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RANGERS' injury list is showing no signs of clearing just yet - but a host of stars could be back in action by the time the SPL split begins on May 2. Sasa Papac is the only player of the seven currently sidelined with various ailments who might feature at Hibernian on Sunday. The Bosnian defender is now walking normally again having received stitches in his foot after he had to limp off during the first half of last Wednesday's 2-1 win at St Mirren. He faces a race against time to prove his fitness before kick off at Easter Road but the Light Blues management are hopeful he'll be given the green light to return there. DaMarcus Beasley is more likely to be available again for the Scottish Cup semi-final with St Mirren a week on Saturday and he is out of the trip to Edinburgh. The American is still struggling after sustaining a blow to his ribs in Paisley but he could be cleared to return for the forthcoming rematch with Gus MacPherson's side. Lee McCulloch is another who might play in that game after it emerged his calf problem is not as bad as was first feared. The former Wigan star is making good progress and since coming off in the latter stages of the 1-0 win at Falkirk nine days ago, he has made a notable improvement. Kirk BroadfootKyle Lafferty, who is not yet back in full training despite newspaper reports claiming he is, may play again as early as the home clash with Celtic on May 9. Much depends on how he does when he starts running again but it is hoped he will be able to play some part in the title run-in. As yet, however, there is no timescale being given for when Kenny Miller and Kirk Broadfoot can be expected to come back. Of course, Kevin Thomson will definitely miss the rest of term as he continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury and he'll be back in action after the summer. But the news a number of other players aren't far from being fit again is a further boost for Rangers manager Walter Smith after his patched-up squad won three times last week.

by Lindsay Herron KENNY MILLER will travel to London next week to seek specialist help to clear an aggravating hamstring problem. The Rangers striker has been troubled with the problem for some time now and it reached a stage last week where he could not continue playing and he missed out on the Falkirk game on Sunday. Two intense international matches probably did not help his case and it looks as though he could be missing for at least another two weeks. He is ruled out of tomorrow's game with St Mirren and will also sit out Saturday's home meeting with Motherwell. Lee McCullochBoss Walter Smith said today: "Kenny will go down to London next week to see a specialist and hopefully we can get to the bottom of the problem. "It's been an awkward one for him. He had been able to play but it got to the stage where it became more and more painful. "Hopefully once we get things diagnosed and be begins his treatment he won't be out for too long." Lee McCulloch and Kirk Broadfoot will also miss the St Mirren game and seem unlikely to be ready for Motherwell at the weekend. However, McCulloch, who has a calf problem, could be available for the trip to Easter Road on April 19. Maurice Edu has been lined up to come in to central midfield.

KRIS BOYD is looking to hit his 100th goal for Rangers sooner rather than later having bagged his 97th and 98th in this afternoon's crucial 3-1 win over Motherwell. Kris Boyd celebrates his goal against MotherwellThe club's prolific striker scored his side's second with a stunning 25 yard strike and showed great composure from the penalty spot for number three. He would love nothing more than to reach his personal milestone against Hibs at Easter Road next weekend but admits getting three points is more important. He said: "There is no doubt I want to reach the hundred goals mark and I have managed to get closer to it in the last seven days. "It would be nice to do it next week against Hibs but the most important thing is that we keep winning and we did that against Motherwell today. "We started well from the first whistle but once again lost a stupid goal although I have to say it was also a great goal. "But we managed to dig out the result which is all that matters." Kris Boyd scores against Motherwell Like his boss Walter Smith, Boyd was quick to give praise to his teammates Andrius Velicka and Steven Smith from coming in from the cold and playing their part in a crucial victory against the Steelmen. Kris added: "You've got to take your hat off to them. "They have sat on the sidelines for so long, Steven a year and Andrius since the summer. "It has not been easy for them but they have kept their heads down and worked hard. "They got their chance today and the manager now has a selection problem because they have done really well and will be looking to stay in the team."

Going into today’s game against Motherwell with 9 first team regulars missing through injury or suspension, the first test of the day was going to be trying to 2nd guess Walter Smith whilst deliberating our starting 11. Some of us were predicting and hoping for a return for Stevie Smith, but I don’t think any of us would have guessed at his return being at left midfield! There was the surprise inclusion of Andreas Velicka who partnered Kris Boyd in the Rangers attack. The inclusion of the Lithuanian suggests that Walter Smith will use him to spearhead our attack in the coming weeks given that we visit Easter Road next week, then entertain Celtc after the split. I can see Walter Smith revert to a 4-5-1 for those games. We were given a huge incentive prior to kick-off with Hearts holding The Mopes at Tynecastle in what was a very entertaining game. Given our record of failing to capitalise on their slip-ups, I was expecting a nervous start to the game. However, once again, Rangers came flying out the traps and were 1-0 up inside 2 minutes. A superb Stevie Smith cross caused havoc in the visitors area and a slack back-pass allowed Valicka to prob home from close range. If this goal was scrappy, Kris Boyd’s was straight out the top drawer as he rifled an unstoppable shot high into the Motherwell net. So, 10 minutes gone and we are on easy street, playing some wonderful football and looking like giving Motherwell a going over. John Sutton had something to say about that, and got Motherwell back into the game with a goal to rival Boyd’s. A sense of dÃ?©jÃ? vu spread around the stands at Ibrox and as Motherwell grew in confidence gotten from Sutton’s strike and a nervousness crept into Rangers play. Thankfully we held out to half-time without losing another goal. We started the 2nd half with a renewed purpose and regained control and began creating chances again. We were able to impose of passing game and were awarded a penalty when Mendes was upended in the area. Kris Boyd stepped forward to kill of Motherwell’s challenge with his 98th (or is it 99th?) Rangers goal. Once the penalty was converted, we never looked back and could and should have added to our tally. In the best move of the match, Smith and the very impressive Whittakar combined brilliantly down the left with the later cutting into the box and firing an angled drive of the bar. All in all, a very crucial victory and a decent overall performance given the injury problems we currently face, but we did appear to lose our way for a period of time after going 2-0 up, not for the first time this week. Thankfully, we were able to readdress this and ran out comfortable winners. Whilst questions will be asked regarding team selection, formation and tactics, there were very few negative performances with worryingly, only Steven Davis (once again) displaying a substandard performance. Valicka and Smith did well considering they have had very few opportunities and little playing time. Both tired and were rightly substituted. The back four were again impressive and there was little they could have done to stop Sutton’s wonder strike. The midfield performed well with Edu once again showing that he can make an impact for us this season. When we are playing our free-flowing football, Pedro Mendes looks a class player. He links brilliantly when we are flowing, using intelligent flicks and first time passes to ensure that possession is kept and that the moves continue to move forward. However, when we drop of the pace, he looks ordinary as the flicks inevitably fail to find a Rangers player. Up front, Kris Boyd had one of his best games in a Rangers jersey and when we get players in and around Boyd, he is a completely different player and we are able to utilise his strengths. When he gets isolated, the opposite happens. So we go into the last game pre-split trailing Celtc by a solitary point and the destination of the SPL title is in our own hands. Ratings Alexander – little to do and had no chance with Suttons shot – 6/10 Dailly – a fine game at right back both defensively and offensively – 7/10 Weir – solid game from the veteran Captain – 7/10 Boogie – as above – 7/10 SW – MOTM for me, had a brilliant game both defensively and offensively and linked up well with Smith– 8.5/10 Davis – another substandard performance from Davis, not as anonymous as previous games, but still not good enough – 4/10 Edu – built on his recent performances and is grasping his opportunity with both hands – 7/10 Mendes – everything that was good in our performance came through Mendes – 7/10 Smith – surprise inclusion in left-midfield and put in a decent shift considering lack of chances – 6/10 Valicka – another surprise inclusion and IMO his recent inclusions point to him leading the attack in a 4-5-1 in coming games – on the score-sheet but little else – 5/10 Boyd – as I said above, one of Boyds best all round performances in a Rangers jersey. Took his first goal brilliantly and stuck away the crucial penalty superbly and closing in on 100 Rangers goals – 8/10 Nacho Novo – a replacement for Valicka and did well when introduced – 5/10 Naismith – replaced the tiring Smith and had little opportunity to impress in the 15 minutes offered to him – 5/10 Cammy F -

