Exclusive: Celtic want to sign a top signing while rejecting a deal for a 256 PL app star

Celtic are planning to swoop for a long-term number-one goalkeeper in the upcoming summer time window, sources have told Football Insider.

The Hoops have been linked with QPR shot-stopper Asmir Begovic, 36, as he prepares to go away Loftus Road on a free transfer in June.

Brendan Rodgers’ aspect are drawing up a shortlist of viable replacements for modern first-choice goalkeeper Joe Hart, who is retiring at the cease of the 2023-24 campaign.

But it is believed the Glasgow giants want to convey in a top quality, long-term choice who is committed to ultimate at Parkhead for more than one years.

At 36, Begovic is now not at the top of his powers and does not in shape that criteria after a tough season with QPR in the Championship.

Celtic not going to launch free transfer swoop for QPR star Begovic

According to FBRef, he ranks in the direction of the bottom of second-tier goalkeepers for dreams averted and has recorded a retailer share of just 68.5% this term.

Begovic joined QPR from Everton final summer season (2023) and has turned out in the Premier League for the Toffees, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Stoke and Portsmouth.

He has racked up 256 total games in the pinnacle flight, keeping 64 smooth sheets.

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The 6ft 6in shot-stopper made 63 appearances for Bosnia and Herzegovina before retiring from international duty in 2020.

Football Insider revealed on 23 April that Celtic, Southampton and PSV Eindhoven are plotting strikes to signal Austrian goalkeeper Patrick Pentz.

The 27-year-old is on loan at Brondby from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.

Brendan Rodgers delivers an honest response on Celtic’s performance in narrow win against Dundee

Brendan Rodgers has been reacting to today’s 2-1 Celtic victory over Dundee at Dens Park in the Scottish Premiership.

The Bhoys remain three factors clear at the pinnacle of the table after Rangers beat St Mirren by using the equal scoreline in the past in the day.

James Forrest was the difference-maker on Tayside, netting a sublime double to re-ignite the exceptional of his Celtic form and supply the victory. His first used to be a ferocious volley, while he showed high-quality perseverance to hassle the opposition defence and internet his second.

The manager has him firing at a best stage of the season and it’s fantastic to be capable to name upon his trip and great as Celtic chase trophies.

After the match, Rodgers admitted his group had been now not at their nice these days however lauded their capability to get the job achieved regardless.

Brendan Rodgers on Celtic victory at Dens Park

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, he said when asked if it used to be a nervy cease to the game: “It was. We had been in manipulate of the game at 2-0 but when the purpose goes in it gives them a little bit of hope so you then have to exhibit your spirit and defend your box. We had lots of balls, corners and throw-ins into the container but I was very thrilled to get over the line.

“The pitch makes a difference. It was once dry and bumpy so that never makes for a fluid game and you ought to see that in the play. There’s no doubt that Dundee have had a gorgeous season. I’m so pleased for Tony Docherty and his staff. They can be a risk so you have to over come that.

“We’ve performed better than we did nowadays however it used to be all-important to get the three points and the players did that simply nicely through the end.”

Celtic tests maintain coming

Next up for Celtic is Hearts, who have come out on top towards the Bhoys in the preceding two conferences between the clubs. That will be no convenient game, even if it is at Celtic Park.

Rodgers’ side want to be up for the fight in that one and show they are suitable enough to dominate possession, win 2d balls and create straight forward opportunities.

Another victory would be the ideal pre-cursor to a immense upcoming derby against Rangers.

Celtic make an announcement regarding Martin O’Neill

Celtic has announced that Martin O’Neill will be attending the upcoming Celtic Player of the Year Awards.

Soccer Football – Championship – Nottingham Forest v Bolton Wanderers – The City Ground, Nottingham, Britain – May 5, 2019 Nottingham Forest manager Martin O’Neill before the match Action Images/Peter Cziborra

O’Neill, who guided the club to multiple domestic titles and a UEFA Cup Final appearance throughout his tenure, will be presenting an award at the gala match scheduled for Sunday, May 12.

The ceremony is set to occur simply a day after a doubtlessly decisive Glasgow Derby when Celtic ought to perchance prolong their lead in the Premiership if they invulnerable a victory towards Rangers. However, before the derby, the group faces important fits in opposition to Dundee and Hearts.

🟢 Martin O’Neill ⚪️

Former #CelticFC manager, @moneill31, joins a host of iconic award presenters as we celebrate 20 years of the #CelticPOTY Awards at the OVO Hydro on Sunday, May 12, 2024! 🍀🏆

Don’t miss out – limited tickets available below ⤵️

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) April 25, 2024

O’Neill will be part of a star-studded lineup of former Celtic luminaries slated to existing awards, which includes Ronny Deila, Chris Sutton, Aiden McGeady, Shaun Maloney, Charlie Mulgrew, Stan Petrov, and John Hartson. The match guarantees to be a memorable evening, celebrating the season’s exceptional performances, with Des Clarke and Sebahn Aherne web hosting the festivities.

It’s looking set to be a properly night.

“Massive club”: A Sunderland player is predicted to choose Celtic over Arsenal and Liverpool

Carlton Palmer has claimed that a pass to Celtic would be too proper to flip down for Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.

HIGHLIGHTS

•  Patterson could join Celtic in the summer, with pastime additionally from Arsenal and Liverpool.
•  He has been a constant performer for Sunderland, with robust shot-stopping skills.
•  Patterson faces a hard selection about probably shifting to big golf equipment or staying at Sunderland.

EFL pundit and former England international Carlton Palmer has said that he may want to see Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson becoming a member of Celtic in the summer season amid rumours of a cross north of the border.

According to the Sunderland Echo, Patterson has now attracted attention from the Scottish giants alongside with Premier League title chasers Arsenal and Liverpool.

Patterson has been Sunderland’s first-choice goalkeeper considering the fact that the 2d half of the 21/22 campaign, when he returned from a mortgage at Notts County.

He was once between the sticks as Sunderland received merchandising to the Championship in his first season, and then last season when they reached the Championship play-offs.

This season has been a disappointing season with Sunderland in mid-table, but Patterson has starred with his extremely good shot-stopping and his relief with the ball at his feet.

Carlton Palmer: You can see Patterson and Celtic happening

Speaking completely to FLW, Palmer said: “So many of the Sunderland younger players are linked with moves away from the soccer club. Obviously, it is been a disappointing season. They have been hoping to be in the play-offs this season, however it has not materialised. One title that has been stated quite a lot last summer season and at Christmas is their goalkeeper, Anthony Patterson, who has been a consistent performer for the club.

“Celtic are a huge club, a huge club, a very good supervisor in Brendan Rodgers, European football. Of course, that would be some thing that you would not be in a position to flip down. Celtic would have to phase with the first-class part of £15-20 million for Anthony Patterson, and I ought to see him leaving Sunderland to play in the Scottish Premiership, and then, if he is nonetheless younger enough, he can come again to the Premier League.

“If he is available, I think there will be a few golf equipment in the Premier League who will be searching to take him on a permanent basis. A very, very proficient goalkeeper.”

Anthony Patterson has a massive decision to make at the cease of the season

Patterson is set to have to make a very hard selection in the summer season with all the hobby in him.

Having the picks to probably move to Celtic, Arsenal or Liverpool is a large testament to his ability, and if any of them do make him an offer for the 23-year-old, it will be hard for him to flip them down.

With Celtic, he would be the substitute for the retiring Joe Hart and would right away emerge as no.1 for one of the largest groups in Scotland, and would play in European football. The issue may just be the fee.

At Arsenal and Liverpool he would more than likely emerge as their second-choice keeper, but to play for two of the largest groups in the world is a big chance to strive and exhibit himself at the best level.

At Sunderland, his profession may want to stagnate, with the membership failing to make progress on their sixth-place finish from remaining season.

Patterson’s contract runs till 2028, so it would take a huge charge for them to phase methods with him, but if an chance comes knocking, it may additionally be exceptional for them to let him go.

‘I do’: John Hartson believes that a “world class” Celtic player will soon be benched for the match against Dundee

As the title race enters its final stretch, Brendan Rodgers has 5 tough fixtures to negotiate for Celtic if he desires to be crowned a champion once again.

Dundee, Hearts, Rangers, Kilmarnock and St Mirren all await Celtic and if we win all these video games then he title is in the bag.

But with these video games will come difficult choices for Rodgers. And John Hartson reckons the Celtic manager is about to make a massive one for the outing to Dens Park on Sunday afternoon.

Hartson says Kyogo will be dropped

The former Celtic hero used to be talking about the upcoming game and put forward an argument where he believes Rodgers will leave Kyogo Furuhashi on the bench in favour of on-loan Hoops striker, Adam Idah.

Hartson said [The Go Radio Football Show], “I assume Idah might come back in. I do. He will become the primary one. He is a participant in form. I think he’s impressed every time he’s played.

“He’s obtained some simply treasured desires for Celtic. And he’s been going with Kyogo quite many times of late. I suppose he’s began the closing three or four games.

“And I simply experience that Idah from the start, you would possibly simply see a little bit more from him as a substitute than coming on off the bench.

“It’s very challenging to select up the pace but even coming off the substitutes bench he’s nonetheless managed to do pretty properly and rating goals.

“So I think you can also nicely see a alternate down the center this weekend.

“Kyogo’s magnificent. He is world-class, however he’s now not been in the pleasant of touch this season. And seeing that Idah’s come in, he’s made a large impact.”

I’m not so certain that this will appear and it’s now not due to the fact I don’t rate Idah. I do. The Irishman has scored seven massive goals for Celtic since he joined us and saved us in the title race.

However, Kyogo is just extraordinary class and I think his movement and sharpness will be indispensable on Sunday. Idah will present a proper choice off the bench and he could be greater high quality after the Japanese striker has worn-out out the Dundee defence.

All in all, all that virtually things is that Celtic get the job achieved at Dens Park and get the three vital factors to preserve us in advance at the pinnacle of the league.

Ally McCoist acknowledges that if Celtic followed Rangers’ 2012 path, he would miss them

McCoist says he wouldn’t choose to see Celtic drop out of the pinnacle flight…but bottom three would do him nicely.

Ally McCoist says he wouldn’t want Celtic to go the identical way as Rangers did in 2012 – due to the fact he’d omit the Old Firm games too much.

Ibrox hero McCoist was Rangers manager during the dark days 12 years in the past when they suffered insolvency and have been solid into the then-Third Division. He led them to back-to-back promotions into the Championship earlier than leaving teaching in the back of in 2014. Now a famend pundit, it’s a distinct landscape to the one McCoist closing presided over, with Rangers back difficult at the top of the Premiership under Philippe Clement. They face Celtic in a crucial league derby on May eleven earlier than a long-awaited Scottish Cup Final between the aspects on May 25.

