Rangers skipper James Tavernier declares that ‘the sky is the limit for this club’ as he lays down the Celtic title gauntlet

The captain fired the membership to victory at Hampden as the first silverware on provide in Scotland used to be delivered to Ibrox.

Captain fantastic James Tavernier won’t argue with a Rangers fans daring to dream. Instead, the Light Blues’ Hampden hero insists it is his team’s duty to seriously change fantasy into actuality in the chase for a notable smooth sweep at domestic and abroad.

A season that was once in danger of becoming a nightmare as things unravelled below Michael Beale, now has a very specific feel for the Ibrox assist with new boss Philippe Clement still unbeaten. Tavernier’s attractive winner the previous day bagged the season’s first prize – however the skipper can’t cover from the reality the punters will now be worrying more.

Expectation stages will be hovering with Celtic apparently on the slide toward civil combat and a title race that seemed dead and buried solely eight weeks in the past is all of a sudden too shut to call. There’s the Scottish Cup to come too and with Rangers additionally looking forward to Europa League closing sixteen action in the new year, there are bold notions floating round that this would possibly be the 12 months Gers can go for all four. It would possibly be fanciful at this stage, but as a ways as Tavernier is concerned, let them dream.

He said: “That’s what soccer is. If you are four-years-old, 10-years-old or if you are a utterly grown man or woman, you dream about things in football. The followers will be dreaming that we can win everything.

“Us as a team? We have received to put ourselves in a top position to manage to do that. We have accomplished that these days with the first trophy so we have got to proceed to construct on this.

“The sky is the limit with the team. You talk about the league. There are masses of games to be played and the last selection will be made in May.

“We’re in wonderful stead now. We’ve acquired our fingers on a trophy, we’ve topped the group in Europe, it’s been a massive week. We’ve got to genuinely enjoy it however construct on it and now not forget what’s in the front of us. We’ve got to simply push ourselves, operate even better and get what we want.

“Look at what the state of affairs was once eight or 9 weeks ago. Football can go very quickly. We’ve simply acquired to perform nicely on Wednesday towards St Johnstone. There is momentum there and we have to maintain on winning.”

Tavernier has at last ticked off his to-do list of Scottish honours. He was the man who led Rangers to their first league crown in a decade in 2021, who lifted a first Scottish Cup in view that 2009 the season earlier than ultimate and who has now ended a 12-year wait for League Cup glory.

There are masses who insist he’ll want a lot extra to truly deserve the vicinity in the Ibrox corridor of repute he was once awarded ultimate summer. But the Englishman can rightly argue his small collection of medals carry their personal different significance.

He said: “It’s needless to say a proud second for myself and my family, but it’s down to the team. I notion everybody really performed well. We should have played better, however absolutely everyone honestly stood up to the task in hand and we saw it over the line.

“Rangers gave me the platform from day one 9 years ago. They gave me the opportunity to play the sport I love and I’ll always repay them, no count number what.

“I go out week in, week out to do my best. It’s without a doubt exciting now to see the crew galvanised. That’s what the manager is bringing to the table, pushing every other on. It’s set out for some thing virtually extraordinary for us.

“This result was long overdue. But it used to be all about the group today. We in all likelihood made it a bit nearer than we expected, but we knew that if they had chances we would create our own.”

Tavernier pounced 14 minutes from time to clinch victory as he lashed previous Kelle Roos from a Borna Barisic cross. But he published that team-mate John Souttar deserves some of the savings for the goal.

He said: “I spoke to Soutts at half-time having seen that Ross McCausland had bought in at the lower back post a couple of times. I thinking I may want to appear to maybe get in there myself.

“With Dujon (Sterling) having such a properly game, I may want to see greater as the 2nd half went on for him to provide me a little bit of cover.

“I noticed Borna get to the byeline and I idea I would get myself into the box. When it went up in the air, I just thinking ‘get it on target’. The joy of scoring is needless to say unbelievable and we managed to see it out.”