WALTER SMITH has confirmed that DaMarcus Beasley and Sasa Papac will miss Saturday's SPL clash against Motherwell. TBeasley had to go off injuredhe pair were first-half casualties in tonight's 2-1 win over St. Mirren with Papac needing five stitches to an ankle knock and Beasley taken to hospital with a rib problem. Rangers will find out the full extent of both injuries tomorrow but Smith praised his team for digging deep to get a vital win against Gus MacPherson's men. He said: "I thought in the first-half we played some very good football and we were delighted with the two goals we scored. "The first was an excellent move while the second was a terrific header from Mo. "So we were pleased to go in at half-time two goals up, especially as we lost both DaMarcus and Sasa in the early stages. "We had to adjust to that and it looks as though both will miss Saturday's game against Motherwell. "In the second-half we allowed St. Mirren back in to the game with a disappointing goal and that made for a nervy finish. "But we held on and I though we deserved the points overall. "We have now won two tricky away games in a row and we have had injury problems to deal with along the way. "We now have to keep this run going."

Pity he looked good.

RANGERS' Reserves will be looking to increase their recent impressive run when they take on Motherwell at Creamery Park in Bathgate this afternoon. Archie Campbell celebrates scoring with Gregg WyldeTommy Wilson's side have taken 16 points from their last six SPL games but still trail league leaders Celtic by nine points with 17 fixtures played. Last week's 1-0 win over Falkirk - courtesy of an Archie Campbell goal - was impressive considering there was five under-19 players in the starting eleven against an experienced side. And it is expected that youth will again be given the chance to shine at this level with injuries taking its toll for Walter Smith ahead of Wednesday night's crucial first-team clash against St. Mirren. Danny Wilson, Ross Perry, Gregg Wylde, Kyle Hutton and Archie Campbell are all likely to to be drafted in to face the Steelmen and other under-19 stars could join them in the squad. This afternoon's game will kick-off at 1pm