But would McCoist alternate the modern-day state of play for their rivals to go through a bit of what he did 12 years ago? Not for the world. He used to be talking with Jeff Stelling on talkSPORT and the topic turned to a Liverpool fan who said he would not desire to see Everton relegated from the Premier League.

And when McCoist used to be requested if he’d like to see Celtic drop out of the pinnacle flight, a cheeky McCoist said: “No! Bottom three would suit me fine…

“The games towards each different are what we all generally live for. I was once at the 3-3 sport (at Ibrox), tremendous. When Rangers went down to the third division, I do not care what all people says, you neglected us. You neglected the Old Firm games, because there’s some thing exclusive about them.

“So I recognize that – I do not suppose Liverpool fans would choose Everton to be successful, but they love the video games towards them, and they would omit the video games in opposition to them.”

Time for £4 million star: After the Hampden howler, Rodgers needs to mercilessly fire the 3/10 Celtic flop

The Hoops central defender endured a difficult afternoon in opposition to Aberdeen on Saturday.

Celtic advanced through to the closing of the SFA Cup on Saturday as they beat Aberdeen on penalties at Hampden Park after a 3-3 draw to take it to spot-kicks.

Joe Hart missed a penalty himself, striking the put up with a well-taken effort, and used to be then the hero with his quit to win the shootout for the Hoops.

Despite their progression via to the final, Celtic had a variety of terrible performances from players across the park that Brendan Rodgers must hold in mind ahead of their conflict with Dundee in the Scottish Premiership next weekend.

Central defender Liam Scales persisted a tough afternoon towards his former membership and need to now be brutally ditched from the beginning XI to make way for Maik Nawrocki.

Liam Scales’ 3/10 display at Hampden

The Ireland worldwide was handed a 3/10 rating by Football Insider’s Sean Fisher, who described his performance as ‘nervous’ and ‘sluggish’.

Bojan Miovski’s opener used to be now not the former Dons loanee’s fault, though you should argue that he failed to step in to cut out the via ball that caught Cameron Carter-Vickers out.

The left-footed battler was, however, much less than wonderful with his work for Aberdeen’s 2d as they equalised in the ninetieth minute to send the recreation to greater time.

Junior Hoilett floated a ball to the lower back publish and Scales completely lost tune of Ester Solker and bought caught below the flight of the ball as he missed his header and allowed the ahead to nod the ball into an empty net.

Scales determined himself in a similar scenario for Aberdeen’s equaliser in the 119th minute in greater time as once again Hoilett despatched a cross to the returned publish and the Irishman overlooked the header and allowed his marker, Angus MacDonald that time, to head in.

This suggests that the 3/10 rating used to be now not overly harsh from Football Insider, as the 25-year-old dud had a howler at Hampden with his vulnerable defending that price the Hoops at least two of the three goals.

Time for Maik Nawrocki

Rodgers should now unleash Nawrocki, who was once signed from Legia Warsaw for a fee of £4m last summer, from the start after Scales nearly let his facet down in Saturday’s semi-final.

The 23-year-old famous person did start the club’s remaining league match, which was once a 3-0 win over St Mirren, and put in a stable performance at the again for the Bhoys.

As you can see in the desk above, Nawrocki used to be dominant in his physical battles, winning five of his seven duels, and nearly ideal in possession with his staggering bypass accuracy.

The Polish colossus, who has won 71% of his ground duels in the Premiership this season, heavily contributed to Celtic preserving a easy sheet in the game, whereas Scales was without delay at fault for two goals towards Aberdeen on Saturday.

This is why Rodgers ought to brutally ditch the Irish defender from the starting XI towards Dundee next weekend and unleash Nawrocki, who was wonderful in his remaining start, alongside Carter-Vickers.

Why Joe Hart accepted the Celtic penalty as a “big mouth” without backing down before the relieved celebration

Hart admits his personal self belief used to be behind his choice to step up as he fluffed his lines at Hampden prior before saving the day.

Joe Hart admits his big mouth led him to step up and take a Celtic penalty at Hampden.

The keeper used to be the Hoops’ shock fifth taker as they wanted a shoot-out to eventually see off Aberdeen after a interesting 3-3 Scottish Cup semi-final slugfest at the countrywide stadium. Ryan Duncan failed to convert the Dons’ fourth kick, handing the champions the danger to e book their ultimate date in opposition to both Rangers or Hearts on May 25. But followers had been baffled to see keeper Hart step up, a great deal like Ederson did for Hart’s former club Man City in midweek.

But unlike the Brazilian, Hart struck the woodwork to give Aberdeen a lifeline, which Junior Hoilett pounced on to force sudden death. Hart then redeemed himself after Alistair Johnston and Jack Milne both scored, denying Killian Phillips to make certain Brendan Rodgers’ one hundred per cent Scottish Cup record remained in tact, as nicely as the club’s hopes of winning the double this season.

“I put myself forward,” Hart informed Premier Sports. “I’ve received the biggest mouth when it comes to penalties and they gave me the opportunity. There’s a lot of have faith and a lot of tough work long gone into that. I took that penalty with confidence. I ignored it, however what a sport eh?

“We need to have by no means been at penalties. We ought to have put that game to bed. James scored in all likelihood one of my preferred desires of the season and I was hoping that would win us the game. But we bought it done, that was the most important thing.”

Hart made amends by means of saving Ryan Duncan’s spot-kick in sudden death to send Celtic through. And his lack of occasion illustrated just how lots alleviation he was once feeling after blowing their before danger to end things.

He added: “That wasn’t a feeling of elation, that was once a feeling of: ‘Wow, I really needed to do that for my team, for my club.’ I wished to save that penalty. I felt a lot of accountability having missed.

“The penalties other than mine, have been sincerely superb. Huge moments, large players in a huge season for us. We’re excited for this season and working tough for it. I put it on the line. So I had to shop that penalty.”

Young Hoops defeat Hearts in the final home league game of the season

Celtic FC B kicked off a busy weekend of Hoops motion by way of walking out 2-1 winners in opposition to Hearts B at the Excelsior Stadium.

Playing their remaining home healthy of the Lowland League marketing campaign at the Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie, dreams from Lewis Dobbie and Colby Donovan helped the younger Hoops seal all three points.

The young Celts made a shiny start to the match, growing an early opening interior six minutes.

Bursting down the right-hand side, Bruno Davidson regarded to find Ben Quinn with a square ball internal the area, however his omit simply didn’t have ample weight on it.

That wouldn’t be the remaining of the chance triggered by means of the huge duo, though, who had been threatening the Hearts backline with their pace.

And on 17 minutes the Bhoys took the lead via a well-worked goal as Lewis Dobbie endured his great form in the front of goal.

Latching on to a well-weighted pass by in behind, some unselfish from Quinn allowed Dobbie the easiest of duties to faucet the ball home from close range into an empty net.

After making a positive start to the match, the Hoops came close to a quick-fire 2nd as Davidson raced thru one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but he was denied by using any other clever stop.

They didn’t have to wait lengthy for their second of the match, though, as Colby Donovan obtained in on the act with a long range strike.

The defender’s finish observed the bottom corner, giving the Hearts goalkeeper no danger as Celtic led 2-0 on the night.

However, that well-deserved lead was once decreased at the opening of the second-half as the away facet pulled one returned with a nicely-taken finish from Bobby McLuckie.

However, that didn’t defer the Bhoys, who continued to play their football in the second half, pushing on for a 1/3 goal.

Chances fell the way of Donovan and Jude Bonnar, but they in the end couldn’t take benefit in the final third.

But the two first-half strikes had been sufficient to tightly closed all three points in Celtic’s final league home in shape of the campaign.

CELTIC: Morrison, Donovan (Bonetig 76), Mackenzie, Robertson, Agbaire, Ure, Davidson, Bonnar, Dobbie (Cummings 74), Turley (Jackson Luyeye 70), Quinn (McArdle 70).
Subs: McLean, Osagie

Cheers to your 37th birthday! Joe—The person who responded to the Celtic SOS

NO FLAGGING…Joe Hart has gone from strength to strength since his arrival at Celtic

JOE HART celebrates his thirty seventh birthday nowadays as he prepares to convey down the curtain on three memorable years at the champions.

The seventy five times-capped England global No.1 has decided to name it a day after arriving in a cut-price £1million deal from Spurs in August 2021.

Hart answered Ange Postecoglou’s SOS to take over the problem position after £4.5million Vasilas Barkas had flopped so spectacularly following his cross from AEK Athens the preceding summer.

The blundering Greek used to be ditched after simply one recreation – the 1-1 draw with FC Midtjylland when he used to be to blame for the Danes’ equaliser –  and Scott Bain took over for the return Champions League qualifier and the opening league sport of the campaign.

The Hoops lost each encounters 2-1 and Hart, languishing at the London membership as back-up to French World Cup winner Hugo Lloris, was targeted by using Postecoglou as he put his revamped Celtic aspect together.

The former Manchester City netminder was recruited on August two and made a quickfire debut 48 hours later in the Europa League qualifier towards FK Jablonec.

Kyogo Furuhashi scored his first aim for the membership as he kick-started the Hoops’ revival with a 4-2 victory.

Afterwards, posting on Instagram, the new netminder promised Celtic fans: “Delighted, honoured, proud, to title but a few of the emotions I felt tonight making my @celticfc debut.

START OF SOMETHNG GOOD…Joe Hart’s Instagram post from August 2021.

“It’s been a crazy few days however it’s all been well worth it.

“Thank you for the welcome to your special club, I promise the rust will put on off quickly and we can push on together.”

The towering shotstopper has been as appropriate as his word with some solid, steady and confidence-inspiring performances in view that that night in the Czech Republic.

Just over four months after becoming a member of the club, Hart lifted his first trophy in Glasgow when he performed a key position in the 2-1 League Cup Final success over Hibs at Hampden six days before Christmas.

The Premiership title was once secured in the 1-1 draw with Dundee United at Tannadice on May eleven 2022 and the super-fit Englishman, of course, helped the Hoops to a world document eighth domestic treble closing season.

GLOVE AFFAIR…Joe Hart celebrates another Celtic success

Hart also joined Celtic legend Kenny Dalglish as phase of football royalty throughout the terrific smooth sweep of important British honours.

The famous famous person won all three principal English trophies with Manchester City and he matched the Parkhead hero by using lifting the Scottish Cup in the side’s 3-1 triumph over Inverness Caley Thistle on June 3 on a sunshine-filled Hampden.