The captain paid tribute to the influence of Clement, who bagged his first trophy after simply 14 games. Tav continued: “He’s come in and raised the bar, raised the standard.

“He’s given us a lot of clarity as a team about what he wishes us to do, and each person has absolutely received on board with it. He says it’s no longer just about the crew that’s starting, it’s about the 22 or 24 all sincerely pushing themselves on the education field.

“That’s really superb to see in the back of closed doors, that we’re all sincerely pushing each other to get the success for us all to enjoy. There are a lot of first-rate gamers out injured, however I really believe in this squad and the intelligence we have in the team.

“Dujon has been genuinely improbable due to the fact that he’s been enjoying in that midfield role. He’s come in and been asked to do a job, and he received man of the in shape in the remaining and deservedly so.

“A lot of players played truely nicely but Dujon was simply good. Cyriel Dessers is absolutely coming into his strengths, he was a big matchwinner for us on Thursday night.

“We’re all pushing every different every single day and standards are going greater and higher. We’re solely going to get higher going forward.”

Rangers manager Philippe Clement left Pundits speechless following a Celtic inquiry

The Viaplay Cup-winning boss used to be in no mood to flip his attentions to the title race

Philippe Clement had TV pundits in stitches after the Viaplay Cup-winning Rangers boss brushed off questions about the title race.

The Belgian has made a sensational begin to existence at Ibrox, leading Gers to Hampden glory and evaporating Celtic’s seven-point lead after 14 video games unbeaten. James Tavernier’s winner sparked wild scenes at the countrywide stadium today as the Light Blues secured the season’s first fundamental piece of silverware. Rangers have been additionally boosted by Celtic’s shock 2-0 defeat at domestic to Hearts yesterday, which capacity they can now leapfrog Brendan Rodgers’ strugglers into top spot by winning their two games in hand.

It marks an outstanding turnaround because Clement replaced Michael Beale in the Govan hotseat. But instead than turn his interest to the league race, Clement was once keen to make the most of tonight’s celebrations as he batted away host Emma Dodds’ query live on Viaplay.

Dodds – who additionally offers on Rangers TV – asked: “Now you have this remaining out of the way, are you capable to refocus on the league table? Obviously, some interesting consequences yesterday. Does it have a extraordinary complexion if you can take gain of the games in hand?”

But Clement drew laughs from pundits Ally McCoist, Derek McInnes and Scott Arfield when he replied: “Yeah, you are already greater down to earth than me! That’s a truely challenging query one hour after the cup final. I want to revel in it a little bit and then maybe I’ll have a higher indication about that. But this evening, I think it is surely essential that the lads enjoy. They want to revel in this evening. From tomorrow, I will be with my serious face again.”

Rounding off the post-match interview, chuckling Dodds said: “Well I’m really now not one to stand in the way of a celebration, so revel in Philippe. Thanks very much.”

Gers legend McCoist could not face up to a cheeky dig as he poked exciting at his “party popper” colleague, before Dodds laughed: “I know, I’ve never been accused of that in my life!

What the Rangers Pundit said as McCoist begged for a new contract, Kris Boyd taunted Celtic, and McInnes made an unforgettable joke

It was an evening of utter joy in Seville as Real Betis have been defeated 3-2 and with it top spot in Group C for Rangers.

It was a first win ever for Rangers in Spain but it got here in a tournament which is second nature to this era of Ibrox stars.

And it came on an evening of utter pleasure in Seville as Real Betis had been defeated 3-2 and with it pinnacle spot in Europa League Group C for Rangers. which means they have bypassed a treacherous playoff round, earned brought cash and banked extra coefficient points which will reap rewards in years to come. Many of the fans housed high in the gods suffered heartbreak 18 months earlier in the same metropolis however redemption was on the menu as Kemar Roofe struck to win a thriller.