WITCH HUNT SPARKED V-SIGNS FROM SHAMED PLAYERS Image Flag By Jacqueline McGhie, 05/04/2009 CELTIC star Scott Brown was dubbed the luckiest player in Scotland last night - after escaping the Boozegate affair totally UNPUNISHED. It is understood the Hoops star stayed up drinking with shamed aces Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor and retired to bed just TWENTY MINUTES before his Old Firm rivals. But, astonishingly, he avoided being hammered by Scotland gaffer George Burley after being shielded by his contacts at the Daily Record, we can sensationally reveal. And while Brown was included in the starting line-up for the World Cup tie against Iceland, his mates were dropped to the bench because of the marathon drinking session at Cameron House. The move sparked a chain of events that ended in Ferguson and McGregor being banned from playing for Scotland for life and transfer-listed by their club. But a News of the World investigation can reveal today that other senior members of the Scotland squad believe that: BURLEY only disciplined the Gers pair after they were NAMED by the Record THE manager has FAILED to punish any other star who stayed up drinking, and FERGIE and McGregor only stuck their fingers up at Record photographers - NOT the Scotland fans or manager. Last night a source insisted: "Barry and Allan have been hung out to dry." The News of the World can reveal that senior players feel Hoops midfielder Brown dodged blame because of his close links to a Record journalist. And they believe that the newspaper DELIBERATELY stuck the knife into Gers skipper Fergie because he works for their bitter rivals, The Scottish Sun. Last night a source close to the Scotland camp, who has asked not to be named, hit out: "What is the difference between drinking for seven-and-a-half hours and drinking for seven hours and 10 minutes? All the boys are amazed at the way this issue spiralled out of control "Those 20 minutes seemed to make a world of a difference to Burley and the SFA because it resulted in McGregor and Ferguson being dropped from the team to face Iceland - yet Brown was in his usual place and being hailed as a HERO by the Tartan Army. "He clearly is a very lucky boy - or perhaps he is just fortunate to have friends in high places. "No one's condoning what the Rangers pair did at Hampden. They were IDIOTS. "But it certainly appears to have been more convenient for Burley to dump them after the Holland game than it was to drop Brown." We can reveal that the Record contacted the SFA on Monday with details of the drinking binge. But the newspaper only named Ferguson and McGregor - and, despite having ALL the info, failed to mention to officials that Brown had ALSO been up for the marathon booze session. The call went in two days after Record sports editor James Traynor was involved in an angry exchange with Ferguson during the previous week's trip to Holland for another World Cup qualifier. Ferguson confronted the columnist, who had previously vilified him and even urged Walter Smith to axe him if the Ibrox side wanted to win the title. In Friday's Record, Traynor wrote: "Only last week he (Ferguson) had turned to a sympathetic paper to moan that he's some kind of victim and that some of us have the knives out for him. "Then, late on Saturday night as we all prepared to retreat from another defeat in the Amsterdam ArenA, I had a conversation with Ferguson, who wanted to know why he is criticised and why I don't consider him captain material." Other Scotland players now feel the Record failed to mention Brown to the SFA, or in their report on Wednesday about the booze shame, because he is an important contact of the paper's senior football reporter Keith Jackson. One player, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "All the boys are amazed at the way this issue spiralled out of control. There has certainly been a lot of very selective reporting about what went on." Other Scotland stars who stayed up for the early morning drinking session were Steven Whittaker, Gary Teale and Alan Hutton - but they called it quits after a couple of hours. But the News of the World understands that Brown only made it back to his room around NOON on Sunday. Before then, he had collected a pair of hairclippers and SHAVED McGregor's head as the trio shared a laugh. One source said that the keeper was found slumped in a chair with his brown locks lying around him. But a short time after the Celtic ace left the party, Scotland coach Steven Pressley spotted Ferguson and McGregor at around 12.30pm - and ordered them back to their rooms. The pair were described as "drunk as skunks" after downing beer, expensive wine and vodka and Red Bull. It was suggested Ferguson then threw up in the hotel but our source said: "That is not true. They went off to to their beds without any fuss." It was the SFA's idea to lay on food and drink in a private room But, incredibly, it took Scotland boss Burley more than 48 hours to inform his skipper and goalkeeper that they were to be sent home in disgrace. And he only made that announcement after the Record had contacted him and made it clear they were going to go public and reveal details of the pair's boozy antics. The source added: "There has definitely been a witch-hunt for Allan and Barry." We can reveal that ALL the Scotland players were given permission to have a drink after returning to Scotland in the early hours of Sunday. Our man revealed: "It was the SFA's idea to lay on food and drink in a private room for those players who decided to go back to Cameron House. We were actually ENCOURAGED to go and relax there. "Other players went home - and could have stayed up and drank all night for all anyone knows. "But the lads who did that at Cameron House - on their DAY OFF - have been hammered for it. "Allan and Barry could have pointed the finger at certain team-mates and asked why they weren't coming in for the same punishment as them. "But they kept silent and took their punishment on the chin. Their frustration just seems to have boiled over at Hampden during the Iceland match. They were put in a high- pressure situation and handled it badly. "But a lot of the boys are suspicious about how this all started. "The hotel staff were absolutely fine with what was going on and, to my knowledge, there were no complaints from the public - or they would have been plastered all over the papers. "But the way two players have been demonised for having a drink seemed a bit over the top, considering they were far from being the only ones. "Even some of the SFA staff were having a drink in the same place." After originally ordering Ferguson and McGregor home from the Loch Lomond training camp, Burley reinstated them after being approached by senior players, including Manchester United star Darren Fletcher and Celts captain Stephen McManus. The delegation voiced their concerns over the way their team-mates were being "hung out to dry" while others who stayed up for a drink went unpunished. During heated discussions between Burley and his squad, it emerged that four others - Teale, Whittaker, Hutton and Brown - had also stayed up for some time on Sunday morning. Burley was told the players were RAGING that two of their teammates were taking the rap, while others who also failed to go straight to their beds were being let off the hook. Our source revealed: "The players told Burley he couldn't have one rule for some and another rule for others. They made it clear he should either send SIX players home or none at all. There had to be some consistency. "The message which came through loud and clear from Burley and his staff was that if the papers hadn't got hold of the story about the other boys, there wasn't an issue to deal with." It is understood Burley was persuaded to reinstate Ferguson and McGregor to his squad for the Iceland game and leave them on the bench. The pair even met with SFA officials and were encouraged to go through the post-match media zone and speak to newspapers after the game. Officials hoped the duo would reiterate their disappointment over their conduct. But that move backfired spectacularly when the players made obscene gestures from the bench during the game. And those gestures effectively ended their Rangers and Scotland careers. Yet a source close to the players revealed Ferguson and McGregor were NOT aiming their V-signs at the Tartan Army OR SFA chiefs. He said: "To suggest someone like Barry was having a go at the fans or George Burley is nonsense. They were aiming the gesture at the Daily Record photographers taking their picture. "You don't play for Scotland for 10 years and leave your wife and kids for 10 days as Barry did to take on Holland and Iceland unless playing for your country means something to you. "Anyone who says otherwise is trying to stir it. Clearly they've succeeded." http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/scottish/scottish_news/251687/Celtic-star-just-as-guilty-as-Rangers-duo-Barry-Ferguson-Allan-McGregor-Scott-Brown.html

Apr 5 2009 Andy Mcdonald BOOZE shame keeper Allan McGregor was handed a sensational Ibrox lifeline yesterday. And the Sunday Mail can exclusively reveal that Kevin Thomson is to take over from axed Barry Ferguson as Ibrox skipper next season. Keeper McGregor was not expected to play for Rangers again after furious boss Walter Smith dropped him and Ferguson for their Scotland disgrace. Now Smith may be prepared to give McGregor, 27, one final chance to salvage his career - butonly if he grows up. Senior sources at Ibrox yesterday insisted Ferguson will never play for the club again. But the same sources confirmed McGregor could make a sensational return to the first team. One said: "They both deserved everything that came their way after that performance midweek. "Walter's equally furious with them both but he sees McGregor's position differently to Ferguson's. "Barry's burned his bridges but there could still be a way back for McGregor. "Whether he's got the good sense to take it is another matter. Buckle "He's definitely out for the moment. But if he buckles down the door is not locked on him coming back. "He basically has to grow up and get a grip. It's down to him." The cash-strapped club also realise benching one of their prize assets can only reduce his value on the transfer market. The source insisted the only thing that will see him return is a massive change in attitude. McGregor has a history of attracting as many headlines for his colourful private life as his onfield performances. The source added: "It's down to him. Put it this way, Barry's out in the dark but there's a chink of light for McGregor." Ferguson and McGregor saw their careers implode last week after they were benched for a booze bender at the Scotland squad's hotel. Flick They compounded that by flicking the Vs at photographersduring the Iceland game. Ferguson, 31, was stripped of the Rangers captaincy on Friday. We can reveal Smith is ready to hand the captain's armband to midfielder Kevin Thomson when he returns from injury next season. Veteran David Weir will lead Rangers against Falkirk today but Smith believes Thomson is the player to take charge next season when he returns. He has been out since suffering ligament damage in November but is expected back early next season after successful surgery. An Ibrox source said: "There's no doubt Kevin will be captain next season all being well with his knee. "To be frank, there's not a wealth of candidates but he's got the attitude and respect of his team-mates." http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/sport-news/2009/04/05/walter-smith-prepared-to-give-shamed-keeper-allan-mcgregor-ibrox-lifeline-78057-21254880/

