we all pitch in but Walter obviously has the final say. For the cup games he is letting me handle the media and take the team talks - but he is still the manager. "I might have more responsibility but I would be foolish not to ask him for advice - even if he gave me full permission to pick the team. "But I do have a lot more to do with the cup games in terms of organising things and I am thoroughly enjoying it. "When I think back to what I was doing 18 months ago, with my TV work and that kind of thing, then yes, I must admit, I'm very surprised to be sitting here now preparing a team for a Scottish Cup semi-final. Very surprised - but delighted. "It's been a fantastic year. We've had a lot of highs and then we had a massive disappointment on Wednesday night. But you sit back and think that might not be such a bad thing. It's all part of the learning curve." Never realized that Walter was letting him basically take charge of the team during the cup run. Another season under Smith then McCoist to take over?

Rangers repeat free ticket gestureMaxwell Lynas RANGERS will again reward fans who have travelled to support the team in Europe with free tickets for the away leg of the UEFA Cup semi-final against Fiorentina. The Ibrox club, who bought the entire allocation for the away tie against Sporting Lisbon in the previous round, at a cost of �£50,000, and then gave them away to fans, is repeating the procedure. Rangers will pay �£45,000 for tickets for the tie in Florence, on May 1, and distribute them to fans on the basis of previous European travel. Rangers have also decided to hold prices for the home leg of the tie at �£35 for season-ticket holders and �£40 for the general public. advertisement Martin Bain, Rangers' chief executive, said: "Our supporters have shown extraordinary commitment in following the team this season in four different competitions, so we are delighted to offer fans free tickets for the away game against Fiorentina plus a freeze on prices for the home leg. "Wednesday's Old Firm derby was our 56th game of the season and our fans have continually turned up home and away to cheer on the team. "They have been terrific, both in terms of commitment and support, but also in terms of behaviour at matches. It is also a huge financial commitment and one we appreciate. "We have now reached the business end of the season and with three trophies still to play for, this is an exciting time for everyone associated with the club. With the continued backing of our supporters we hope to secure further silverware in the weeks ahead." Rangers chairman Sir David Murray also announced an initiative that aims to reduce prices of juvenile season tickets in an aim to encourage families and youngsters to football. Club have done the same thing in purchasing al the tickets for the Fiorentina away tie.

DAVIE WEIR and Celtic's Gary Caldwell are facing potential suspensions after angry scenes at the end of tonight's 2-1 defeat at Parkhead. A series of altercations broke out at the final whistle and players had to be restrained by team mates and officials. It is understood that Weir and Caldwell were called to referee Kenny Clark's room after things had calmed down. It also believed that another Celtic player was spoken to by the referee. Weir and Caldwell could now miss their clubs' next matches - St Johnstone and Aberdeen respectively - but would be clear to play in the next Old Firm game in 11 days' time. Carlos Cuellar is already out of that match after his red card tonight while Kevin Thomson is also missing as he completes his two-match SPL ban.

ALLAN MCGREGOR wrote his name into the history books on March 29 when he became the first Rangers keeper to record four consecutive clean sheets against Celtic but he doesn't want to stop there. Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor show their thanks to the fansThe club's No. 1 will travel to Parkhead tonight for another crucial clash against Gordon Strachan's men and would love nothing more than to increase his remarkable run to five as Walter Smith's side look to put one hand, or glove for that matter, on the SPL trophy. Keeping Celtic at bay in front of 60,000 fans in green and white is easier said than done but Greegs is confident his team can once again do the business in the world's greatest derby. When the clubs last went in to battle it was the men in Light Blue that gained a vital psychological boost with a stunning 1-0 victory. This game will be remembered for Kevin Thomson's majestic goal but few will forget the fingertip stop which denied Andrius Hinkel a second-half equaliser. When the German right-back cut inside and unleashed a dipping shot from 30-yard the Celtic fans in the Broomloan Stand were already off their seats ready to raise the roof. McGregor had other ideas and his save brought back memories of Andy Goram's unbelievable stop to deny Pierre Van Hooijdonk at the same end of the ground during the nine-in-a-row era. It was another moment of magic from the 26-year-old who has been inspirational in Rangers quest for an unprecedented quadruple this season. Allan McGregor celebrates at the final whistle Although Carlos Cuellar may be the early favourite to scoop the country's Player of the Year awards for his terrific consistency Allan must also be in with a fighting chance of picking up a few gongs. Winning individual honours, however, will be the last thing on his mind right now. The SPL takes centre-stage this evening in Glasgow's East End and Allan is hoping it is his opposite number Artur Boruc that is once again picking the ball out of his net. He said: "Obviously I would love to keep another clean sheet against Celtic, that would be a dream scenario but as long as we get a result that's all that matters really. "All the boys will be right up for the game and we have to be quietly confident of getting a result although it will be very hard. "They will be fighting for their lives and have a league title to retain while we are trying to win it for the first time in three years. "Both Celtic and ourselves need to be on our toes right now and try to take three points from every game we play in. "That is what happens when you are with the Old Firm and tonight's game is no different. "I think we will need to play better than we did in our last two wins over them at Ibrox but hopefully we can come out on top." Allan McGregorRunning out in front of a packed Celtic Park would have a lot of players quivering in their boots but Allan can't wait to get out on the pitch and strut his stuff. "I actually quite enjoy going to Parkhead and I think a lot of lads say that. It's a challenge and if you can come away with a win it's the best feeling in the world. "To be honest I am not too bothered about the atmosphere at away grounds and that's the same at Parkhead. "Once you are out there you just get your head down and concentrate on the job at hand. "I have no doubt that tonight's game will start and it will be frantic for a while and it usually settles down after that. "It will be up to our players to get on the ball and take the game to Celtic. "We want to win the game, that is our main priority and obviously my aim is to keep a clean sheet again but if we come away with a draw it is perhaps not too bad a result."