CQN and all our readers desire the likeable Hart a joyful 37th birthday and we hope his remaining action as a Celtic goalkeeper will be to select up any other honour in the national opposition to whole a league and Cup double on the iconic date of May 25.

A shut-out the next day in the Scottish Cup semi-final in opposition to Aberdeen would go a long way to realising the dream.

John Hartson delivers a message to Celtic following Rangers’ point loss at Dundee

Celtic were handed a large enhance in the race for the Scottish Premiership ultimate night after Rangers dropped greater points at Dundee.

The sport sooner or later went ahead after the current spate of moist weather prompted the recreation to be postponed twice.

And after Rangers’ loss to Ross County on Sunday, the strain was on the Ibrox facet not just to win last night time but to additionally put in a performance.

Confidence used to be low in the Ibrox camp and with just 5 video games to go, Rangers failed to encourage at Dens Park as they handed Celtic a big title advantage heading into the split.

Keep it easy Celtic

That looks to be the message from John Hartson as the former Celtic hero took to social media final night time to send his historic club a message at once after the last whistle blew at Dens:

We need to win our games..

— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) April 17, 2024

Whilst the Celtic fans celebrated every other large turning factor in the league, Hartson preferred the cautious route.

And even as no longer one Celtic fan will take whatever for granted, self belief is excessive going into the final 5 games of the season.

Celtic’s title run in

The Scottish Cup awaits Celtic this weekend and whilst the Aberdeen game will take care of itself, the fans will nevertheless have one eye on the title race this weekend.

After the Hampden clash Celtic now have 5 fixtures to tie up the title beginning with, ironically, Dundee at Dens Park on the 28th of April.

Hearts then look ahead to the Hoops on the 4th of May at Celtic Park and that is then observed up by way of the large one.

The final Glasgow Derby of the season on the 11th of May now has the achievable of being a title decider and that is then accompanied up by way of a complicated away tie to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on the fifteenth of May.

And the curtain name on the SPFL season will be at Paradise against St Mirren on the 18th of May where the 1230pm kick-off has the possible of being one large title celebration for Brendan Rodgers.

Chris Sutton responds to rangers dropping points to Dundee

Celtic has widened their lead to three factors at the top of the Scottish Premiership following another slip-up by means of Rangers, who had been held to a 0-0 draw via Dundee.

Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Rangers v Celtic – Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – April 7, 2024 Celtic’s Matt O’Riley celebrates scoring their second goal with Greg Taylor Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

This end result marks a regarding style for Rangers, with simply two wins in their last eight matches, diminishing their title hopes as the season heads into its quintessential last phase.

The draw affords Celtic with a widespread advantage as they pursue their title ambitions. Rangers’ lack of ability to invulnerable a win at Dundee offers Celtic some respiratory room as they intention to keep their lead in the standings.

Chris Sutton has reacted to the result, poking exciting at the Rangers fans.

Deserved point for Dundee👏👏 Not so long ago Rangers were cheered off the pitch…tonight jeered off…

— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) April 17, 2024

Looking ahead, Rangers face a challenging schedule. They will meet Hearts in the Scottish Cup semi-final this weekend, a fundamental suit that ought to salvage their season with some silverware. Following the cup clash, Rangers will visit St Mirren for their first game of the league split, a suit they have to win to preserve their dwindling title hopes alive.

Meanwhile, Celtic will tour to Dundee in their subsequent league fixture, searching to capitalize on their modern-day lead and push further beforehand of their town rivals.

There was once no lap of honour tonight, with Clement’s side failing to seal the morale victory.

Defiant Philippe Clement says Rangers can still win the title against Celtic, as he sends a message to angry fans

What the Rangers boss said after his aspect were held to a goalless draw in Dundee

Defiant Rangers manager Philippe Clement still believes that his team can win the Premiership title notwithstanding failing to defeat Dundee in their game in hand over title rivals Celtic on Wednesday night.

Hot on the heels of losing 3-2 to Ross County on Sunday in Dingwall, Rangers dropped extra factors with a 0-0 draw at Dens Park. With simply 5 games to go in the league, Celtic lead their Old Firm competitors by three points in advance and have a most desirable purpose distinction by five. The Gers have only received two of their last eight matches and are faltering simply at the wrong time as the season reaches its climax.

Rangers manager Philippe Clement walks past the angry away supporters after the goalless draw at Dundee. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Clement, however, nonetheless retains full self assurance that his crew can overhaul Celtic and stated that his gamers showed a tremendous response from the unfavorable defeat in Dingwall. “I nonetheless believe that [we can win the title],” stated the Belgian. “I was perhaps the solely one in Glasgow who believed that in October, likely the only one of all the city who believed that. We are now six months later and if we win all our video games then there is a simply huge opportunity for that. I think that is already a massive step ahead and I trust in these players, this group, due to the fact I have viewed what they have achieved this season already. They can do it again.”

On the healthy itself, Clement continued: “They gave a reaction. We didn’t get the result we wanted. We had been the only crew to deserve this end result this evening in the possession, in the chances also. But you want to put the ball towards the net. And you also need some good fortune sometimes.

“It would be concerning if it was once the same overall performance as Sunday. That used to be no longer the case. So, there were a lot of things plenty better, it was once additionally wanted due to the fact Sunday was our worst performance in the six months that we’ve been together. I saw gamers who gave the whole lot to get the result. It’s no longer effortless in opposition to a crew who play man making all over the pitch and observe you … even if you go to the toilet.

“So, to create the space we did, the chances had been there, additionally on a pitch that was bumpy and it’s difficult to manipulate in moments and do the decisive things. But, those are no longer excuses. My crew today gave everything. I was angry, I used to be disillusioned on Sunday. Today I’ve viewed a group who of course could do better. But I noticed a group that wanted to do the entirety to get the end result and play out of the shape that we’ve continually used over the ultimate couple of months.”

Rangers were booed off the pitch through the journeying help and requested what his message used to be to the fans, Clement added: “That they want to stick with the team. That is awesome important. It is triumphing together and dropping factors together. I know as a fan you have the thoughts and for sure after the game. but they have been fantastic the last couple of months and pushing the group over hard moments. That is what I expect also in this situation. They count on that the crew gives the whole lot to win games. Maybe in the subsequent weeks they can push the group a few instances over the line, or the ball over the line.”

Rangers fixture plot muted despite Celtic ‘anomaly’ as the REAL post-split sin is identified

The SPFL have introduced the closing run-in for top six and backside six sides with the title hanging in the balance.

Andy Walker has told Rangers that they can have no complaints over the post-split fixtures – as he admits St Mirren are the solely club that ought to sense difficult executed by.

The SPFL announced the final five Premiership fixtures for the pinnacle and backside six with each and every point set to rely in the the run in as Celtic and Philippe Clement’s side fighting for to declare the title. Both sides have encounters towards Hearts, Kilmarnock, St Mirren and Dundee respectively – but Rangers face three away games to make sure an even cut up with domestic fixtures.

The Hoops on the other hand have been due an greater date at Celtic Park – seeing them end up with three fixtures on home turf inclusive of a workable title decider with the Light Blues on May 11 That has led to some Rangers’ fans elevating issues about the more game on home turf generated through the supercomputer for the vital ultimate five.

However, Walker insisted that solely Stephen Robinson’s men could be allowed a gripe after the “anomaly” of going through Celtic away three instances this term. He informed Go Radio: “I suppose every membership have got 19 home and 19 away.

“The moderate anomaly is that St Mirren have bought Rangers and Hearts three times at home, and St Mirren have also received Celtic away three times. I can not see anybody complaining.

“We are at a stage now the place it’s neck and neck, the place you have got to win your games. The only cause you are dropping at this stage is pressure. The only motive Rangers misplaced used to be just the stress of the sport and they haven’t had players in this role before.”

What must occur for Celtic to defeat Rangers and win the championship

The Scottish Premiership post-split fixtures have generated enormous excitement, especially amongst Celtic followers keen to clinch the title in a dramatic trend by defeating rivals Rangers in the derby on May eleventh at Parkhead.

Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Rangers v Celtic – Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – April 7, 2024 Celtic’s Matt O’Riley celebrates scoring their second goal with Reo Hatate REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

However, whilst mathematically possible, the state of affairs requires a ideal alignment of results.

Currently, Celtic holds a four-point lead over Rangers, with the latter having a game in hand that may want to minimize the gap. This recreation in hand will be played against Dundee on Wednesday night. For Celtic to have a threat to secure the title in the derby, they would need to be at least seven factors clear of Rangers, thinking about there would be only two games left post-derby.

This ability Rangers would want to lose at least one of their upcoming fits towards Dundee, St Mirren, or Kilmarnock, and Celtic would need to win all their fits main up to the derby.

The scheduling places Rangers on the road towards Dundee and St Mirren, and at domestic in opposition to Kilmarnock before heading to Parkhead. On the other hand, Celtic will journey to Dundee and host Hearts at some stage in this period.

If Rangers do gather maximum factors up until Celtic Park, and are defeated in the Derby, Celtic will have to wait until their day trip to Kilmarnock to wrap up the title.

Rangers to get Ibrox bonus amid Celtic championship chase as Premiership top six fixtures are predicted

The Glasgow giants along with Hearts, Kilmarnock, St Mirren and Dundee will locate out their fixtures this week.

Punters are anxiously looking ahead to the Scottish Premiership supercomputer churning out the post-split fixtures this week – but how may it seem to be for the title combat with best parity almost an impossibility at this stage?

Celtic are nevertheless due to play Rangers and Hearts at domestic for a second time – leaving elaborate journeys to Kilmarnock, where they slipped up in December, and St Mirren as well as Dundee. But having solely played 16 games at domestic so some distance this season that would take Celtic to simply 18 – much less than half of their 38 league fixtures.

Rangers, however, have already performed 17 at home yet are still due a 2d recreation towards St Mirren, Dundee and Kilmarnock at Ibrox. That would suggest they’d have played more video games on their personal turf – something certain to cause indignation in the Celtic ranks.

More anomalies will be thrown up such as if the league seem to be to even things up by sending Philippe Clement’s facet to Dens, Paisley or Rugby Park for a 0.33 time. For the sake of argument, right here are how the final fixtures may want to look in no chronological order earlier than the supercomputer cranks into gear at Hampden:

Celtic

Played 16 of 33 video games at home already:

Celtic v Hearts

Celtic v Rangers

Dundee v Celtic

Kilmarnock v Celtic

St Mirren v Celtic

Rangers

Played 17 of 32 video games at domestic already:

Rangers v St Mirren

Celtic v Rangers

Hearts v Rangers

Rangers v Dundee

Rangers v Kilmarnock

Celtic placed a hefty price tag on the player that Manchester United had “monitored” for two years

Matt O’Riley has been in flying form for Celtic this season (Image: Getty)

Manchester United have been instructed the charge that they should cough up to sign one of their long-term targets.