Rangers followers are buzzing, and rightly so, and that upbeat temper was once reflected via the pundits protecting the action on a pulsating Europa League evening.

Kris Boyd

“It’s an unbelievable result for Rangers. They acquired off to a superb start thru Sima. That man Kemar Roofe got here off the bench and he swivelled and put it beneath the goalkeeper. I assume thinking about they dropped five points to Aris, bottom seeds in the group, surely struggled towards them however have found a way to beat Real Betis and Sparta Prague. It’s huge, financially for the club and to get to that round sixteen Once again, Rangers will fly the flag for Scottish football in the New Year.”

Ally McCoist

“Another element worth citing is will Clement be supported in the switch window? Absolutely, yes, however the moment the first factor I’m doing is getting the goalkeeper on a longer contract. That’s the first component I would do. I would lengthen that, the goalkeeper has been truly outstanding. He will deliver one or two new faces into the membership and deserves to do that but you want to preserve that goalkeeper.”

Derek McInnes

“I concept the supervisor acquired his substitutions spot on, he has rinsed without a doubt the whole thing out of what he has reachable to him. It’s a large result, a excellent end result in the context of their season. They will take so a whole lot self belief beating Real Betis in their very own backyard. A outstanding achievement. Big Dessers turns into Archie Gemmill (for his goal).”

Rory Loy

“The first one did hit the crossbar. The second one, the ball in the air is fantastic, it’s a super retailer from Butland. It does hit Davies in the arm. I am surprised VAR hasn’t had a closer look. It is just above the elbow and inside the arm. There is not a lot he can do about it. But going via the laws of the game, I am surprised they haven’t had a appear at it given the place it took place, right on the aim line.”

Kenny Miller

“Sterling has been outstanding in the 2d half. He’s plugged gaps, he is shown wonderful energy. It’s a position that is a little bit foreign to him but he goes in there and offers you everything. He has suitable legs, he covers the distance. He has had a truly half.”

With few days remaining, John Hartson believes a Celtic great might make an unexpected comeback against the Rangers

Celtic have massively overlooked Reo Hatate’s personality in the middle of the park and it’s magnificent to hear that he is edging nearer to returning to action.

Brendan Rodgers stated that the 26-year-old is looking at a return date of January after missing the last eight Scottish Premiership matches, which includes three European ties via injury.

But for, John Hartson, he thinks there may want to perchance be a shock up the sleeve here and Reo Hatate could be returned sooner alternatively than later.

Celtic will lock horns with Rangers on December 30, with John Hartson adding ‘I wouldn’t be surprised if he is covered in that team’, as he told Go Radio.

Brendan Rodgers did also in the past factor out that it’s unlikely the Japan worldwide will get to participate in the Asian Cup games in January.

That’s possibly him sending out a message that he doesn’t favor his celebrity midfielder chosen due to the fact it without a doubt won’t assist matters for Celtic, that’s for sure.

Either way, Reo Hatate’s identify popping up on the teamsheet for Rangers will genuinely put a smile on fans’ faces and John Hartson thinks it’s a possibility.

Reo Hatate’s damage update

“I think Hatate, he will be a big one to come back,” said Hartson. “They have neglected him. They have overlooked his drive and his intention threat.

“He gets up and down the pitch. But he is higher in the last third. There are 18 greater days to go till Celtic play Rangers.

“He (Rodgers) thinks it’s early January, but if he recovers really, without a doubt nicely then I wouldn’t be too surprised if he is covered in that team.”

Reo Hatate in Celtic’s midfield

The faster he returns, the better it is for Celtic and the team’s below-par performances improving.

That bite, aptitude and arrogance is wished in this Celtic side, with Hatate proving to be a bigger omit in Europe.

Whilst the Bhoys can get about losing key gamers on the home stage and still putting up points, you can’t say the same for the Champions League.