STEVEN DAVIS is relishing the prospect of making his first trip to Parkhead as a Rangers player tonight and is desperate to make it two wins out of two against the club's greatest rivals. Steven DavisSteven made his Old Firm debut in the 1-0 win at Ibrox on March 29 and once again put in an industrious performance that Stuart McCall would have been proud of in his heyday. Having played in massive Premiership games with Aston Villa and Fulham and also come up against some of the world's best players on the international stage Davis has already proved that he thrives on the big stage. The 23-year-old has been outstanding in Rangers quadruple quest but admits that it does not get any bigger than playing against Celtic in the East End of Glasgow. Having watched his boyhood heroes in action at Parkhead on TV and get three points Steven hopes he can also achieve this and help Rangers get a victory which will take them one step closer to the championship. He said: "Old Firm games are always very tough game and there is a lot of importance on this one. Stecven Davis "If we can win it will put us in a great position but, on the other hand, if Celtic get three points they will get a massive lift. "So we all know what will be at stake going into the match but hopefully we can do the business on the night. "I got my first taste of an Old Firm game at Ibrox and it was a great feeling to come off the pitch at the end with a victory. The atmosphere at Ibrox was exactly what I expected. "I had watched the games on TV before and it was great to be involved in one. "Obviously I am now looking forward to going to Parkhead to play. "It will be hostile but I am sure that is something all our players will thrive on." Kevin Thomson was the Rangers hero when he scored a stunning goal to sink the Celts at the end of March and Davis would love nothing more than to hit the net tonight. Davis wins the ball from HartleyHis only goal in a Light Blue jersey so far came against Werder Bremen at Ibrox on March 6 but he is desperate to add to his tally as soon as possible. "Everybody dreams of scoring the winning goal in an Old Firm match, that would be unbelievable. "Thommo got the last one at Ibrox and I was delighted for him. It is unfortunate that he is now suspended this week. "But we have a lot of quality players in the squad and whoever is involved will be desperate to get a good result."

I'll give Rangers first chance to sign me, says loan star Steve Davis Apr 16 2008 By Colin Duncan RANGERS' hopes of making Steve Davis' switch from Fulham permanent were last night given a major boost. The midfielder revealed he will give the SPL leaders first crack at signing him. The Ulsterman has been a revelation at Ibrox since arriving from Craven Cottage on loan during the January window and has played an integral part in Rangers' push for four trophies this season. Now Ibrox boss Walter Smith has made keeping him his No.1 priority this summer. The 23-year-old is receptive to the idea of furthering his career north of the border if Fulham decide to let him go. But with Middlesbrough, Everton, Blackburn and Newcastle all chasing the �£4million-rated star Rangers might struggle to match the financial package on offer in the Premiership. Davis said: "The most important thing for me is to see this season through first. We are still involved in three competitions at the moment and that's what I need to focus on. "When the season finishes I will go away, have a break and hopefully sort out my future after that. What I can say is that I will listen to Rangers first. If they are an option then it's something I will consider. "I grew up a Rangers fan and I have enjoyed my time here. It has been good for everyone and the fact we're in the semi-final of the UEFA Cup proves we are a massive club. "The manager is well respected and it was good to read that he wants to keep me. I have enjoyed working with him. "I haven't really thought about things and I suppose a lot will depend on what happens with Fulham." Instead of fighting a relegation battle with the Londoners, Davis now finds himself closing in on four trophies with his boyhood heroes. Yet, as he gears up for his second Old Firm clash the Northern Irishman admits he was surprised Roy Hodgson allowed him to move north. He said: "I don't know why Fulham let me go. Before I came here I'd started almost every league game but then there was a change in manager. I was out of the team and when I heard of Rangers' interest I went to see the new boss. "I didn't think he would agree to the move but he did and I'm so glad I came. I've been able to add to the quality that was already here and things have worked out well." Victory at Parkhead tonight would leave Celtic needing a miracle to overhaul Rangers in the title race and while Davis is confident he knows it will take another Herculean display. He added: "We had big performance against Sporting last week, probably the best I've been involved in since I came here. "We showed we are a good footballing side and there's no doubt we've taken a lot of confidence from that performance. But it will take a similar showing against Celtic to get anything at Parkhead. "Things have gone well for me since I came to Ibrox but there's a lot of football to be played and it's now a case of seeing it through. "This will be my first experience of Parkhead but I'm looking forward to it. "There's no doubt this game is huge just because of what is at stake. It's vital we get a result. "A draw would suit us more than Celtic but you don't go into any game looking to draw. We'll be going there looking to win." GET THE LAD SIGNED WALTER