Celtic are reportedly set to demand a Scottish report transfer fee for midfielder Matt O’Riley this summer. The playmaker has been heavily linked with a go away from Celtic Park this summer, with several Premier League outfits monitoring his situation closely.

O’Riley has impressed so far this season, scoring thirteen dreams and helping eleven in 31 Scottish Premier League matches, and his performances have no longer long past left out round Europe. The 23-year-old was once the difficulty of a bid from Atletico Madrid in the January switch window, which was once promptly knocked back by way of Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Atletico were eager to signal O’Riley on a loan deal with an responsibility to purchase worth £18million but Celtic refused to part ways with any of their key players midway through the season. However, The Hoops are awaiting fresh provides for their No. 33 this summer.

According to The Mirror, Atletico Madrid are predicted to ‘revive’ their activity in O’Riley when the campaign concludes, with Inter Milan and Girona additionally monitoring the scenario of the ex-MK Dons celebrity closely.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to shake up United’s ranks this summer (Image: Getty)

Several Premier League aspects are additionally stated to be eager on O’Riley, with Manchester United ‘monitoring’ the midfielder because 2022. Celtic are no longer willing to enable their playmaker to leave cheaply though.

The Scottish giants will demand a price upwards of £25m to phase approaches with O’Riley, which would therefore make him the file transfer sale in the SPFL. Celtic bought each Kieran Tierney, to Arsenal, and Jota, to Al-Ittihad, for £25m previously, but they would like to trump that determine this summer.

Atletico Madrid are expected to reignite their interest in Matt O’Riley (Image: Getty)

O’Riley will be keen to preserve his head down and ensure that he can bow out with Celtic on a high, admitting previously that switch speak affected him in the weeks after the January transfer window closed. The ex-Fulham star explained: “If I’m being totally honest, the first two or three video games after the transfer window mentally it was once a mild undertaking due to the fact I felt fairly a bit of brought stress on my shoulders, just slightly. But then I realised I didn’t really know why I used to be putting extra pressure on myself.

“I didn’t actually want to trade anything. I kind of came away from that and centered on what I convey to the team. It clicked again into location again. Each season, regardless of it going well, it will still pose a unique challenge. Of course, bids are amazing but it ought to still potentially be a negative component if you don’t see it from the proper way as properly so any other component to learn going forwards.”

Mikey Johnston of West Brom receives a challenge from Carlos Corberan to become a Bielsa

Albion’s Championship participant of the month Mikey Johnston has been set a “double” assignment – adopted by means of Carlos Corberan from his former mentor Marcelo Bielsa.

Celtic loan winger Johnston was once the previous day crowned the division’s player of March for his electric powered form since checking in during the January window.

Championship defenders have wised up to the traits of the Republic of Ireland international, who turns 25 subsequent week. Head instruct Corberan, whose aspect host Sunderland today, revealed the single sentence he heard from his ex-Leeds boss Bielsa, now redelivered to Baggies trickster Johnston.

“I said one sentence to him that I listened to from Bielsa – so it’s no longer my sentence!” Corberan said. “It’s Bielsa’s that I think (too). ‘Sometimes to make the same, you want to make double’.

“For me, this sentence is what happens. When no person is aware of you, you shock everyone. As soon as the humans see your affect they are targeted on you, so to make the equal have an impact on you want to work double.

“You can recognize ‘double’ how you want. More difficult work? Increase your resources? I would go extra on these two things, enlarge your resources and work greater so you can enlarge your resources. When human beings see your energy then they start to be centered on your strength.

Celtic’s automatic Champions League spot disappears, while Rangers’ backdoor route remains open

Viktoria Plzen’s draw with Fiorentina capacity Scotland will finish the season outside of the top 10 in the UEFA coefficient rankings.

The Scottish Premiership winners WON’T robotically qualify for the crew stage of the 2025/26 Champions League after Scotland dropped out of the UEFA coefficient rankings pinnacle 10.

The Czech Republic have overtaken us thanks to Viktoria Plzen’s 0-0 draw with Fiorentina in the first leg of the Europa Conference League quarter-final clash. The Czech outfit knew formerly that a draw in either leg used to be adequate to see their country leapfrog the Scots in the standings.

Celtic finished bottom of their Champions League group, although did manage to get some factors on the board thanks to a draw with Atletico Madrid and a remaining day victory over Feyenoord at Celtic Park. But Scotland’s hopes rested with Rangers after Philippe Clement’s side recorded a stunning 3-2 away win at Real Betis to top their Europa League group and e book their spot in the ultimate sixteen A 2-2 draw in Lisbon towards Benfica provided hope that Scotland would nevertheless have a consultant in European opposition to preserve the Czech mission at bay. But a 1-0 defeat at Ibrox sent Gers crashing out and hoping for a Fiorentina favour towards Plzen.

The Serie A aspect had been held away from home though, that means the Old Firm noticed their entry ticket to Europe’s top desk rendered invalid for the season after next, and with it the guaranteed prize pot that can make all the distinction financially when it comes to boosting the transfer coffers.

However, Rangers should nevertheless get in via the backdoor they win the league next season and Scotland are ranked 11th. Their character membership coefficient ranking ability they would secure a spot thanks to the new Champions League layout that comes into effect next season, thanks to being the absolute best ranked champion in qualifying.

That is dependent on the 2024 Champions League winners already qualifying for the following season’s opposition through their league position, which is noticeably likely.

Former Ibrox striker is “raging” at Fabio Silva’s penalty decision and explains why it was wrong

Former Rangers striker Kevin Kyle has strongly criticised the selection to award Rangers a penalty in the recent Old Firm derby, which ended in a 3-3 draw.

Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Rangers v Celtic – Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – April 7, 2024 Rangers’ Abdallah Sima in action with Celtic’s Greg Taylor Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

During the match, Celtic had been main 2-0 when referee John Beaton initially issued a yellow card to Rangers’ Fabio Silva for simulation. However, following a VAR evaluate led by Nick Walsh, Beaton was precipitated to reassess the incident at the pitchside monitor.

The photos reviewed did no longer show Celtic’s Alistair Johnston making initial contact with the ball, a key detail that has caused Celtic to inn a formal criticism with the SFA.

Speaking on the Open Goal podcast, Kyle expressed his frustration with the decision, arguing that Silva’s change of direction pressured Johnston into a natural protecting reaction.

Kyle says that Johnston’s foot touched the ball first, which have to now not have resulted in a penalty.

“My take on it is, Silva is dealing with up Johnston. He’s went one way, he’s went every other so the herbal movements of the body potential the weight is going one way and then the other.

“So as he [Silva] has went one way and chopped him, Johnston’s already going down due to the fact of the way he’s finished the chop.

“So, he sticks the foot out which gets the touch [on the ball]. Where’s he supposed to go?

“He’s toe-poked it. He can’t fall that way so he’s had to fall that way. So the place is he supposed to put his legs?

“Never a f***ing penalty in my f***ing life. Raging.”

Podcast host and former Celtic participant Si Ferry agreed with the contribution.

Chris Sutton queries the exclusion of seasoned Celtic player from the Glasgow Derby

Celtic emerged closing Sunday with their Scottish Premiership title aspirations unscathed following a dramatic 3-3 draw at Ibrox.

Daizen Maeda, Matt O’Riley and Adam Idah got their names on the scoresheet for the visitors, and it regarded that the Bhoys would declare a monumental three points in Govan earlier than Rabbi Matondo struck in stoppage time after evading Hyunjun Yang.

Nevertheless, Brendan Rodgers commended his aspect for securing a treasured point in hard circumstances, as he noted post-match: “We’re disenchanted no longer to win, however to depart right here with it all in our arms is what we wanted—for that, I’m actually proud.”

Of course, Celtic stored their future intact, with the fact that six wins in our closing league matches would be adequate to earn us a 0.33 successive league crown in spite of a topsy-turvy campaign at Parkhead.

With a clean bill of health regarding injuries, the Hoops have no excuses as they warfare it out with Rangers for Scotland’s number one prize, which also comes with the financial value of automated entry to the Champions League group stages.

Chris Sutton says James Forrest could’ve been used vs Rangers

In the autopsy of our Glasgow Derby stalemate, many supporters and pundits rapidly highlighted Yang’s slack defending that performed a part in Matondo’s eventual equaliser.

Despite this, the South Korean international shouldn’t be hounded for one lapse of concentration, in particular given his restrained ride in high-pressure Glasgow Derby matches.

In his column for The Daily Record, former Celtic icon Chris Sutton has claimed that veteran winger James Forrest may have been a wiser desire to help see out the latter tiers of our contest at Ibrox.

He stated: “Celtic can’t find the money for a repeat of the naivety shown for the harm time equaliser. Listen, it was a sensational strike from Rabbi Matondo. But does Yang not watch Scottish football on the television?

“The winger did exactly the identical element towards Hibs final week, but Yang confirmed him internal to his greater foot. It was once an high-quality hit, however it was asking for trouble. It was once the same on the different side. Nicolas Kuhn stored cutting inside, but he was up towards a right-footed left back in Dujon Sterling.

“The one time he received down the outside, his pass resulted in the penalty. These are things they ought to have been conscious of beforehand. You may want to nip select with that 2nd period, and maybe James Forrest may want to have been a higher choice than Yang.

“But the different changes Rodgers made had a wonderful have an effect on with Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo doing nicely when they got here on.”

Truthfully, it is hard to recognize if Forrest would’ve defended with more vigour than Yang for Matondo’s goal, although his journey over the years may also have came in handy on Glasgow’s southside.

Nevertheless, we pass on, and St Mirren will present every other stiff take a look at of our title-winning credentials on Saturday afternoon at Paradise.

Kris Boyd mocks Kyogo’s penalty allegation while Chris Sutton informs him he’s watching a different match

The Celtic talisman used to be left in a crumpled heap after 37 minutes with Mikey Devlin making contact with the striker.

Unimpressed Kris Boyd claims Kyogo’s declare for a penalty was a non-starter as he vehemently disagreed with sparring companion Chris Sutton.

The Celtic talisman used to be left in a crumpled heap after 37 minutes with Mikey Devlin making contact with the striker. Referee Don Robertson allowed the recreation to proceed and brief take a look at from his VAR official Alan Muir decided no in addition action was once wanted with the Japan worldwide left wincing in agony.