A bit start and stop as its sent from my mobile: Amougst others and against some, I think i can 110% share the sentiments of my fellow poster - Pete - that an elephant came off the shoulders of many a man at Ibrox yesterday. FINALLY Walter Smith showed some ruthless-ness (if thats a word) in dealing with a couple of men who think they are head and shoulders above 10000s of true Rangers men and women! Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor have it all. Fat paychecks with no need to worry about any gas bill and employment within the GREATEST 4 walls of Great Britain! Thats right folks - Ibrox is up there with the very best when it comes to stadia - if it wasnt for the the silly Euro money going to England we would still oust Old Trafford IMO. These guys pulled on the blue jersey thinking of nothing but themselves. Ferguson and McGregor got to pull the on shirt in week in week out but this went to there heads thinking they couldnt ever be brought back to life - How Walter Smith turned the clock back in style to put the stuffin into that then!!! Personally I am a Walter fan and 1 who tends to lean towards his 9IAR achievments - however i had been questioning his mentality for the past 2-3 months about his desire for Rangers and bizarre tactics! - The Past 24 hours have shown and proved to me that the MAN is still there!!!! He has shown up George Burley on how to deal with a man! IMO if the 7 particapants walked in protest last weekend then id have paid for everyone of there taxis home! If thats what playing for Scotland means these days then call up 11 hard working men who WANT to be there. I really dont know if Walter rubbed his hands at this weeks event to get rid of the bad apple in the side! I actually still think WS thought deep down BF could still be a player for Rangers like most of us hope. On a side note, Only an Excuse must be sending thank you cards to Ibrox right now for giving them the material for the next show! But at the same time Paul Le Guen must be break dancing at the latest show to come from Ibrox. For me we have taken a huge step in the RIGHT direction this week. For 1 - Neil Alexander will deservedly be between the sticks from now on. Allan McGregor hand the world at his feet but blew it! I went as far as saying we lost the SPL last season due his injury but he turning into a loose cannon who would rather thnk of himself rather than what he was actyally achieving in life - Andy Goram must be shaking his head! Noboody liked a drink more than The Goalie but the legend knew his priorities! I firmly believe we will start seeing players come out there shell's now that Ferguson is dropped. I think he is the worst Rangers captain in my lifetime and defines everything that is wrong with the club right now. His negativity shows throughout the whole team. Now is the time to seen Davis and Mendes tick! Rangers have proved onces again that WE are bigger than anyone! Thanks to Walter for that!! I firmly believe this weeks events are a boost to the club and can see us booming onto the title!! Dear Barry and Allan - I feel embarrassed even thinking about what you did to the cameras - I have no idea how embarrassed you will personally feel! The word that defines you is idiot! You graced the tru colours of Rangers and Scotland and turned it into a laughing stock! Justice will be served if we go onto win the SPL title while you watch in the stands with your 2 middle fingers....and even better if Scotland go onto the World Cup! Step forward Davie Weir! You will wear the captains armband with proud and be a stop gap for the Queens 11. But you know yourself Weir will retire soon meandin one Magic Bougherra can step forward and become Rangers next captain!!!!

Walter Smith says there are no problems within the Rangers dressing room - despite disciplining and suspending Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor. More...

RANGERS have announced the nominees for their Player-of-the-Year awards. Pedro Mendes will be favourite to take the award having impressed since his arrival from Portsmouth last summer. Also in the frame are Kris Boyd, Steve Davis, Madjid Bougherra, Allan McGregor and David Weir. Among those up for the Young Player of the Year are John Fleck after his meteoric rise this season in Walter Smith's first-team as well as Kyle Lafferty, who still qualifies in the young category and Spanish midfielder Aaron. Bougherra and Fleck for me

By ROGER HANNAH Published: Today rigTeaserImage BARRY FERGUSON could have played his last game for Scotland ââ?¬â? after being axed by George Burley last night. Skipper Ferguson and his Rangers team-mate Allan McGregor were booted out after an early-morning bevvy session on Sunday. SunSport can reveal boss Burley has binned the pair for tonightââ?¬â?¢s do-or-die World Cup crunch against Iceland at Hampden. Ferguson, 31, and McGregor, 27, joined team-mates for drinks at posh Cameron House Hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond early on Sunday. Burley sanctioned the post-match bonding session, but was left in a rage when it carried on for several HOURS. Itââ?¬â?¢s believed he has spent the last 48 hours pondering a punishment for the Ibrox duo. Fergusonââ?¬â?¢s sensational axeing casts huge doubts over his future with Scotland. He has played just once for Burley in the last 14 months and, despite winning 45 caps, he has never won over the Tartan Army. McGregor, who will be replaced between the sticks by Craig Gordon, has won only four caps. The SFA refused to comment on the boozing claims last night, although chief executive Gordon Smith will come under pressure to make a statement today. Burley will also have to address the incident after tonightââ?¬â?¢s must-win clash. But it is the biggest gamble of his managerial career. Burley will now rip apart the side which plunged to defeat in Holland. Alan Hutton will replace the crocked Graham Alexander at right-back, while West Bromââ?¬â?¢s James Morrison will take Fergusonââ?¬â?¢s place in midfield. Fit-again Stephen McManus will replace Christophe Berra and also be handed the captainââ?¬â?¢s armband in Fergusonââ?¬â?¢s absence. Steven Fletcher is expected to take Gary Tealeââ?¬â?¢s place. Before the sensational row blew up last night, Burley insisted he would not be scared to axe any of his top stars. He said: ââ?¬Å?Itââ?¬â?¢s a one-off game, a cup final for us, and Iââ?¬â?¢ll pick a one-off team to win the match. ââ?¬Å?These are going to be key decisions, big decisions. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m not going to speak about individuals, but every position is under consideration. Iââ?¬â?¢ll speak to the players in the morning. ââ?¬Å?I had to make hard decisions when we faced Iceland in Reykjavik, but I picked the team that was right and I had no regrets. I will have no regrets this time either. I will back my own judgement. It will simply be what I think will be the best team to win. ââ?¬Å?As a manager, you canââ?¬â?¢t please everybody.ââ?¬Â The absence of Ferguson ââ?¬â? and the circumstances surrounding his exit ââ?¬â? will cause most controversy. Advertisement First capped more than a decade ago, his dreams of a place in the SFA Hall of Fame ââ?¬â? and playing at a major finals ââ?¬â? may now go unfulfilled. He has been capped by FIVE different Scotland bosses ââ?¬â? Craig Brown, Berti Vogts, Walter Smith, Alex McLeish and Burley. Heââ?¬â?¢s also won every domestic honour in Scotland, led Gers into the UEFA Cup Final and twice been honoured as Player of the Year. Itââ?¬â?¢s unclear what the future holds for Ferguson with regard to Scotland as Burley's own job could depend on tonight's result. Defeat or a draw against Iceland would almost certainly end hopes of qualifying for the World Cup Finals in South Africa next summer. SFA chief executive Smith and president George Peat handed the ex-Hearts gaffer the national team job until the end of the qualifying campaign. But if it comes to a premature end this evening, it's certain to prompt calls for the gafferââ?¬â?¢s head after just nine matches in charge. And any future Scotland boss would then have to decide whether to bring Ferguson and McGregor, as well as Kris Boyd, back into the fold. Itââ?¬â?¢s believed the manager is aggrieved that players abused the trust heââ?¬â?¢d placed in them and feels badly let down. A peace pact between Burley and the axed aces canââ?¬â?¢t be ruled out.For now, though, Scotland must enter the most important game of Burleyââ?¬â?¢s reign without their most experienced and influential player. http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/article2353364.ece