Arthur Numan may not be considered thus by Rangers fans who witnessed him collect eight trophies in five seasons at Ibrox - particularly now that the Dutchman has made his home in Scotland - but the 38-year-old believes his former club should be looking to expand their horizons. advertisement <A HREF="http://ads.telegraph.co.uk/event.ng/Type=click&FlightID=27064&AdID=32704&TargetID=6217&ASeg=&AMod=&Redirect=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/flanders" target="_top"><IMG SRC="http://adc.telegraph.co.uk/f/flanders/cobrands/flanders_300x250.gif" WIDTH=300 HEIGHT=250 BORDER=0></A> Ironically, considering he was speaking in order to publicise broadcasters Setanta's exclusive rights to tomorrow night's Old Firm game, Numan played down the importance of that particular encounter and argued that Walter Smith should make winning the Uefa Cup the club's priority. Numan is of the opinion that winning the SPL title is a done deal and that local bragging rights should take a back seat to preparing properly for the visit of semi-final opponents Fiorentina in nine days' time. "For me the Uefa Cup is, without a doubt, the most important competition," Numan said. "Winning that would be a bigger achievement than five league titles put together. "Rangers have won 51 league titles, but how many European trophies have they won? Just the one. "In this country everyone is so focused on the league but when you look at the teams Rangers have already beaten in Europe this season you realise what this would mean. "It would also be good for Scotland as a country. Celtic and Rangers have already reached the last 16 of the Champions League and the national team has also been improving. "To be honest, I've been surprised by how well Rangers have done and I'd be lying if I said I was the only one. No-one expected them to get this far. "The home-grown players at the Old Firm know what it means to play for Rangers or Celtic but maybe you need to think like a foreigner to win the Uefa Cup. "I remember losing 5-1 at Parkhead in my first Old Firm game and afterwards Ian Ferguson just went mental. He even said he would rather beat Celtic four times each season than win the league. "But the club is now just two games away from going to Manchester for the final and that would be fantastic. It should be their priority." Celtic's management and staff claim that retaining their title remains a possibility, but Numan gives the impression that opinion is right up there with Scientology as far as questionable beliefs are concerned. "At the moment Rangers are four points clear with two games in hand," Numan said. "The way they're playing just now, realistically that puts them 10 points clear with just six games left. "Celtic have been losing a lot of games recently while Rangers have lost just one of their last 30 matches. So there's no need for them to worry -Rangers can afford to lose both games at Parkhead and still win the title. "Of course, that would make life a little more difficult for them because that's when the pressure comes. I remember in 2003 we were eight points clear with nine games left and then we lost twice to Celtic and drew with Dundee after missing two penalties. "That meant it came down to goal difference and we beat Dunfermline 6-1 while Celtic won 4-0 at Kilmarnock. But I don't think that will happen this time." Numan has been impressed by the resilience of Rangers since Smith's return, but doesn't doubt that the team he played in was superior in almost every respect. "We were a far better team and we also played better football," he said. "The strength of the current group is that they are well-organised and play as a unit.They're hard to beat and they don't give a lot of goals away." "My one regret is that the Rangers team I played in never made it past the first stage of the Champions League, especially when you look at the squad we had."

RANGERS will face Celtic in the Scottish Youth Cup Final for the second year running - and they will be hoping for the same outcome. Andrew Shinnie and Stevie lennon celebrate with the trophyCeltic won through today by beating Aberdeen 2-1 and Rangers will meet their Old Firm rivals at Hampden on Wednesday, May 23. Billy Kirkwood's boys romped to a 5-0 win last season with Stevie Lennon, now too old for the 19s, scoring a hat-trick, Andrew Shinnie and Dean Furman getting on the score sheet. Everyone at Murray Park hopes it will be the second leg of another League and Cup double. The 19s will clinch the title on Friday if they can avoid defeat against Motherwell.