But Boyd and Sutton – as is regularly the case – landed on specific sides of the debate with fellow guest Robert Snodgrass siding with Sutton and viewing it as a penalty. Speaking to Sky Sports, Sutton said: “I think Celtic will feel difficult achieved by. I’ve had to seem to be at this severa times, myself. I am genuinely surprised Don Robertson wasn’t despatched over to the monitor to have a look. There is contact, Kyogo receives to the ball first, so I suppose it is a penalty.”

Celtic claim for a penalty after Kyogo Furuhashi is tackled by Livingston’s Mikey Devlin

Celtic claim for a penalty after Kyogo Furuhashi is tackled through Livingston’s Mikey Devlin

But Boyd wasn’t having it, and countered: “So, you had to seem to be at it numerous times, nonetheless couldn’t make your mind up, so it’s not clear and obvious. That’s never a penalty, he’s already down earlier than the contact is made. Watch him, already on the way down. He takes his leg and holds his ankle. It’s never been a penalty.”

A visibly dismayed Sutton told his sparring companion he looking at a exclusive recreation over his verdict on the spot kick shout. And talking from the commentary booth, James McFadden said: “He does kick him, he does kick him. I suppose Mikey Devlin would possibly be a fortunate boy. It’s now not heavy contact however he has kicked thru him to get to the ball

“I’ll be a Celtic fan for life,” says Hart, anticipating trying out Old Firm

The news that away allocations will be restored to a lifelike degree come the start of subsequent season will come too late for Joe Hart to get a applicable sense for what the Old Firm derby used to be, with his Celtic profession coinciding with the ticketing tit-for-tat that is finally grinding closer to a resolution.

Not that having solely a small wedge of Ibrox backing his crew – or, greater recently, no followers at all – has diminished the journey for the former England wide variety one, who is savouring these final months in a Celtic jersey earlier than putting up his gloves for exact in the summer.

He admits though that he is searching forward to perhaps snagging a ticket to come alongside and returned his historic group at some point in the future, with Hart pronouncing that even though he may be leaving Celtic in the summer, the club will by no means go away him.

Whether we will ever see him brandishing a megaphone and main the Celtic support in song like some other former custodian of his position, Artur Boruc, is doubtful, however the ardour that Hart feels for the club is just as heartfelt and will likely linger simply as long.

So, as he gears up for his last taste of Ibrox as a participant this Sunday, sans the Celtic supporters, he is also casting an eye towards the future, and relishing the day that he will be in a position to come lower back up to Glasgow and join their number.

“I virtually seem to be forward to supporting this membership forever, it’s a phase of me,” Hart said.

“This is me disposing of myself from a man who doesn’t desire to speak about what’s next, but I seem to be ahead to being a football supporter at some point in my life. And this is one of the groups I’ll be a fan of.

“I’m going to do away with myself from the state of affairs I’m in now due to the fact my instant response is that it potential nothing to me [the restoration of away allocations]. But if I was once to take away the guy I’ll be when it is going on it will be great.

“It’ll be a actual buzz. I’ve performed in a 50-50 break up right here when it used to be at Hampden and it used to be electric. [Whether you] come out accurate side [or] come out the bad side, it’s emotional.

“Since I’ve been here, we’ve had fans, I assume the most has been 700-750, and it used to be odd at the start of the season, prevailing away and having no-one to put your gratitude towards.

“Because even even though we performed without supporters that day you nevertheless experience it in the build-up, to have your assist and your club behind you, so it’s going to be nice, it’s going to be a magnificent spectacle.

“Around the world this fixture is heavily respected and to hold that appreciate you want away supporters in there. You in no way know, I may be one of those couple of thousand.”

All that being said, Hart has nonetheless enjoyed the Old Firm experience, having not known it any other way. As he mentions, whilst the followers may also no longer be current in the stadium when the Celtic players step out of the tunnel this weekend, the gamers be aware of that there are tens of hundreds with them in spirit and backing them to the hilt.

So, there is no doubting whatsoever that each Celtic player is aware of exactly what is at stake, and who they are representing, when they cross that white line at a vociferously partisan Ibrox.

For Hart, there is no escaping the magnitude of the fixture, both in phrases of what the outcome will imply in the context of the title race, and what it skill to the fans of each clubs.

“If people do not recognize then they do not know,” he said.

“I do know, and I comprehend the build-up to these games is huge, the emotion to these video games is huge.

“If you’re not triumphing world-wide acclaim or awards, who cares? When you are in it, when you’re emotionally invested, I do not care what each person says, I be aware of how it feels.”

Anthony Joseph provides his “understanding” of the true situation surrounding Celtic’s Ibrox ticket allocation for the upcoming season

As the hype builds up on Celtic’s day out to Rangers this weekend, there is a proper experience of excitement surrounding the upcoming Glasgow Derby.

The race for the Scottish Premiership title is so tight that it ought to come down to more than simply factors this season.

Celtic’s 3-0 win over Livingston puts our purpose difference one better than Rangers at 51, however with the Ibrox membership having a sport in hand, that could all trade come the tenth of April when they go to visit Dundee.

The tight margins are what’s making the subsequent derby so exciting however the lack of away followers is something that will detract from that.

With Celtic refusing their Ibrox allocation due to security reasons, Brendan Rodgers needs to take his facet to Govan except the backing of the Hoops support.

But this farcical state of affairs now looks to be a thing of the past after both golf equipment agreed to let a share of fans in for the games from subsequent season.

It used to be extensively stated that Celtic would acquire 2500 tickets and Rangers 3000 based on a 5% share of each grounds capacity. But Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph has forged doubts on those figures.

Celtic ‘not’ being given 2500 Ibrox tickets

Whilst Joseph welcomed the cross by means of each golf equipment to cease the ticket allocation stalemate, the Sky Sports man believes that the numbers being reported are now not accurate.

Joseph said [The Scottish Football Show], “There was a lot of free wording there, it was once round 5% but my understanding is that they’re not going to be giving 3000 tickets to Rangers and 2500 to Celtic.

“I think it will be the actual same quantity for both units of followers even even though there is a 10,000 distinction in the capability of the stadiums.

“I think it’s a actual step in the proper direction. Hopefully, they will see it through because like I said, the wording is pretty loose.

“They’ll want to agree on an actual determine for the away fans. They’ll want to be reassured that the security measures are in place for each sets of away followers in both stadiums, which are built so in another way in distinct components of Glasgow.

“It’s pretty an operation.”

So whether or not Celtic will get hold of extra tickets than first idea nevertheless stays a mystery. And the way that Joseph is talking right here it seems dubious that if it’s not the high give up of the allocation, it is nonetheless uncertain whether or not or no longer 2500 tickets discern is correct as well.

Hopefully, more important points will emerge once this recreation is out the way at the give up of this week because the Celtic followers will be determined to be aware of if they can observe their club to one of the hardest away venues in the league subsequent season.

Lee McCulloch wants the Celtic Park Rangers away section to be moved, but with one requirement

Following a successful resolution announced last week, around 2,500 away fans will attend Old Firm league matches in the upcoming season. If the old allocations ever come back, Lee McCulloch is adamant that the Rangers’ away section at Celtic Park needs to be rearranged. Last Thursday, the Glasgow rivals agreed to allow visiting fans back into Old Firm league games starting in the upcoming season, thereby resolving the long-standing ticket dispute that has diminished one of football’s biggest derbies in recent years. The SPFL has confirmed that, although the lockout will still be in effect for the final two games of the season, about 5% of Parkhead and Ibrox will be reserved for visiting fans.

Brendan Rodgers and Philippe Clement applauded the significant development, which will see at least 2,500 non-home fans attend the match starting in 2024–2025. It’s unclear if this is a step towards the customary 7,000 returns, but if it is, PLZ Soccer host Peter Martin believes it would be more equitable for Rangers supporters to be seated directly behind the Parkhead goal rather than in the corner of the Lisbon Lions stand, with Celtic supporters occupying the entire Broomloan stand.

McCulloch, a former captain of the Gers, concurred, saying, “Yeah, I don’t know the logistics of that.” Although I’m not familiar with policing, I agree. Everyone wants the entire allocation returned, I believe, and that is the common denominator. Regardless of what the ruling class has decided, it’s probably a too early to let the five percent in. “It would be great to get back to the old days where the Celtic fans at Ibrox had the full stand behind the goals, and the Rangers fans had that same allocation because it makes that day super special.”

Hugh Keevins is completely incorrect regarding the Rangers and Celtics ticket situation

The recent headlines surrounding the Glasgow Derby ticket allocation took centre stage at the quit of this week as Celtic and Rangers both come to an agreement.

Everyone is aware of the real reaso why Celtic’s allocation was reduce over six years ago. From having the whole Broomloan Stand, Odsonne Edouard‘s purpose in the 3-2 win sparked a chain of events that would in the end see Rangers take the huff and decrease the Celtic fans to a corner of the Ibrox stadium.

Security issues compelled Celtic to refuse the 800 ticket allocation this season and now, after a lengthy running stand-off, each golf equipment have agreed to a 5% away allocation beginning next season.

But that hasn’t stopped journalist, Hugh Keevins from getting it incorrect on how Celtic will be able to faciliate the return of Rangers fans to Paradise for subsequent season.

Hugh Keevins creates a non-existent Celtic problem

Writing in his column this morning, Keevins welcomed the return of away followers to the Glasgow Derby but made a atypical claim that Celtic could face issues on welcoming returned the Ibrox supporters.

Keevins said [Daily Record], “Think about that one for a minute.

“Now all that both clubs have to do is persuade existing season-ticket holders to relocate inside Celtic Park and Ibrox on the day the noisy neighbours come to call. Good success with that one.

“And even higher luck convincing positive human beings you can assist your membership on O*d F*rm day except inflicting fear and alarm.”

Now as a long way as I am led to believe that even although Celtic do residence season ticket holders in that section of the ground, these fans do now not have the Glasgow Derby fixture as section of their package.

That has usually been the case and that is why Celtic had been allways better positioned to residence the return of the Rangers fans.

As for the Ibrox golf equipment situation, I have no concept if they have the issues Keevins seems to have pointed out here however a easy truth test that I did here, ought to be enough to confirm whether the journalists assertions are actual or not.

Clement suffers setback: Rangers star is “unlikely” to start against Hibs and is out against Celtic

It’s a main blow with the Old Firm derby looming large.

Rangers have been dealt a blow as an injury professional has warned now not to count on one key man back in the squad for the Old Firm derby in what will come as a blow to Philippe Clement.