NACHO NOVO could be recalled to the Rangers starting line-up for the first time since January 31 as Walter Smith seeks a return to winning ways in the SPL. Rangers have dropped five ponts in their last two matches and also suffered the disappointment of Kyle Lafferty being sidelined with an ankle problem. So Smith has to get the mix right as he prepares for the clash with Falkirk on Sunday. Kyle LaffertyHe said: "We will lose Kyle for at least another three weeks. He has a bit of bruising on the bone in his ankle. "It's disappointing because he had playing well recently. I felt he was excellent against Hearts. "However, we have other front players we can bring in and we will cover for that. "Nacho is an option for us. He wasn't quite ready to start the Hearts game but he is fine now and hopefully he can produce his best form in the run-in to the end of the season." The Rangers manager knows Rangers must show a run of consistency as the campaign goes into the finel nine matches and he is just glad that he is still in touch. Celtic's 2-2 draw at Tannadice means the gap is three points so everything is still open. He said: "I think both Gordon Strachan and me said we felt points would be dropped and that's been the case. "We are obviously disappointed that after a terrific first half performance against Hearts we were poor in the second half which allowed them back into the game. "Clearly it was a case of points dropped there. Indeed we have dropped five in our last two games, which is obviously not a good thing at this time of the year. "The only good thing we can take is that we do find ourselves in a position where we still in touch for the Championship. "Hopefully we can reach a level of consistency in the remaining nine games but we will have to work hard. "None of the teams are going to ease off as there is lot to play for as Hearts showed two weeks ago. "What we have to do is respond better when we are put under pressure and make sure we win matches when we are in a winning position, as we were against Hearts."

JOHN FLECK took the next step in his blossoming career on Saturday when he made his Scotland under-21 debut in Elbasani's Ruzhdi Bizhutu Stadium and he hopes to get another run-out for Billy Stark's team tonight at the Falkirk Stadium. John FleckThe 17-year-old came off the bench in the 80th minute as the young Scots ran out 1-0 winners in the first of two European Championship 2011 group qualifiers against Albania. It was the perfect start for the country's talented kids and they will be looking for a similar result tonight in their second Group 10 fixture. Facing the Albanians was have been a massive boost to Fleck who burst in to Walter Smith's first-team plans earlier this year before taking a slight dip in form which happens to most young stars. After scoring his first senior goal against Dundee United on January 31 John was being tipped for global stardom by sections of the media but the player himself has kept his feet firmly on the ground and realises his first goal is to become an established first-team star at Rangers. He said: "In the past couple of years there has been a lot written and said about me and there is even more now that I have moved in to the first-team. "It is great that people are interested but I let a lot of it go over my head. "I think the most important thing when you are my age is to keep your head down and just focus on trying to play football. "There can be a lot of things happen around you but I just want to do my best at Rangers and keep improving." Despite only making eleven appearances for the Gers' top team to date rumours started back in February that Fleck could be in line for a shock call-up to George Burley's full international squad with the coach admitting he was monitoring his progress. John, however, was delighted to be selected for the country's under-21s and insists this has been the best step for his career. He said: "At times I think people do expect a lot from me but that is something you have to get used to when you are at a club like Rangers. "I have loved the experience of playing in the first-team recently but there was a couple of games where I didn't play as well as I want to. "That has been frustrating but I am still learning and I am sure the consistency will come with the more experience I get." John has not featured in the top team since March 4 against Inverness Caley Thistle but he is fully aware that patience is an important ingredient for any young player at a major club. He said: "The past few months have seen me take a few big steps in that I have played in some big games with Rangers and scored my first goal for the first-team. "I have also been picked for the under-21s and made my debut so I am delighted with the way things are going. "At the same time I know that all the hard work starts here and although I have played against the likes of AC Milan, Celtic, Aberdeen and Dundee United I need to be more consistent. "When you are young your form can go

It was a mixed bag of results for the bears away on international duty this weekend. The senior players in the dark blue of Scotland, Ferguson and McGregor making the starting XI, suffered a disappointing if not entirely unexpected defeat at the hands of the resurgent Dutch. More on the National team elsewhere. There was, however, better news for the youngsters of the under 21 squad. Rory Loy and John Fleck as substitutes, along with Andrew Shinnie, contributed to a 1-0 away victory as they defeated their Albanian counterparts to secure a vital 3 points in their opening u21 Championship Qualifier. The youngsters will be looking for a similar result when they complete the second part of a double header against Albania at the Falkirk stadium in an early kick off on Wednesday. Saturdayâ��s match will have passed by largely unnoticed, with the majority engrossed in the full national teamâ��s match with the Oranje superstars. However it was a big afternoon for Fleck, making his bow at this level when he came on as a late substitute and he will be looking to add to his caps at this level on Wednesday. Another Rangers youngster enjoyed an even bigger occasion on Saturday. With the Northern Ireland squad depleted through injuries and suspensions, Rangers youngster Andy Little received a call up to the national squad despite never having played in the Rangers First team. Little again appeared as a late substitute as the Northern Ireland secured a valuable 3-2 victory over a Poland side inspired by the calamitous Artur Boruc. Most of the people reading this will be familiar with Scottish football and the Boruc blunders that are so regularly you can set your watch by them. So it was no surprise to see him coming charging out of his goal and getting nowhere near a cross allowing Feeney to nod into the gaping goal. Worse was to come for the bungling Pole as a 30 yard backpass managed to evade the outrushing keeper and trundled into the back of his net sealing defeat for Poland. Yet another inept performance has seen the struggling keeper dropped for a clash against the mighty San Marino. A real vote of no confidence in the (donâ��t snigger) �£10 million rated keeper. Up next for Northern Ireland is another home tie against Slovenia. Nigel Worthington will be looking for his troops to collect another three points and reach his target of 6 from 6 this international week. Their hopes will be boosted by the returning Steven Davis, absent against Poland through Injury. The Ulsterman will be looking to put in a good display ahead of the title run in with Rangers, whilst Little may find it more difficult to add to his caps this time out. Perhaps the best news from Saturdayâ��s World Cup Qualifiers came from Africa. Despite only managing a goal-less stalemate with Rwanda, Walter Smith will be pleased that Madjid Bougherra came through the match unscathed. Having been missing in recent weeks due to a bit of a freak injury, the Rangers backline has look far from his stingy best and POTY front-runner Bougherra will be essential to maintaining the title push. Algeria are not in action Wednesday night so I expect to see Madjid back marshalling the defence at Falkirk this weekend. Damarcus Beasley, recently returned to the Rangers first team with an improved display in the disappointing draw with Hearts, played the full 90-minutes as the USA came from 2 down to draw in El Salvador and ensure their qualification campaign remained on track. Maurice Edu, with appearances hard to come by in his debut season in the SPL, will have been pleased to get a late run out for the national team and will look to build on that over the remainder of the season. Wednesdayâ��s Hampden tie with Iceland is a huge fixture for George Burley if we are to secure second spot behind the Dutch and give ourselves a chance of a ply off spot. Further slip up such as Macedonia away and Norway at home cannot be tolerated if we are to have any chance of success. Keep an eye on this site for fuller analysis of the upcoming match. With many of our key performers in action again this week; Ferguson, McGregor with Scotland and Davis with Northern Ireland, Walter Smith, Ally McCoist, and Kenny McDowall will be hoping they come through these games unscathed. Lafferty is already sidelined for the rest of the season and the coaching staff will not want to see the squad further depleted.