That Was The Week That Was As we motor into the business end of the season, it gets tougher and tougher to dismantle the previous weeks results and performances, and I donââ?¬â?¢t know about you, but you require a degree in statistical analysis to understand and programme what games we have pending in any given week. Hence, please forgive me if my memory plays tricks on me and I review the wrong bloody week! Last week saw us chalked up two consecutive 2-0 away victories and whilst both were welcome, one did outshine the other. Looking for words to describe our performance in Lisbon isnââ?¬â?¢t hard, but if I had to use just one word to describe the performance and result, it would be AWESOME. What we witnessed against Sporting was an unbelievable performance and one which we witnessed happening AGAINST us on so many European occasions. We dictated the tempo of the game, we passed the ball brilliantly, defended stoutly and converted our chances when they presented themselves. I canââ?¬â?¢t be the only one who still canââ?¬â?¢t quite grasp the fact that we are in a European Cup semi-final, with a very decent chance of progressing. Now, Iââ?¬â?¢ll say this upfront, I donââ?¬â?¢t think we will win it, but we have a great chance. We will NOT change or personnel, tactics of formation for the semi-final. We will look to stifle the game at Ibrox with the priority not losing an away goal. Sunday saw us progress into the Scottish Cup semi-final with a ââ?¬Ë?regulationââ?¬â?¢ victory over Thistle. We deserved our victory and hats off to the fringe players who came in and produced a decent performance and result. I would also like to take the opportunity of offering my congratulations to Queen Of The South after their brilliant 4-1 victory over the Abergreen on Saturday. They deserved their victory and what about the JCD-esque celebration after the winning goal? Hopefully weââ?¬â?¢ll meet QOS in the final as I would like to thank them for knocking out Abergreen and Linlithgow Rose (in an earlier round)! So Whatââ?¬â?¢s On The Agenda This Week So after last weeks drama of UEFA and Scottish Cup quarter finals, this weeks fixtures throws up the little matter of an Old Firm SPL game at Parkhead on Wednesday evening and a Scottish Cup Semi-Final against St Johnstone on Sunday. We will know what to expect in both fixtures (lets not forget that St Johnstone knocked us out of the CIS Cup last season ââ?¬â?? at Ibrox) and we will have to be at our best to secure victories in both games. As the fixtures are coming think and fast, Walter and his staff may be thinking of altering the starting 11, but I canââ?¬â?¢t see much tinkering for the Old Firm game. Thomson is suspended which will be a big loss, but Hendami will slot into his position. I fully expect all the ââ?¬Ë?big-gunsââ?¬â?¢ to be back and the only position that isnââ?¬â?¢t cemented at the moment is whoââ?¬â?¢ll play the ââ?¬Ë?lone strikerââ?¬â?¢ role. In my opinion, JCD will start with Cousin replacing him ala Sporting on Thursday. As long as we come out of the 2 OF games ââ?¬Ë?levelââ?¬â?¢ (i.e. 2 draws or a victory and defeat ââ?¬â?? at worst) then we will have taken a huge step in securing the title. Letââ?¬â?¢s hope that we go for it as we have shown that we know how to defeat the forces of evilââ?¬Â¦..! Sunday may be the fixture that has the potential to trip us up on our quest for the quadruple. I know that may sound silly given that we have an OF game on Wednesday but I feel that if we get the desired result on Wednesday, WS will tinker with the team ahead of the St Johnstone game. That is not a bad option, but we mustnââ?¬â?¢t underestimate St Johnstone and we mustnââ?¬â?¢t not make the SCF given that we have gotten so close. As I said above, I canââ?¬â?¢t believe that the quadruple is so close, it is tangible, you can almost taste it. We MUST strive to win all 4, but the league is the priority. I know its greedy, I know its almost impossible, but please, please, please Rangers, lets make history, lets win all four!! Cammy F ââ?¬â?? Support The Dublin Loyal - We Are The Peopleââ?¬Â¦.

Apr 13 2008 Exclusive by Mark Guidi SPURS are lining up a bid for Rangers keeper Allan McGregor. The 26-year-old Ibrox No.1's outstanding form this season has attracted the attention of several Premiership clubs. McGregor is contracted at Gers until summer 2010 and valued at more than �£5million. Tottenham boss Juande Ramos is aware of the keeper's ability after glowing recommendations from his scouts. He wants to bring in two new keepers in the close season to replace Paul Robinson and Radek Cerny. Ramos signed Alan Hutton from Rangers three months ago for �£9million and the right-back is already considered a bargain buy. Chiefs at White Hart Lane feel Mac could make a similar instant impact. McGregor is happy at Ibrox but has told those close to him he would love to play in the Premiership and is aware of the growing interest in him. He has also not ruled out making a fresh start away from the Glasgow "goldfish bowl". Hutton has raved to his old Ibrox mates about life in the Premiership and has urged them to join him there if they get a chance. McGregor knows Rangers will decide what happens next if they receive any bids for him. Newcastle gaffer Kevin Keegan is also considering a move for the Ibrox No.1 after his first choice, Celtic keeper Artur Boruc, told him he is not interested in joining the Magpies. The transfer fee would not be a problem for the wealthy Magpies. Keegan saw McGregor - and his other Gers target Spaniard Carlos Cuellar - in action at the home game against Sporting Lisbon. Rangers can prepare themselves for bids during the coming months. However, Spurs appear to be in pole position for McGregor and will have a representative in the stand for Wednesday night's Old Firm clash at Parkhead.

Sunday, 13 April 2008 -------------------------Time--------TV Motherwell v Celtic-------14:00-------*** Wednesday, 16 April 2008 -------------------------Time--------TV Celtic v Rangers----------19:45-------*** Celtic get the chance to pull three points back on Rangers again on Sunday. To do that they will have to beat their public enemy No.1, Motherwell. Both will be missing key midfield players as Bob Malcolm and Scott Brown are both suspended. Adding to that the game will take part on the mud patch pitch that fir park has become it may make fighting spirit more important than classy football. I can see Celtic getting outfought in a midfield battle in this one but will go for the draw. A Motherwell win will virtually hand Rangers the League title so here's hoping. Draw. On Wednesday Rangers travel to the piggery which throws up a must win game for Celtic. Walter Smith's dominance in old firm games is almost becoming embarrassing and i see no reason to contemplate a change in fortune. Rangers are riding on a high wave while Celtic are drowning in their own saliva. I really think we are good enough to win this one and won't even contemplate a draw. Rangers win.