Ibrox showdown looms large

The Scottish Premiership is accomplishing its climax and either one of Rangers and Celtic should nonetheless scoop top spot come the stop of the campaign. As it stands, Celtic sit top of the table, however only courtesy of Rangers’ clash with Dundee being postponed. Clement’s aspect have a sport in hand on the Hoops and sit just a point adrift.

One facet boasts the fantastic assault in the division whilst the other lays declare to the best defence, and the pair are the two first-rate facets bar none in Scotland as soon as again. It makes their assembly at Ibrox in a fortnight even greater intriguing, with whoever wins the next Old Firm derby surpassed a large enhance in their pursuit of silverware come the cease of the campaign.

Neither side are in all likelihood to be at full electricity – Celtic have issues over centre-back Liam Scales and midfielder Reo Hatate, however there are truely more issues on the other aspect of Glasgow. As it stands, Rangers are sweating on the fitness of Todd Cantwell, Ross McCausland, Kieran Dowell, Danilo, Rabbi Matondo and Abdallah Sima.

Abdallah Sima damage update

Sima is certain to omit the upcoming conflict with Hibs, and now appears not likely to return in time for Celtic, as he will now not have been in full coaching long adequate to be match fit. Sima has been lacking since the middle of January with a thigh injury, however stays the club’s second top-goalscorer this season alongside Cyriel Dessers, having notched 14 desires and grabbed a in addition two assists.

According to scientific expert Dr Rajpal Brar, who weighed in on his damage situation, he would have had to lower back to education with the aid of this point to have a serious danger of being in the mix for the debry.

“The key will be how he’s responding to first-team training however I would be surprised to see him no longer get bounce matches to construct up health and rhythm thinking about how long he has been out”, he explained to Ibrox News.

“It will take more than one games for him to tolerate 90 minutes. So I assume he is not going not simply to start however additionally to be available for that [Celtic] game. If he’s lower back in full coaching already then it’s a opportunity however that does not seem to be the case.”

The news will come as a foremost blow to Rangers, who would have cherished to be capable to name upon Sima’s services for the clash, at least from the bench. However, his eventual return will be welcome in the aftermath of the tie as they seem to be to pip Celtic to pinnacle spot.

“Stand out”: Former Celtic hero Andy Walker is the best Scottish midfield player of the past 20 years

The one component the Celtic fans simply love about their crew is that over the years, we have enjoyed staring at a range of extremely proficient players grace the inexperienced and white hoops.

Henrik Larsson is a name that without delay comes to every Celtic supporter’s mind. Probably alongside players like Lubo Moravcik, Moussa Dembele and Paul McStay.

Tommy Burns, Jimmy Johnstone and Billy McNeill are also up there with the legends of Celtic Park.

In fact, there are so many first-rate gamers that you ought to mention it would be not possible to suit all the names into one article.

So to slim it down, the pundits on Go Radio have been challenged to name the best midfielder Scotland has ever had in the final 20 years and Andy Walker nailed it with his suggestions.

Walker stated [The Go Radio Football Show], “One that straight away sprang to thought for me was once a former teammate of mine.

“Gary McAllister went on to have such a extremely good profession at Leicester, Leeds and Liverpool, of course, by no means thought Scotland.

“But I think if you’ve gained the Champions League, anyone like Paul Lambert would stand out and another former teammate John Collins.”

Indeed, Paul Lambert used to be a incredible player for Celtic and a actual using pressure for Martin O’Neill’s group that cruised to a treble in his first season and to the UEFA Cup Final in 2003.

25 Mar 2000: Paul Lambert of Glasgow Celtic challenges Rod Wallace of Glasgow Rangers during the Scottish Premier Division match at Ibrox Stadium …

One of Lambert’s standout Celtic moments was his piledriver towards Rangers in the 1998 New Year Glasgow Derby that sealed a 2-0 win and helped Celtic end the Ibrox club’s bid for ten in a row.

As well as prevailing the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund, Lambert picked up four Scottish league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups for the duration of his six-year continue to be at Paradise.

One of Celtic’s greats, Lambert will continually be remembered as one of the first-rate gamers ever to pull on the inexperienced and white Hoops.

Brendan Rodgers says he and his teammate have benefited from the Celtic star’s suspension

South Korea international ready to play large phase in title race insists Parkhead boss.

Yang Hyun-Jun’s season used to be grounded just as he commenced to take flight at Celtic after seeing purple against Hearts. But Brendan Rodgers insists being sent off in Edinburgh should in reality be the catalyst for the forward’s perfect take off returned in Glasgow.

Not only that but the Hoops boss hopes that controversial Tynecastle choice might simply have helped get two wing options flying in time for the commercial enterprise quit of the title race after Nicolas Kuhn replaced his fellow wide man and moved nearer to top tools following his January arrival from Rapid Vienna. Rodgers blew his top at the officials after Yang was once pink carded for a high boot in the 2-0 defeat to the Jambos. His outburst landed him with a disciplinary date at Hampden on Thursday and he’s nevertheless adamant the choice was wrong.

But the time between Yang’s two-game ban and worldwide wreck has been used accurately away from the highlight and the South Korea worldwide is now nearer to a stage of fitness that Rodgers believes can fuel a cost to the end line.

The 21-year-old is back accessible for resolution as Celtic head for Livingston on Sunday understanding a win is without a doubt necessary to retaining their title defence on course. And Rodgers hopes supporters are about to see the best of Yang. He said: “I can see his progress. He did brilliant towards Dundee and he has been progressing each day in training.

“We spoke to him (after the pink card). It wasn’t his fault, it was once unlucky and unluckily he has neglected a couple of games. He will be back and feeling outstanding and if something it gave us the probability to put Nicolas Kuhn in aswell.

“Now he looks like he has come onto his sport and searching stronger. He appears a unique player in coaching now. It’s been a top notch probability for him.

“So, if nothing else, after these couple of games what we received from that is sport time for Nicolas who has shown up genuinely well, then Yang comes lower back and we have two surely right gamers for that position.

“He (Yang) has been working on his typical game, his grasp out on the field. His analysis at the back of the scenes. Getting his higher physique strength because it’s a bodily recreation here and in Europe.

“Whatever league you are in in Britain it’s a physically demanding league. He has simply grown at some stage in the season and it’s so accurate to see.”

It’s been a stop-start campaign for the South Korean who has made 27 appearances seeing that signing a five-year deal at Parkhead from Gangwon in his fatherland remaining summer.

Voted K League Young Player of the Year the season before arriving in Scotland there were high hopes for the youngster and his exceptional has shone via in patches most quite in home and away wins over Aberdeen and that 7-1 thrashing of Dundee closing month.

Since returning from worldwide responsibility at the Asian Cup in January – the place he made two appearances off the bench against Australia and Jordan – Yang has taken home performances onto the subsequent level with his strong jogging and willingness to take his man on.

But one flick of his proper boot in opposition to Hearts at the begin of the month noticed his momentum all at once stall. Rodgers insists it’s only natural that younger players touring almost 1/2 the world for a new project in their profession take time to settle.

It’s a fact of existence the Parkhead manager fears some critics are too rapid to forget. He said: “People not only forget about it but don’t apprehend it, or don’t desire to understand it.

“You can’t just drop anyone in to a soccer membership from the other aspect of the world and anticipate them to adapt to the culture, food, training… all the a range of aspects it takes.

“Some do, for some others it takes time and you have to supply these players that time. Especially a younger participant to come into a club of this magnitude. You have to work with them and bring them through. We can see clear developments and with a bit of luck that continues.”

Yang, of course, wasn’t by myself in making the ride from his homeland to the east end of Glasgow returned in July. Kwon Hyeok-kyu used to be unveiled on the same day after agreeing a change from Busan IPark.

But if Yang’s shape at Celtic Park has been a slow burner, Kwon’s is nonetheless waiting to ignite. The 23-year-old protective midfielder has but to play a minute for the Hoops, as an alternative being sent on mortgage to St Mirren in January the place he has considering made eight appearances.

Rodgers insists he’s been completely satisfied with the reviews of the South Korea U23 international’s growth in Paisley beforehand of the subsequent selection being made on his profession in the summer. He said: “It’s an opportunity to go and play. We are sincerely pleased.

“I spoke to Stephen, he wished sport time with the squad being too massive here. He is a gifted player and optimistically he has gone and proven that and the guys are really delighted with him there.”

Meanwhile, Rodgers isn’t worrying about Scotland’s automatic Champions League spot which is putting precariously with all our facets out of Europe. Czech Republic will overtake Scotland in the co-efficient rankings if Viktoria Plzen draw even just one leg of their Conference League quarter-final in opposition to Fiorentina – meaning Scotland’s champions would be pressured to qualify again from season 2025-26.

But Rodgers said: “For us it’s about getting there alternatively which way we get there. The co-efficient we need to strive and work it as exceptional we can to get our teams in. Yeah you’d choose the place to be here however we shall wait and see.”

Angus Gunn is a “good” prospect for Celtic, but a Pundit cautions that there is one situation in which the keeper wouldn’t consider a switch

Brendan Rodgers is on the hunt for a new no. 1 with Joe Hart set to retire at the give up of the Premiership season.

With Celtic looking for a new no. 1 this summer, they should do worse than seem to be to the current Scotland keeper.

Angus Gunn has taken over the gloves at some stage in Craig Gordon’s long damage absence, however now the veteran is lower back and combat to regain his region in times for the Euro 2024 finals in Germany this summer. Gunn endured between the sticks as Steve Clarke’s facet went down 4-0 to the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Friday night with Gordon on the bench.

Joe Hart will be hanging up his gloves in the summer, leaving Brendan Rodgers on the hunt for a new pair of palms in goal. Rivals Rangers had been in a comparable situation ultimate yr with Allan McGregor calling it a day. Despite most of his summer time recruitment proving disastrous, Michael Beale pulled a rabbit out the hat in Jack Butland and Rodgers has been advised to look in the same market.

However, Norwich are still in the playoff hunt and if the Canaries do end in the top six and win the ultimate cash prize at Wembley, then that would take Gunn into a distinctive stratosphere. However, failure to go up and former Ibrox captain Barry Ferguson reckons Gunn ought to be on Celtic’s radar providing Norwich remain in the Championship

“It’s a desirable shout,” Ferguson advised Go Radio. “I didn’t suppose he had the best of video games the other night towards the Dutch. but he’s in reality impressed me given that he came into the global fold.

“He’s a appropriate goalkeeper enjoying at a top level down there. But it will all rely if they get into the playoffs, whether they get into the Premier League. If they do get into the Premier League, there is no way that it’s going to cross his mind to go away Norwich.