Paul Gascoigne revealed to Setanta Sports News that Jose Mourinho has offered to take him under his wing in order to help him earn a coaching role at Rangers. Gascoigne is currently halfway through earning his ââ?¬Ë?Bââ?¬â?¢ badges in coaching, and he has been offered the help of some of the best coaches in Europe ââ?¬â?? including Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson. The former England talisman admits he would love to get back involved with Glasgow Rangers Football Club, particularly under the eye of Walter Smith, but he admits he has to prove himself before getting a chance at Ibrox. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m working through the ââ?¬Ë?Bââ?¬â?¢ badge at the current time,ââ?¬Â he told Setanta Sports News. ââ?¬Å?The PFA have offered their help, Sir Alex Ferguson has offered his help. Jose Mourinho has asked me to come over to Milan to work with him and look at the way they work. ââ?¬Å?I have some of my own ideas as well though.ââ?¬Â Focusing more on his intention to get involved at Rangers, Gascoigne revealed the final decision will be left with Smith, and the England man is quite willing to prove to him that he is up to the job. ââ?¬Å?The main man with David Murray is Walter Smith. Walter wants me to do well in all parts of my life, but with Walter youââ?¬â?¢ve got to be spot-on. ââ?¬Å?Heââ?¬â?¢s a perfectionist, so am I, but I need to be right on it before anything happens. ââ?¬Å?Rangers is such an unbelievable club. I left Rangers too early, but I left Rangers because Walter Smith left.ââ?¬Â Gascoigne hopes he will not be judged by his woeful reign at Kettering, when he insists he clearly was not in the right frame of mind to run a football club. ââ?¬Å?I wasnââ?¬â?¢t right at that time, I wasnââ?¬â?¢t a coach or a manager. I did have a drink. I wasnââ?¬â?¢t right, I admit that. ââ?¬Å?But I am right now. I have my own style of football that is different from most other managers. ââ?¬Å?Letââ?¬â?¢s hope results go my way if I get another job, because you look at the likes of Tony Adams and Paul Ince, who took on big jobs and then get sacked. I donââ?¬â?¢t know why they got sacked.ââ?¬Â

Exclusive Mar 28 2009 By Euan McArthur ENGLISH side Middlesbrough are on the trail of Rangers star Sasa Papac. The Premiership strugglers are weighing up a summer swoop for Papac as they bid to solve their troublesome left-back position. And boss Gareth Southgate is preparing to send a representative north of the border to run the rule over the 25-times capped Bosnia-Herzegovina defender when Rangers return to SPL business next weekend at Falkirk. Papac, who is preparing for his country's World Cup qualifier in Belgium today, was linked with a move to French club St Etienne last summer but opted to remain at Ibrox to fight for his first-team place. But the 29-year-old, signed by Frenchman Paul Le Guen during his ill-fated Rangers reign, could leave Govan at the end of the season as part of Walter Smith's much-anticipated Light Blues' clear-out. Papac joined Rangers from Austria Vienna for s450,000 in August 2006 when Le Guen also raided the Austrian side to snap up Libor Sionko and Filip Sebo. But his time in Scotland could be coming to an end should Boro believe he is the answer to their search for a new full-back. Southgate's side are involved in a relegation battle to stay in the top flight after last weekend's defeat away to Stoke left them in second-bottom spot. But they remain confident of staying up and are identifying possible signing targets for next season to boost their squad.

RANGERS' Scotland stars were hurting in Holland last night as they went down 3-0 in the Amsterdam Arena. Barry Ferguson captained the side, Allan McGregor was helpless to prevent the three goals and Kenny Miller missed a decent chance early in the game. Barry Ferguson and Scott Brown were left disappointed in AmsterdamThe Dutch were a class above but the Scots were incredibly denied a perfectly good goal when Gary Caldwell headed into the net. French refree Laurent Duhamel implied there had been some impeding of the Dutch keeper Maarten Stekelenburg. No-one else could see it and moments later the Dutch wrapped the game up with a Dirk Kuyt penalty, Former Rangers striker Ross McCormack was also in the side while Alan Hutton got on for the last 20 minutes. That's good news with Wednesday's infinitely more important tie with Iceland coming up at Hampden. Meanwhile Rangers youngster Andy Little was in dreamland last night as he came on for his first Nothern Ireland cap.Andrew Little Little, who has yet to play in the Ibrox first team, got the last few minutes as Northern Ireland defeated Poland 3-2 to give themselves qualfication hope. Steve Davis was suspended for the game but will come back in for Wednesday's game with Slovenia. Meanwhile DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu were both in action for the United States, who had to come back from two down to earn a 2-2 draw with El Salvador in San Salvador. Beasley played the whole game while Edu was a late substitute for Michael Bradley. The result keeps the Americans in ideal shape for qualification for South Africa, DaMarcus Beasley in action for the United StatesAlthough unavailable for Rangers for the past two matches, the Co-operative Insurance Cup Final and the 2-2 SPL draw with Hearts, Madjid Bougherra played the whole match for Algeria yesterday as they drew 0-0 with Rwanda in Kigali in the opening match of their qualification process. That will be good news for Walter Smith who will expect Bougherra to be back in harness for next Sunday's resumption of the SPL at Falkirk. John Fleck and Rory Loy both came on as substitutes as Scotland under-21s, with Andrew Shinnie in their ranks, secured an excellent 1-0 away win over Albania. The two countries meet again on Wednesday at the Falkirk Stadium.