Recently there has been much informed (but much more ill-informed) discussions regarding the short and long-term futures of both Old Firm managers. Some journalists have even gone as far as to claim that they know that Gordon Strachan will leave Celtc this summer, no matter the outcome of the SPL. Apparently, he has had enough of the baggage that associates itself with being an ââ?¬Ë?Old Firmââ?¬â?¢ manager. Funnily enough, we never hear of this baggage when a Rangers manager is ââ?¬Ë?strugglingââ?¬â?¢. Did this apparent baggage affect Alex McLeish or Paul Le Guen? Anyway, I digress. GS is in an extraordinary position as no matter how well he does (2 SPL titles, 2 domestic trophies and 2 last 16 appearances in the CL) will never be enough to appease the (growing) vocal minority (which will increase to the majority if we are to clinch the SPL title) as he isnââ?¬â?¢t termed ââ?¬Ë?Celtc Mindedââ?¬â?¢. Yip, once again that mysterious term or Celtc mindedness raises its ugly head. In this instance, I believe that the media have gotten it correct, no matter how the season ends, GS will leave Parkhead for pastures new. Liewell and his PR machine will go into overdrive and promise to deliver a ââ?¬Ë?Blue Chipââ?¬â?¢ replacement, with names from abroad being touted about, but I believe any new manager will come from much closer to home. In fact, I donââ?¬â?¢t think youââ?¬â?¢ll need to look much further than Motherwell. Mark McGee will fit most of the criteria Celtc are looking for, and most importantly to appease the fans, he is what can be termed ââ?¬Ë?Celtc Mindedââ?¬â?¢. Other names that will enter the frame and could become part of a management team are Mick McCarthy, Tony Mowbry, John Hughes and Peter Grant (see a pattern developing here!). Our manager is in a slightly different position. Walter Smith was brought back to steady the ship, to get us back challenging for domestic honours whilst continuing to progress in Europe. So far this season, it can be argued that he as ââ?¬Ë?over achievedââ?¬â?¢. If we finish the season with say the domestic treble, or even just with the much coveted SPL trophy, Walter Smith may decide that he has delivered and might want to take a step back. However, I donââ?¬â?¢t think he can as his successor is just settling into a new job at the moment and wonââ?¬â?¢t want to ââ?¬Ë?jump shipââ?¬â?¢ just yet. Some believe that Ally McCoist is being groomed as Walter Smithââ?¬â?¢s long term replacement but I donââ?¬â?¢t think Ally will be ready in 12-18 months. In my opinion, weââ?¬â?¢ll have another manager before Ally McCoist. As I said recently, I wouldnââ?¬â?¢t rule out Craig Levin, but I believe that our next manager will be George Burley. But, as I said above, I canââ?¬â?¢t see WS moving on until the end of next season at the earliest. This may come as a disappointment to the minority of Rangers fans who for some reason believe that we arenââ?¬â?¢t improving under Walter Smith. We have won our first trophy in 3 years, are leading the SPL, have a great chance of the domestic treble and are racking up the European coefficient points like never before. WS was brought in to steady the ship ââ?¬â?? he has done far more that steady us, he has turned us around into a very efficient team that is hard to beat ââ?¬â?? but I suppose, like our friends from the east end, some of us will never be satisfied. Cammy F -

Rangers striker Kris Boyd insists his frustration at being reduced to a fringe role in Walter Smith's team does not mean he will ever want to leave Ibrox. The 24-year-old former Kilmarnock frontman has started just 19 matches this season, coming off the bench a further 12 times, but has scored a remarkable 20 goals. That record makes him comfortably the club's leading scorer, even though Boyd has started fewer than half of Rangers' matches in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League. He was left on the bench throughout last week's Old Firm clash with Celtic, and has played in just one of the four matches Rangers have contested since his two goals as substitute saved the day in the CIS Insurance Cup final. There is no guarantee he will be involved against Dundee United at Tannadice in the SPL on Sunday. But Boyd told the Daily Record: "Look, the team has been winning so nobody can say the gaffer has got it wrong. I certainly am not saying that. "But I don't think he or anybody else at the club would be happy if I wasn't frustrated. Of course I'm frustrated. I want to play. "But although I'm not happy about not getting game that doesn't mean I want away." He added: "I'm committed to Rangers and I want to be at Rangers for the rest of my life. I'm happy here."

Nice wee booster for him

Seems they have taken the bigot onto the coaching staff !! http://www.sportinglife.com/football/scottishpremier/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/08/04/03/SOCCER_Celtic.html Neil Lennon jumped at the chance to return to Celtic and admitted it was a "phenomenal" feeling to be back with the club he loves. The former Hoops captain accepted an invitation from manager Gordon Strachan to join his coaching staff, and Lennon will be on the frontline from the start in his second spell in Glasgow. His place among the coaches on the bench for Saturday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Motherwell has been confirmed. The man with the enormous passion for the Parkhead outfit, with whom he won five SPL titles until leaving for a fresh challenge in England last summer, has now kicked his last ball in competitive football. The combative midfielder had been playing with Wycombe, bossed by fellow Hoops legend Paul Lambert, in League Two. But there was no stopping Lennon from heading north when the offer to rejoin Celtic came in. The 36-year-old said: "I am overwhelmed at being offered this chance to return to Celtic, a place where everyone knows my heart lies. "Obviously, it was a tremendous honour to play for Celtic and to captain the club. Returning to Celtic and being part of the coaching set-up is simply phenomenal. "I would like to thank Gordon for this opportunity and I look forward to doing all I can to play my part in achieving further success for the club." The former Northern Ireland international joins a coaching staff which includes assistant boss Garry Pendrey and first-team coach Tommy Burns. Burns is currently battling cancer for the second time but still coaches at the club and will continue to do so when his treatment programme allows. Lennon arrives without a coaching pedigree but his leadership and motivational qualities are in no doubt. He first joined Celtic from Leicester in 2000 for �£5.5million, joining former Foxes boss Martin O'Neill in Glasgow. Five years later he was appointed captain by Strachan in 2005, one of the former Southampton manager's first tasks after taking over from O'Neill. Lennon led Celtic to back-to-back championships, and to the last 16 of the Champions League last season, before leaving to join Nottingham Forest, who he left in January. In all, he won five SPL titles, four Scottish Cups and two League Cups with Celtic. As well as the Champions League achievement, Lennon also played a key role in Celtic reaching the 2003 UEFA Cup final. He has no doubt whatsoever the time is right to steer his career towards a potential future in management, and leaving behind his playing career became an easy decision. Lennon said: "It was an opportunity I couldn't refuse. Chances like this only come around once in a lifetime and I'm flattered to have been given the role." Strachan's side trail Rangers by six points in the SPL, and their Old Firm rivals are poised to unseat them as Scottish champions barring a late-season twist in the title race. Second-best was never enough for Lennon, and Strachan is relishing the return of his former skipper, and said: "Neil is someone who I am proud to have worked with previously and is a man who I have great respect for. "Neil has made a huge contribution to Celtic over a number of years and has been a major part of the club's success in recent times. "We were disappointed to lose Neil and he is someone who I was very keen to have back at the club. "With his qualities, Neil will be a very valuable addition to our (coaching) team and we are very much looking forward to working with him."