“But if they do not get promoted, then I assume it should be one that Celtic would without a doubt seem at. He’s a very desirable goalkeeper.”

Rangers suffer twin injury setback as Celtic and Hearts both qualify for Copa America – SPFL international round-up

How the Scottish Premiership gamers on worldwide duty fared throughout the weekend’s matches

Rangers double harm blow

Rangers left-back Ridvan Yilmaz is facing a spell on the sidelines after choosing up an injury playing for Turkey. The 22-year-old gained his seventh cap in the 1-0 win over Hungary on Friday but used to be pressured off after simply 27 minutes with a thigh problem. Yilmaz has been ruled out of Tuesday’s upcoming fixture towards Austria and has been despatched returned to Ibrox for cure and diagnosis. The Turkish football federation stated in a statement: “A mandatory trade has been made in the candidate squad of our National Team, which will play in opposition to Austria in a unique match on Tuesday, March 26. Our defender Rıdvan Yılmaz used to be removed from the candidate squad due to the harm he suffered in his higher left thigh muscle in the in shape against Hungary yesterday.” In a in addition blow to Rangers, winger Ross McCausland has been ruled out of Northern Ireland’s upcoming suit in opposition to Scotland. The 20-year-old neglected the 1-1 draw in Romania on Friday and manager Michael O’Neill admits he is not going to characteristic at Hampden on Tuesday. “Unfortunately, it looks like Ross McCausland won’t make it,” O’Neill stated of the 20-year-old. “It would have been fantastic to get Ross the opportunity.” Both Yilmaz and McCausland now show up in a race against time to match for the upcoming Old Firm conflict in opposition to Celtic on April 7.

Celtic and Hearts duo qualify for Copa America 

Celtic’s Alistair Johnston and Hearts attacker Kenneth Vargas will play tournament football this summer after helping their respective countries reach the Copa America finals.Johnston played 90 minutes as Canada advanced with a 2-0 play-off victory over Trinidad and Tobago, which included St Johnstone’s Dan Phillips. Meanwhile, Vargas came off the bench to assist Costa Rica earn their place in the playoffs with a 3-1 victory over Honduras, who were missing Celtic winger Luis Palma due to injury. Canada, which includes Motherwell attacker Theo Bair, will face defending champions Argentina in Atlanta on June 21.Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers might possibly play in the tournament after the United States qualified last year, however the center-back has been left out of recent squads due to injuries.

Celtic duo earn Ireland caps

Celtic pair Adam Idah and Mikey Johnston both got here off the bench to help Ireland claim a decent goalless draw with Belgium in Dublin on Satuday. Idah was once added as a seventieth minute alternative for Brighton ahead Evan Ferguson, who ignored a first-half penalty, whilst Johnston, who is presently on loan at West Brom, came on a minute later for Sammie Szmodics. Aberdeen midfielder Jamie McGrath remained an unused substitute. Ireland host Switzerland on Tuesday.

No second cap for O’Riley

Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley used to be left on the bench as Denmark and Switzerland battled out a goalless draw in Copenhagen. The 23-year-old received his first cap against Northern Ireland in November and will hope to be involved when the Danes host Faroe Islands in a pleasant on Tuesday.

Other wonderful appearances

St Johnstone goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov kept a smooth sheet on his 0.33 look for Bulgaria in a 1-0 win over Tanzania on Friday. Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski netted the opener for North Macedonia in their 1-1 draw with Moldova. Rangers winger Ianis Hagi, currently on loan at Alaves, came off the bench in the 75th minute for Romania in their 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland in Bucharest.

How Rangers and Celtic players rated during Scotland against Holland, as Manchester United great gets 5 and Liverpool man gets 7

Players acquainted to Rangers and Celtic have been in motion against the Dutch side.

Scotland fell to a painful 4-0 defeat in opposition to Netherlands during a Euro 2024 warm-up match.

This may have been a pleasant but Steve Clarke’s men had been treating it as something but with valuable locations at the match in Germany this summer season up for grabs. And they commenced bright, with Lawrence Shankland going shut and Ryan Christie rattling the bar.

Tijani Reijnders used to be given space to hit a long-range strike and the AC Milan discovered the top corner, in a sucker punch after some neat play from the traffic in the first half. After a Memphis Depay hazard to double the lead was smartly stopped by way of Angus Gunn, John McGinn and Christie each spurned possibilities to get returned to level terms.

Liverpool ahead Cody Gakpo was once subsequent to check Gunn between the sticks, as the largest risk after the opener fell to Hearts megastar Shankland. An error at the lower back allowed him to pick his spot however he should solely crack the bar.

Soon after the Dutch had doubled their lead, as Georginio Wijnaldum obtained across Rangers defender John Souttar and transformed into the net. Manchester United’s Scott McTominay then ignored a clear header from a pass via Celtic right-back Anthony Ralston as away probabilities refused to locate the net.

It was a brutal lesson in the end, as Wout Weghorst headed domestic and an offside entice gone incorrect allowed Donyell Malen to add a fourth in scientific fashion. Next up is a friendly with Northern Ireland on the 26th. Here’s how Glasgow World rated the Scotland players in Amsterdam, which includes stars from Celtic, Liverpool, Manchester United, Rangers and more.

1. Angus Gunn – 5/10

A statue for most of the first half of before the goal gave him no chance. Terrific save to deny Memphis Depay but will be disappointed through the goal rush. Established variety one.

2. Nathan Patterson – 5/10

Great crosses into the box caused havoc early on. First intention got here from play down his side but little he ought to do. Second he didn’t end the pass before Ralston replaced him.

3. Ryan Porteous – 6/10

Couldn’t get near Reijnders for the goal even though rarely at fault for the raker that followed. Great gallops into the opposition 1/2 to win possession high up however drew too some distance across for the 2d goal.

4. Jack Hendry – 5/10

Instrumental in building out from the back. Steady presence in the returned three but turned too without difficulty against Depay earlier than a first-rate Gunn save. Caught trying at the third as a corner wasn’t dealt with.

5. Kieran Tierney – 7/10

Great run to deny a positive Holland goalscoring chance. Keeping him healthy for Germany a must. Operates with class.

6. Andrew Robertson – 7/10

A few wayward crosses but did without a doubt well to exploit Jeremie Frimpong’s attacking desires. More particular balls into the field could have reduce Netherlands large open. Photo: Ian MacNicol

7. Scott McTominay – 5/10

Got stuck into the midfield battle. No major attacking chance with his midfield responsibilities maintaining him busy, before lacking a gaping headed chance. Caught under the ball for the third. Photo: Craig Foy – SNS Group

8. Billy Gilmour – 6/10

Super reading of the recreation against elite opposition. Tidy passing, left as the man going through up Reijnders at the first goal. Photo: Craig Foy – SNS Group

9. Ryan Christie – 7/10

Thriving at Bournemouth in a box-to-box function and exceeded the license to do that here. Tireless, unlucky not to score. Header rattled the bar and some other hazard have to have found the corner.

10. John McGinn – 6/10

Bundle of electricity as is the norm. Forced a excellent keep in the 2d 1/2 but protective duties meant he couldn’t have as plenty of an attacking impact. Couple of pictures he’d desire to have back.

11. Lawrence Shankland – 6/10

Great movement to fashion a danger for himself early on and no enviable venture having to maintain the ball up versus Virgil Van Dijk. Teed up Gilmour for a go when he could have perhaps shot himself, before a large shot hit the bar. A extremely good danger for Shankland to see what level is required if he is to start towards elite opposition in Germany, and for Clarke to see how he coped with such a task. Photo: Rob Casey – SNS Group

12. Che Adams – 4/10

Replaced Shankland just shy of 20 minutes to go. Did little of note.

13. John Souttar – 3/10

Came on for Tierney to construct on his Rangers form. Wijnaldum left him for useless at the second. Took up attacking positions in the Dutch half of to start passing moves but then played Holland onside for the fourth. A brutal lesson.

14. Lewis Ferguson – 5/10

Got his hazard when changing Gilmour. Played deep but could not have an effect on play. Photo: Craig Foy – SNS Group

15. Anthony Ralston – 5/10

Replaced Patterson and need to have had an help with an outstanding move McTominay ought to have converted.

16. Stuart Armstrong – 4/10

Arrived into action for ex-Celtic teammate Christie. Minimal impact.

17. Kenny McLean – 3/10

Late introduction as he came on for McGinn

The Celtic problem with Cameron Carter-Vickers as pundit issues a stark verdict

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is on a trip to attempt and make sure each one of his key guys are suit to play a section in their title charge.

Club captain Callum McGregor, Japanese midfielder Reo Hatate and Republic of Ireland international Liam Scales are amongst our sidelined absentees; however, all should return for the trip to face Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena subsequent weekend.

Maik Nawrocki and Luis Palma are also unavailable due to injury; meanwhile, several of our different gamers are away on international responsibility over the next week and a half.

Rodgers confirmed that despite Cameron Carter-Vickers coming through our 3-1 victory at home to St Johnstone unscathed, he is continuing his health restoration at Lennoxtown rather than travelling to hyperlink up with the United States countrywide team.

He stated: “I just worried that he would then go away and be concerned in a couple of games when they are massive video games and perhaps more so in June. We had a desirable chat and it used to be determined that he stays at the back of and does his work with us and tries to then stay healthy for the rest of the season.”

Nobody desires to take needless dangers with the health of our megastar players, so it used to be a good selection from both parties to go away Carter-Vickers in Glasgow.

The 26-year-old has been rushed back one too many instances this season in the wake of more than a few concerns, and it is refreshing to see that we aren’t about to repeat the trick.

Jim Duffy problems blunt verdict on Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers

Carter-Vickers is expected to be a pivotal participant for the rest of the campaign; however, pundit Jim Duffy believes Celtic ought to only play the Southend-born man if he is a hundred percent prepared to perform amid the pressure of the title race.

Speaking via Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, the 64-year-old has warned Rodgers and organization that they can’t find the money for to take any chances on his fitness.

He stated: “His exceptional is that he can get away with being sixty five to 70% fit, but if it’s a muscle injury, that simply can’t happen. You’re simply going to worsen it, you’re simply going to put yourself out for longer spells, and that’s possibly what’s happened (in the past).

“They’ve tried to manipulate it, they’ve taken him off, they’ve used him sparingly, however there comes a time at this stage in the season, you’ve received to be 100%.

“The intensity, the demands, there is no probability now to take the foot off the gas. You’ve acquired to be absolutely 100% full steam in advance if you choose to win this title. Carter-Vickers has to be a fundamental section of that, but he has to be at his best.”