Paddy Crerand having a go at Rangers and Broadfoot. His "team" are no better than ours. Knob ! Former Celtic star Paddy Crerand has described Rangers as "dreadful" and branded Ibrox defender Kirk Broadfoot a "Junior" player. Crerand played for the Parkhead club in the early sixties before joining Manchester United where he was part of the Old Trafford side which won the European Cup in 1968 against Benfica at Wembley. The former Scotland international keeps a keen eye on the Hoops although he is still based in England and scoffed at suggestions that Celtic had blown their chances of retaining the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title by only drawing against Dundee United at Tannadice on Sunday when a win would have taken them five points clear of the Light Blues. Pointing back to last week's Co-operative Insurance Cup final between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden in which the Parkhead side deservedly won 2-0 after extra time, Crerand was scathing of Walter Smith's side and of Broadfoot in particular. "Celtic will win the title," he told Talk Sport. "I watched the League Cup final between Celtic and Rangers last week and Rangers were dreadful. "Who is that player Kirk Broadfoot? He should be playing Junior (non-league) football. "You've got to ask, is that how far Rangers have gone down if he is playing for them? "But when you look back to the Scottish players in my day, then the standard of football up there is dreadful."

Exclusive by Andrew Dickson ANDREW LITTLE admits he's trying to stop himself from dreaming of scoring against Artur Boruc after his shock call-up to the Northern Ireland squad. The Rangers reserve striker, 19, was promoted from his country's under-21 team yesterday for the Province's World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Slovenia. Andrew LittleLittle comes in as a direct replacement for his club-mate Kyle Lafferty, who is out with an ankle knock, while fellow forward Martin Paterson is also crocked. It's quite a rise in stature for the teenager, who is yet to make his first-team debut for Walter Smith's Light Blues. Having recently signed a contract extension that will keep him at Ibrox until May 2011, Little now has a first full international to prepare for. Within hours of receiving his good news, the youngster was already being wound up about trying to find a way past Celtic goalkeeper Boruc on Saturday. But he insists he's just happy to be involved and doesn't expect to pull on his boots at Windsor Park this weekend. Little joked: "It hurts my head when I think about the situation. I knew Kyle and Martin were injured but it was a complete shock to get called into the full squad if I'm honest. "I was just preparing myself for under-21s' game against Ukraine next week and had been looking forward to that. "I didn't even think that I might get my chance and I'm absolutely delighted to have been brought into the group. "A few people have been joking with me about coming on against Poland and scoring against Boruc. Andrew Little"That would be great but I'm trying not to think about that. I'm just aiming to do well in training and if it gets me a shot then great. "If I happen to get on for five or 10 minutes, depending on how the game is going, it would be a huge bonus for me. "It would be absolutely amazing and it would certainly be the biggest moment of my career so far." Little, a scorer as Rangers beat Celtic 3-1 in last season's SFA Youth Cup final, appreciates he's at the bottom of the pecking order in Nigel Worthington's squad. But with only four strikers in the pool, there's still every chance he'll be given an opportunity to play either against the Poles or Slovenia next midweek. He added: "The manager has told me that I've been brought in on merit and that I'm there because of my performances for the under-21s already. "He was very confident in me when I was speaking to him and that was great. He was quick to reassure me I wasn't just going in to make up numbers. "Of course, I have been called up because there are other people unavailable but he doesn't want me to feel I don't have a part to play and that was nice to hear. Andrew Little"He just wants me to go out there and give it my best shot so that's what I'll do and hopefully I'll get a chance." Little admits Northern Ireland will be weakened by the absence of Gers hitman Lafferty, whose strike against Hearts three days ago was his eighth club goal of the season. But he's eager to show he can be an able deputy for the former Burnley star if he gets his chance to shine in Belfast. Little said: "I was in the Rangers squad at the weekend but ended up being the spare man so I was in the stand to see what happened to Kyle. "I really feel for him. Being a big Northern Ireland fan, it's disappointing that he's out as he has been in great form lately. "He would definitely have played against Slovenia after his suspension and him and David Healy have been brilliant together up front. "It's disappointing for the country that he's out but for me, it's a big chance and hopefully I can make the most of it."

By Andrew Dickson KYLE LAFFERTY has been told his season isn't necessarily over after a scan at a Glasgow hospital this afternoon. Kyle Lafferty celebrates scoring against HeartsThe Rangers striker initially feared his campaign was finished after he was carried off in the first half of the 2-2 draw with Hearts on Saturday with damaged ankle ligaments. But a second examination has revealed no further damage and that means the lay-off of at least six weeks he was initially told to expect yesterday stands. The 21-year-old has what has been described as a 'significant injury' and it is severely limiting his movement at present. But at this stage, Lafferty remains scheduled to return to action in early May rather than at a later date and he could yet play a part in the title run-in. If Gers get past St Mirren in the last four of the Scottish Cup next month, he will also have a final date with Falkirk or Dunfermline on May 30 to aim for. Should Lafferty play any further part between now and the summer, it will come as a massive boost to Walter Smith after he feared he had lost the striker until next term.

I have heard from a good footballing man in my work who knows a lot of people in the game as he supports a lower division team that the rumours circling about is that Dundee Utd Manager Craig Levein has already agreed terms to take over at Rangers from next season and Walter Smith will step down win lose or draw the League ??? Anyone heard this ? Good or Bad Appointment if it happened ?