(Before I start, cheers for the title idea Cammy) With all the fixture chaos of this incredible season; caused by the Scotland - Italy game, Europeam runs, the weather and one very mournful passing, Scottish football enetered the business end of the season with Rangers holding a slim lead in the SPL and chasing silverware on four fronts. A succession of games called off meant that there were not as many games over the usually hectic New Year period and it became increasingly difficult for Scotland's governing bodies to fit in all the postponed fixtures. Rangers were to enter an incredibly congested period the press dubbed mad March, with a narrow lead over our city rivals. We contested a massive 9 fixtures in one month, the most in any single month this season. As the manager has pointed out though, this fixture headache is a good one. It's the sign of a succesful team. The self appointed authorities on football in Scotland declared that we would stuggle with a fixture backlog and saw it as ideal opportunity for Celtic to put the pressure on us in the title race. Celtic's defeat to Hearts in the CIS cup meant they were already competing on one less front than us. And us they crashed out of competitions left right and centre during Mad March it meant they had more time to concentrate on the main prize, the SPL. The only fixture any Rangers players got off was the international midweek when some stars carrying knocks took the opportunity to rest up and recover. So how did Mad March shape the run-in for this season. Rangers began the month with a tricky home league tie with Aberdeen. Goals from Adam, Boyd and Dailly's maiden Rangers strike continued our impressive run of league victories since we last dropped points, ironically at Pittodrie. Next up was the home tie against Bundesliga cracks Werder Bremen. Heavy bookies favourites for the tie and the pick for many to lift the trophy. Another first goalscorer from the Bears in Ulsterman Davis, added to Cousin's long range opener, gave us a commanding lead to take to Germany. Domestic duties resumed with the cup replay against Hibs. In what has recently been a troublesome fixture for the Old Firm, Rangers went to Easter Road to claim a hard fought draw, when arguably we had our minds on bigger things. In the replay we made no such mistakes though, progressing to a quarter final with Partick Thistle. The following mid-week saw our only defeat of Mad March and our first since the heart-wrenching loss to Lyon. However Bremen's single strike was not enough as we shocked Europe to progress past the strongly fancied Germans to tonight's quarter final with Sporting Lisbon. A further fixture was postponed as we had our first Hampden appearance to contend with since the Coop final. Neutrals and Arabs alike will be bemused as to how they left with only credit for an impressive performance. However an awesome substitute display by Scotland's deadliest maksman meant that trophy number 108 was decekd in red white and blue. Kris Boyd scored another perfect "hattrick", with a late equaliser, a late extra time equaliser and a thumping winning penalty in the shootout as we sealed our first trophy in 3 years. Bouyed by that success we entertained Partick Thistle in the aforementioned Scottish Cup quarter final. Arguably our only slip up in Mad March, Boyd again came to the rescue as we came from behind to seal a replay. This author was concerned that replays against the "wee" teams, whilst keeping us in the competition, might harm our chances in our hunt for other silverware. So far I have been proved wrong. In the penultimate fixture of the month we entertained Hibs in the 5th meeting of the teams this season. A 2-1 victory, much more comfortable than the scoreline suggests, maintained momentum going into the biggest Old Firm since Celtic "won the league at Ibrox" in the infamous Helicopter Sunday season. At last a midweek off for our "toiling" stars. Whilst Boyd and Davis gained international caps, the likes of Ferguson, McGregor and Weir, who have played almost 50 times this season, rested injuries and aching muscles. Amazingly at the end of Mad March, just the second Old Firm of the season was contested. Rangers fans, players and management went into the tie full of confidence on the back of 3 victories under Smith, with McGregor's goal yet to be breached under the guidance of Smith and McCoist. Celtic had the better of the first half, but Thomson capped an excellent personal display with a suckerpunch of a winner right on the stroke of half-time. Despite Celtic's relative inactivity and our grueling schedule as we mounted an attack on four fronts we showed great physical strength and mental toughness to further extend out lead in the SPL and put one hand on the trophy. So despite warnings of Smith's fledgling team being unable to contend with such a punishing shedule. And protestations that we had no winning pedigree, nor the winning mentality of our East End rivals, we survived Mad March. In fact we positively flourished. Mad it may have been. But not for the fixture chaos. Rangers fans had many a "mad" party in March as we celebrated a CIS cup victory, progression in the UEFA cup and Scottish cup, with continued interest in both, and finally a strengthening of our league position atop of the SPL pile. If that was the worst that Mad March could throw at us, bring on Madder April, with cup quarter finals like tonight's tie with Sporting to be savoured. A further Old Firm on the 16th and the opportunity to put the final nail in the coffin of the Cetlic title challenge.