Duffy has a point. With the congested fixture time table on the horizon, Celtic solely area Carter-Vickers if they are positive he will be in a position to come through fixtures barring repercussions.

Without his availability, we aren’t the equal pressure and appear far more possibly to concede without the former Tottenham Hotspur man’s presence.

Hopefully, we can make certain he is match-ready as we make one closing push to strive and claim a third successive league trophy.

Carl Starfelt shares off-pitch health concerns following Spanish move

Carl Starfelt has encountered massive challenges off the pitch following his cross to Spanish membership Celta Vigo.

The Swedish defender, who joined Celta Vigo after a successful two-year stint with Celtic, has been scuffling with a thriller sickness that compelled him to miss countless La Liga matches.

The root motive of his fitness issues grew to become out to be a mold infestation in his apartment, which led to recurrent ailment and respiratory problems.

Starfelt’s discovery of mildew in a couple of areas of his flat, inclusive of the bathroom, residing room, and terrace, prompted him to go out and are trying to find accommodation in a hotel, the place he has been living for the previous six weeks.

He said: [SunSport] “In the beginning I obtained ill all the time, four or 5 times a month.

“I was very tired, had trouble respiration via my nose and matters like that. It wasn’t a exciting period.”

I tried to figure out what it was. I changed my diet, my sleep and all that kind of stuff.

“But then I managed to pick out it.

“There was a gap in the roof.

“And it’s already damp in Vigo.

“So it would in all likelihood have obtained more moisture in there, and become very mouldy.

“It was new, like nothing I had skilled before.

“Now I’m dwelling in a hotel, and have been doing so for the ultimate month and a half.

“It feels a whole lot better. I have made a full recovery.

“I won’t move again there, even if the mold is removed. I’ll see if I can locate some thing else.

“Otherwise I’ll stay in a lodge for the relaxation of the season.”

Despite these non-public struggles, Starfelt has persevered to provoke on the subject for Celta Vigo.

He’s been a large miss for Celtic this season, the excellent and consistency he delivered to the back line has been highlighted by using Celtic struggles this season.

He was a key participant in securing 5 trophies, which include a treble ultimate season.

Etienne Vaessen scouted: Has Celtic already discovered a Joe Hart replacement?

Celtic have reportedly made a ‘concrete offer’ to RKC Waalwijk goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen.

According to Dutch media outlet Brabants Dagblad, the club have made an early pass for the 28-year-old who is out of contract with relegation-threatened Waalwijk at the stop of this season.

With current range one Joe Hart retiring this summer, reinforcements in the goalkeeping branch will be high on the agenda for the Premiership Champions’ recruitment team now and in the coming weeks.

 

So, would Vaessen, who is also said to be attracting pastime from Eredivisie competitors PSV Eindhoven, match the invoice as a practicable Hart replacement? Here, using Wyscout data, we take a closer appear at the Dutch keeper to locate out more.

Of course, it is well worth noting that data by no means gives a full photograph when analysing a player, even more so for goalkeepers who have a good deal more limited records points compared to outfield players. Goalkeeper data is additionally more closely influenced via team overall performance than any different position.

There are nonetheless a few key metrics that can be used to evaluate goalkeeper overall performance and provide an insight into their profiles.

Shot-stopping

Firstly, and arguably most importantly, is shot-stopping. Essentially, how nicely is a goalkeeper performing when it comes to their crucial role, maintaining the ball out of the net?

 

As can be seen in the above scatterplot, Vaessen is a standout in this season’s Eredivisie in his regard. He has, understandably given Waalwijk’s struggles this season, faced one of the best possible volumes of xG in opposition to in the league (1.86 per 90). However, he has only conceded 1.52 desires per 90, giving him the absolute best avoided desires (0.33 per 90) of any goalkeeper in the Eredivisie. Prevented dreams truly being the anticipated desires in opposition to minus conceded goals.

His universal averted goals have been well worth a 7.81 wonderful intention swing for his side. His ability to overperform versus the predicted quantity of dreams he ‘should’ have conceded has certainly been pivotal to Waalwijk’s efforts to remain in the Eredivisie this season.

From a shot-stopping perspective, this is via a ways Vaessen’s strongest season. Last season his avoided goals was once 1, while in the 21/22 season, he used to be very slightly beneath what he would have been expected to save (-0.27).

Over his complete career, all of which he has spent with Waalwijk, Vaessen has a superb averted desires total, conceding on common 1.51 dreams per 90 from 1.56 anticipated conceded desires per 90.

For comparison, Hart has tended, generally, to concede around what he would have ‘expected’ to at some point of his time with Celtic. Although this has been on the decline domestically and Europe has been a particular difficulty – Hart posted the lowest Shot Stopping proportion of any keeper in the competition this season, in accordance to StatsBomb data.

Sweeper Actions

The subsequent vicinity where statistics can be used to provide in addition insight into Vaessen is sweeper actions. Here, the facts shows Vaessen to be greater of a sweeper-keeper. He has the third-highest exits per 90 (1.90) in the Eredivisie, nearly twice as plenty as Hart has averaged this season (1.07 per 90). Some of this could well be accounted for by way of fewer assaults heading toward Hart’s intention than to Vaessen’s.

For aerial duels, Vaessen comes in round common for the quantity he is worried in (0.38 per 90). However, as the under picture shows, he does now not rank too nicely against his positional friends for his win proportion (66.67 per cent).

At 6’2, Vaessen is no longer the biggest goalkeeper (Hart is 6’5) so dealing with crosses is perhaps no longer the strongest section of his game. It is well worth bearing in thinking here how small these volumes are, i.e. it would solely take one or two successes, or failures, to swing these considerably.

Distribution

Not something Hart has been overly cosy with all through his time in Glasgow, Rodgers has, predictably, endured to use the goalkeeper in build-up phases at some point of his 2d stint in the Celtic Park dugout. The following distribution scatterplot highlights some of Vaessen’s inclinations in this area.

Heavily influenced by way of crew style, Vaessen takes an even quantity of short/medium and long passes, indicating Waalwijk range their build-up play.

The above photo from Wyscout sheds some greater light, showing how profitable Vaessen is in his passing from open play across various distances.

Here we can see he has only misplaced one of 139 passes at 0-20m in the final year. His basic Short pass accuracy of 97.77 per cent is average, to barely above average, for a goalkeeper in the Eredivisie in the final 12 months.

The image additionally highlights that he isn’t quite as correct over longer distances. This is typically the case for any player but his 59.5 per cent skip accuracy is under average for a keeper in the Dutch top-flight over the final year.

Given that Celtic don’t tend to go direct too often, Hart has solely attempted an average of 3.24 long passes this season, this is doubtlessly not a massive issue, ought to Vaessen make a cross to Parkhead this summer.

Conclusion

Vaessen is an fascinating link. His performances in this season’s Eredivisie, particularly his shot-stopping, could be considered as some thing of a bit of an ‘overperformance’. Equally though, given his age, an argument ought to be made that this is down to him coming into his peak years – late 20s to 30 is often viewed top for goalkeepers.

He doubtlessly profiles as more of a sweeper-keeper, which would be fantastic given Celtic frequently holds a high line, domestically anyway. At 6’2, he possibly doesn’t have the traditional presence of a ‘big guy in goals’ so there may be some question marks over how he would potentially deal with the bodily aspect of Scottish football though.

His distribution numbers appear regular enough. However, right here it would stay to be seen how this scaled to a much greater possession-dominant Celtic team compared to a facet struggling in the Eredivisie that is averaging less of the ball than their opponents most weeks.

Going from dealing with an xG of nearly two per sport to round 0.67 (Celtic’s xG Against in the Scottish Premiership this season, Wyscout) would additionally be an adjustment for Vaessen. Out with European games, Celtic keepers may also frequently solely be required to make simply one, perhaps two, vital saves a game.

This special environment a Celtic goalkeeper finds themselves in, and some of the formerly noted obstacles of goalkeeper data, make coming to any definitive judgements here tricky.

However, what can be stated is that Vaessen is a peak-age goalkeeper performing persistently properly in a first-class league. Off the lower back of his strongest shot-stopping season and displaying signs of an capability to contribute correctly to the build-up and in sweeping, he would signify a promising candidate for subsequent season’s Celtic number-one jersey.

Reo Hatate on Celtic’s “slow burn” as supporters were forced to wait for the MOST important midfield player

The Hoops midfielder has suffered an harm hit campaign for Brendan Rodgers’ champions.

Peter Grant isn’t always sure Celtic fans will see the REAL Reo Hatate any time soon after a prolonged spell out.

Brendan Rodgers confirmed closing week that the big name midfielder has been out on the grass as he continues to work closer to full fitness. It’s been an harm plagued marketing campaign for the fans’ favorite with simply 13 appearances to his identify this term. The hope is he will re-join the squad following the global spoil and will teach with these not on responsibility in this period as the season enters the enterprise end.

A big showdown with Rangers is on the horizon before the league cut up and when the fixtures are launched as the top and bottom six find out their fate. Both derbies will prove massive in the destiny of the Scottish Premiership title this campaign. Hatate’s return will come as a large improve to Rodgers and the Parkhead faithful.

Fellow pundit and Ibrox legend Barry Ferguson also reckons Celtic will now not see the nice of Hatate until NEXT season and that his return will be a bit of a ‘slow burner’.

Grant informed Go Radio: “It offers you an opportunity to get people returned match [International break]. I think that is important. People discuss about Hatate however I just think he has simply been out too lengthy to come and have an impact.

“Barry will inform you. It does not count how good you are, how well you train or how many exercise fits you put on. You be aware of you can watch yourself in them except placing that depth in. It’s very, very difficult to be excessive no count what if it is a training in shape as you can walk off or do anything. The depth is completely different.

“For the length Celtic are going into, I’m no longer sure. He can be handy however is he going to be the Reo Hatate? I suppose it is not possible to be out that length of time to come straight lower back in and be that player. I thinking he was getting again to the structure he had from his remaining injury. The manager had left him on the bench [start of the season] and I think it was once the Kilmarnock sport was his first-rate sport and then receives injured. Sod’s law. That used to be him lower back at his best.

“I just assume it is very hard when you’ve got been out that duration of time. Guys who have been out a week or so, that is a bit simpler.”

Co-pundit Ferguson added: “I don’t suppose you will see the high-quality of Hatate till subsequent season. You can teach and run on the training ground as lots as you desire but nothing beats taking part in video games of soccer and getting 90 minutes into the legs. I think it will be a sluggish burner for him and he will comprehend that himself.

“You’ve obtained to be really, virtually careful. He’s a fantastic operator no doubt about it however I do not assume you will see him at his quality till next season.”