Yip, here it is, your daily/weekly/monthly (delete as appropriate) Kris Boyd article. It is an understatement to say that Boyd splits the support and it is fare to say that both camps are well ensconced in their opinion of Kris Boyd and his merits to Rangers Football Club. Let me state this up front, I have nothing personally against Kris Boyd, he appears to be a Bear and is passionate about Rangers Football Club, but a good player that doesnââ?¬â?¢t make. There is usually a lot of vitriol in these topics so I am going to try to endeavour not to get personal or overtly passionate in this article where I will outline my reasons for believe that Kris Boyd doesnââ?¬â?¢t offer Rangers as much as it is claimed and why I believe that Rangers Football Club could actually prosper in Boydââ?¬â?¢s absence (which may be a mute point depending on the severity of Laffertyââ?¬â?¢s injury). Kris Boydââ?¬â?¢s fans point to his goal-scoring prowess as his main, and if they are honest, only redeeming feature and that is understandable as on the face of it, the lad scores goals. However, if you break these goals down, it does take some credibility away from the ââ?¬Ë?factsââ?¬â?¢. As it stands, Boyd has yet to score at Pittodrie, Tynecastle and Parkhead, arguably the three toughest away games that we face and he has managed one solitary goals against Celtc in his entire footballing career. This season, Boyd has scored 19 goals in the SPL and of those, six have been penalties. Further investigation reveals that the vast majority of these goals have come against Hamilton, Kilmarnock and Falkirk and in games where we have won convincingly. There is a lack of goals against Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibs and Celtc, games that are usually close and games where you are expecting and hoping that your top strikers are going to score that all important goal that will ensure that you win the game (just think Ally McCoist here, how many games did McCoist score the winner?). Another criticisms that can be aimed at Kris Boyd is that he doesnââ?¬â?¢t score enough headed goals. For a centre, you would expect a fair percentage of headed goals (just think Mark Hateley or Derek Johnstone). In my opinion, and this isnââ?¬â?¢t Kris Boydââ?¬â?¢s fault, whenever Boyd is in the team, our players resort to firing long hopefully balls to Boyd, something that he has never been able to cope or adapt to. This is a utterly useless tactic as all that we succeed in doing is handing position back to the opposition. For some reason (fitbess?) Boyd appears to shrink when he jumps and inevitably fails to retain position, flick the ball onto his strike partner etc. Outside the penalty box, Boyd is static and offers little or no movement. His control is non-excitant, he canââ?¬â?¢t beat a man and he canââ?¬â?¢t outpace even the slowest and sluggish defenders in the SPL. All of the above are basic qualities that any striker should possess. Even the glimpses we have had of Lafferty playing through the middle has shown us that he ticks all the above boxes and given an extended run and the chances that are created for Boyd, I bet that heââ?¬â?¢d score as many as Boyd scores. I touched on Ruud Van Nistelrooy in another thread and pointed out how Manchester United actually benefited and prospered by selling one of the most prolific strikers that had had. It is worth examining just how prolific RVN was for Manchester United. In his first season at Old Trafford after a Ã?£19M transfer, RVN scored 23 goals in 32 EPL games for Manchester United including a run of scoring in 8 consecutive league games which is an EPL record. He also scored 10 goals in the Champions League and was voted the PFA Player Of The Year. The following season he was even more prolific scoring 44 goals in 52 games including 12 in 10 CL games and was the EPLââ?¬â?¢s top goal scorer that season (with 25, including three hatricks) and ended the season with another 8 consecutive scoring run. RVN was injured for most of the next season but still contributed with important CL goals. The following season he was joint top scorer with Henry (21 goals) before SAF sold his scoring prodigy to Real Madrid. Whilst these goal-scoring exploits are outstanding, Manchester United happened on their worst run of trophies in years. SAF believed that this was down to the way they played to accommodate RVNââ?¬â?¢s goal-scoring threat. He decided that to actually win the EPL and CL, he would have to sacrifice his top scorer, one of the deadliest marksmen in Europe to help the TEAM. He was ridiculed for this decision in certain sections of the press but in hindsight, it was one of SAFââ?¬â?¢s bravest and craftiest moves. Manchester United havenââ?¬â?¢t looked back since. We as Rangers fans were lucky enough to witness a young RVN when DAââ?¬â?¢s Rangers were drawn with Dutch giants in the CL. We destroyed them 4-1 at Ibrox with Mols on fire and secured a 1-0 away victory thanks to a trademark Albertz thunderbolt. In all honesty, RVN looked like a rich manââ?¬â?¢s Kris Boyd in those games and it was our Dutch striker Mols who displayed a master-class performance at Ibrox. However, it canââ?¬â?¢t be denied that RVN went on to become on of Europeââ?¬â?¢s top strikers and he was still delivering at Real Madrid before injury cut short his season. So, could Rangers benefit from following SAF and Manchester Unitedââ?¬â?¢s example of selling their top scorer? Having not won an SPL title in three seasons and the likelihood that we wonââ?¬â?¢t win again this season, then yes, we must try something different as playing to Boydââ?¬â?¢s supposed strengths hasnââ?¬â?¢t and isnââ?¬â?¢t working and more importantly, no matter how prolific he appears, we arenââ?¬â?¢t winning the title. In Kyle Lafferty, Walter Smith may have stumbled on an ideal replacement for Boyd, now he must trust his instincts and give Lafferty an extended run in the striker role (injury permitting) and find Lafferty a partner that will supplement and flourish alongside him. I believe that I have stuck to my original promise and havenââ?¬â?¢t gotten personal of over passionate in my argument as to why it could be an advantage to drop / sell Kris Boyd. I would also argue that his stock in football isnââ?¬â?¢t that high given that when it was made public that he was for sale in January, his only suitor was his ex-manager Alex McLeish who was willing to take Kris Boyd to Championship side Birmingham City. Given his perceived abilities, surely there would be a queue of managers fighting for his signature? Cammy F

by Darrell King IT is one of the most significant championships in history for a variety of reasons and comes with the quite critical guarantee of a �£10million Champions League bounty for the victors. But, after yet more mishaps over the weekend, this appears to be the title that neither half of Glasgow wants to win. Events at Ibrox and Tannadice more or less encapsulated the entire SPL season, in terms of the major prize anyway, inside one 24-hour period. While Hearts deserved credit for their fightback to earn a 2-2 with Rangers, Dundee United emerged with plaudits for securing a similar scoreline against Celtic, and the 10 other clubs - overall - have done well to nudge away at the big-two, just what is going on with the Old Firm? advertisement It is as if neither wants to reach out and grasp the prize, and this really is making for a torrid time for those of us who are trying to comment on, and predict, which way this thing will cut next. Inside a few minutes of the boos descending as Rangers capitulated at Ibrox, there were two calls to the Radio Clyde phone-in from disgruntled punters. The first offered congratulations to Celtic on four-in-a-row, the second demanded the head of Walter Smith immediately; and so it went on, with the last calling for a boycott of season ticket renewals to force the issue. Torried times indeed for Smith who had a tone of despondency in his voice as he tried to explain how his side had managed to throw away a two-goal lead and victory from a game they were absolutely coasting. It was incredible. Seldom has the face of a game changed so dramatically - Hearts had been appalling in the first period, Rangers had played some nice stuff and the fans were enjoying the fare. By the end, there was rancour in the air, the cacophony of boos just managing to drown out the gnashing of teeth, slamming of seats and general fury. It did, on the face of it, appear to be one blunder too many for Smith and his players. By his own admission, the manager felt his team had been soft and lacked resilience or, if we step out of manager speak, they had bottled it. A recurring theme for those in blue this term. But we all jumped in too quickly. Again. Celtic failed to win on Tayside and, indeed, needed a superb late leveller from Lee Naylor to prevent a defeat which would have seen Rangers gain a point on them. The gap remains at three points with nine games to go and we now head into a two- week break to reflect. I tipped Celtic at the start and feel it's right to stick with my choice. Gordon Strachan's side, even though they aren't much better than their rivals, for me, have the edge. But look at the stats. In their last 10 SPL matches, Celtic have won just four times, taking 17 points from 30. Rangers? They are just marginally better, winning five and taking 18 points. Who can say with any authority what will happen? What you can say, guaranteed, is this title will be won by one of the poorest Old Firm teams ever, no matter which way it cuts. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2497294.0.0.php