EURO specialist Brahim Hemdani is set to return to the starting line-up as Rangers take on Sporting Club in the first leg of their UEFA Cup quarter-final on Thursday night. The French-Algerian has been a key man on he European stage and having recovered from a groin strain, he is set to be given a major role against the Lisbon side. Hemdani, who has only missed one of Rangers' 14 games in the Champions League and UEFA Cup this season, was injured in the CIS Cup Final against Dundee United but he is fit again now. Similarly, Kevin Thomson has been passed fit for the vital first leg against the Portuguese men after hurting his shin in Saturday's Old Firm triumph in whicb he was the goal-scoring hero. Boss Walter Smith said: "Brahim Hemdani will be fit again. He has had a groin injury for the past couple of weeks which has ruled him out of the games. "Kevin should make it. It was a knock on the shin which was a rather painful one but he will be fit for Thursday."

After the old firm defeat on Saturday, Gordon Strachan was quick to defend his players. During the game Rangers defended them easily as well. Strachan has been seen nosing around the ladies underwear department in the Rangers store. He is looking for a rangers slip. Celtic fans are blaming Thomson for diving and simulating injury. In the second half their whole team lay down and played dead.. Rangers players may be accepted into the magic Circle. Every time they play Celtic they make Nakamura disappear. Wee Gordon said after the game the communication between the two strikers failed by an inch. Jan is a Fannygoer and Georgios would rather Sam your ass. Samaras dodged his national service which he will have to do if he returns to Greece after his career. Seems he hates leading the front line . Over the last few years Rangers have come a cropper from Nil by mouth. Wee Gordon has changed things around for us by bringing in Nil by Choices. What do Celtic fans do after an old firm victory? They turn off the Play Station. What is the difference between Cinderella and Artur Boruc? Cinderella gets to the ball! It was reported that Richard Branson was considering sponsoring Celtic? Apparently, he pulled out because he didn't feel it was right have 'Virgin' written across the shirt of a team that gets focked every Saturday. Taxi!!!!!

Old Firm Reaction Well another Rangers OF victory and another case of Masonic Conspiracy. Read any of the unbiased Scottish media today and youââ?¬â?¢d believe that Rangers cheated their way to victory with the help of another Brother In Black. I havenââ?¬â?¢t had time (nor the inclination really) to refer to my various oracles and on-line search engines, but I can take a guess at this, I do wonder if any Rangers OF victory has been met with a simple, ââ?¬Ë?Yip, the best team wonââ?¬â?¢? I would say it was highly unlikely. The latest OF game wasnââ?¬â?¢t particularly a great game of football but it encapsulated so much of what makes the OF game an OF game. Celtc got beaten and try to lay the blame at everyone elseââ?¬â?¢s door assisted by their lap-dogs in the media. I hear that Robert Mugabe is lining up Peter Liewell as his PR machineââ?¬Â¦. Anyway, the officials have a hard job and canââ?¬â?¢t get everything correct Ã?© Tommy Burns in a recent interview after Celtc benefited from a dubious refereeing decision that saw them steal 3 points from Love Street. But, I suppose, Timââ?¬â?¢s being Timââ?¬â?¢s this is only true when they benefit. IF anyone else does, its obviously a conspiracy. Saturdays officials werenââ?¬â?¢t the best, but I canââ?¬â?¢t see how anyone can claim that they were ââ?¬Ë?anti-Celtcââ?¬â?¢. It was heartening to hear Rangers finally praising the supporters groups who turned Ibrox into a sea of red, white and blue on Saturday. A lot of people put a hell of a work into designing banners, placing flags and cards in designated areas and this is sometimes a thankless task. So, hats of to TBO, CDL, EE and UB. Some people have talked about amalgamating all the different supporters groups, but I think Ibrox benefits from having supporters groups in different areas. One thing that I would like to see is the club helping these groups with displays, banners, finance etc ââ?¬â?? maybe something for the RST to champion? Some of the banners were outstanding and none more so that the ââ?¬Ë?voodoo no workyââ?¬â?¢ banner. This has gotten Timmy in a right tizz and some online forums are pleading with the SPL to deduct points from us due to the ââ?¬Ë?sectarian contentââ?¬â?¢ of said banner. This is even below their usual ââ?¬Ë?bottom of the barrelââ?¬â?¢ petitions ââ?¬â?? they mustnââ?¬â?¢t have any ambulances to chase this week - http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/200...ident-at.shtml - maybe they should stick to weeding out the sectarian, ââ?¬Ë?politicalââ?¬â?¢ and offensive songs sung by the vast majority of the patrons of the Broomie on Saturday. Back to the game, and whilst it was fantastic to claim our 4th successive OF victory without conceding a goal, we still have some major work ahead of us if we are to claim our 52 title. We have the distinct prospect of having 7 of our remaining 9 games played away from home and have the distraction of the UEFA and Scottish Cup as well. There is no doubting we have come a long way in a relatively short space of time but having come this far, me must ensure that we wrap up the title. It is ours for the taking, you can sense the expectancy and one very comforting thought is that WS and his backroom staff have reinstalled the famous ââ?¬Ë?Rangers ethicââ?¬â?¢. Our players give us all and there is an obvious togetherness about the squad at the moment (which had been missing for sometime it has to be said). So there is no time to bathe in the plaudits or rest on their laurels, they have a job to finish. Question: Heard someone say that in his managerial career with Rangers, Walter Smith has faced Celtc 37 times and lost only 7 ââ?¬â?? anyone know if that is true? Mad March Gives Way To Madder April So its good-bye to mad march and hello to madder April as we welcome Sporting to Ibrox on Thursday for the UEFA Cup Ã?¼ final first leg. This game will bring the usual and unique European atmosphere that only Ibrox offers. It is thought that Sporting donââ?¬â?¢t travel well and that the home leg offers the best opportunity for us to progress. However, I would be surprised if Walter Smith alters his tactics or formation for this encounter. I donââ?¬â?¢t think there will be many, if any, changes from Saturdays starting 11. Maybe Papac for SW ââ?¬â?? that is all the change that I can foresee ââ?¬â?? I fully expect ST and SD to shake of their injuries and start on Thursday. After Sporting, we have a wee jaunt to Tannidice to play DUFC. I fully expect this game to be a sell-out considering the amount of DUFC fans at Hampden recently declaring their undying love, devotion and support of the tangerine terrors. OK, that was tongue in cheek, but at least we know after Hampden that this will be a very tough game and weââ?¬â?¢ll have to be at our best to collect another priceless three points in our title quest. Scott Brown Whilst I donââ?¬â?¢t usually write about opposition players, especially Celtc ones, I thought that Iââ?¬â?¢d give you some insight into the current mental state of Scott Brown (no jokes please). Super Ally his written a fantastic article comparing Scott Brow and Kevin Thomson (http://www.gersnetonline.net/vb/showthread.php?t=6578) and hopefully this can add some further information to SAââ?¬â?¢s opinion and thoughts. I have a friend who I like to call ââ?¬Ë?The Hibee In The Knowââ?¬â?¢ ââ?¬â?? he is a life long Hibee and has a friend who is on the Hibs board and he lets me know if / when any Hibs players are linked with Rangers and vice-versa. Anyway, he told me that it was 99% certain that SB would follow KT to Ibrox in the summer and a price and been agreed. Come the summer, the Hibs board decided that the agreed price wasnââ?¬â?¢t enough and spoke to SBââ?¬â?¢s agent and informed him to ââ?¬Ë?auctionââ?¬â?¢ the player. SB was raging as he had his heart and mind settled on a move to Rangers. Rangers rightly played hardball and refused to budge on price and wages and lost out to Celtc. Now, SB is convinced that he has made the wrong move going to Celtc and is currently looking for an escape to the EPL in the summer. If Birmingham stay up and West Brom as promoted then SB will have two EPL managers looking to purchase him. SB hasnââ?¬â?¢t shown his true potential this season (for varying reasons) and If my ââ?¬Ë?Hibee In The Knowââ?¬â?¢ is correct, Celtc and SB are ready to cut their ties in the summer. Would SB still fancy a move to Rangers and more importantly would Rangers consider a move for SB? Well, never say never as I am led to believe that Rangers and WS in particular donââ?¬â?¢t have an issue with SB. However, the price and wages would need to be attractive to Rangers. Cammy F - Support The Dublin Loyal

Establishment Club Grab The Advantage Written by Harry Brady a typical mhanks view to why they wont win the league Those of us who are a bit longer in the tooth than the Green Brigade will know that the establishment always comes out to protect their own in a tight title race. Regardless of our performance Saturday, and opinions on the manager's ability, it cannot be doubted that despite the "fixture chaos" matters have contrived to give Rangers a competitive advantage this season and the old maxim that cheating doesn't pay is nonsense. We should have known what was coming earlier in the season when the first game between us resulted in 9 bookings at Ibrox. As I pointed out in Punters Corner, the number of bookings for us in that game were completely at odds with our record in all other games this season. But one of the most essential aspects of football is momentum, everyone says that winning is a habit and breeds a winning attitude. It is also well accepted that playing at home also gives you a competitive advantage and what situation are we looking at tonight? As we know both Old Firm games played in the league have occurred at Ibrox - a competitive advantage. Also out of 30 games played, we have had 16 away (inc 2 at Ibrox) and 14 at home. Rangers have had 17 at home and just 12 away. Not their fault you might say as the weather played a big part - well no. They paid Gretna off to postpone the away game at Fir Park and their away tie before the Scotland v Italy game was postponed. Moreover what made this tie so significant was that it was an away leg immediately following a Champions League tie. Their record under McLeish and Smith away following a European tie is very poor so having this game rearranged was a massive plus for them. Then there is the Scotland fiasco. They withdrew 4 players from the Scotland squad who ALL played and started on Saturday, despite Fifa rules allowing the SFA to prevent all 4 from playing is they suspected that they were not really injured. The only conclusion to this is that cheating pays.