“We want the fans to have something to be happy about when they return home. “Brendan Rodgers”

“We choose to do the whole lot we can to supply the supporters a performance and a result,” Brendan Rodgers…

Q: Where are Daizen Maeda and Cameron Carter-Vickers in phrases of their health and involvement?

Brendan Rodgers: “They won’t be concerned tomorrow however for the weekend they will hopefully be available. ”

Q: In phrases of your conventional approach, how do you balance this sport with essential home matches?

Brendan Rodgers: “Our attitude to the recreation is precisely the same, it’s to go and win the game by playing our way. I think we confirmed at the weekend that once we trade from that we don’t have the identical features and it’s no longer playing to our strengths. We want to go and play the sport we favor to play, we comprehend we are taking part in a excellent facet but it’s our last recreation at home and we desire to do the whole thing we can to provide the supporters a overall performance and result.”

Q: Does the co-efficient come into your wondering in a game like this?

Brendan Rodgers: “No. It’s based on how you are doing in the present. If we are successful at this level then that tags on but subsequently we are here to do the very great for Celtic and if we can achieve points and wins then of route that will always enhance the standing.”

Q: Does this supply you an probability to take a look at fringe players at this level?

Brendan Rodgers: “Because of the situation we have with accidents and with all the games we’ve had before and after this game, it gives opportunities for players to play and I assume that’s… By the time we reach January a lot of players will have had the threat to play games, and video games via all the degrees and then be assessed from there. Whatever group we put out at Celtic it’s to win.

“There’s no gifts. No free games. You need to win and even though, disappointingly there’s nothing to play for in terms of Europe after Christmas we are still playing for satisfaction right here so we will have a crew tomorrow looking to combat for the result.”

Q: What’s the response been like to the end result in opposition to Killie?

Brendan Rodgers: “It’s in most cases been restoration to be fair. We acquired returned in and analysed the game. The beauty and super cost of the recreation at the weekend is that we recognize the place the issues were. A bit like the St Johnstone game, the intensity wasn’t right. We fixed that however sadly for us, we didn’t play with the poise we wished to play with in the second half in our league game. But at least we see that and we can take the getting to know into the recreation tomorrow.”

Q: Can what you do tomorrow give you belief for subsequent season?

Brendan Rodgers: “It’s nonetheless such a lengthy way to go. Come this time next yr the squad might appear a lot one of a kind again. You can only deal with the present and for us it’s about going and performing and playing to the stage we recognize we can consistently. We’ve finished that in spells in this competition the place we have played some certainly high-level football but you have to do that consistently. If you can do it constantly with that quality it will constantly give you a chance of breaking through.”

Q: If you win, can it spur you on domestically?

Brendan Rodgers: “Every win usually improves confidence, but either way, whatever the result we will go into the sport against Hearts honestly centered on getting a result. We will make that breakthrough at some factor in the close to future. It would be a magnificent area to begin to do that the next day but anything the end result we will go into the weekend’s game honestly centered on getting returned to velocity in the league.”

Q: What do you expect from Feyenoord?

Brendan Rodgers: “Jiminez may play. He didn’t in the first recreation and he’s a very gifted striker and has executed simply properly for them. They are a sturdy side. We noticed their quality and played truly nicely in the first half. You can see the physicality in the team and they have a honestly high level of approach and a desirable understanding. Arnie Slot has performed well there and is a genuinely true instruct so it’s a large project however we enjoy that. Any sport in the Champions League is a big game and we appreciate that. It’s our final sport in the competition and we desire to give the followers some thing to go domestic glad about.”

Q: How is Reo Hatate getting on?

Brendan Rodgers: “We assume at this moment in time his recuperation will be into January but he’s doing very well. We verify that as every day goes by.”

Q: You seem at pinnacle groups over the Champions League level, even in your first spell when you had Scott Brown as a bodily presence in midfield who should do the soiled work and permit gamers to push on forward. Is that a player you would like to bring to the membership in the January window or shifting forward to the summer time window?

Brendan Rodgers: “I suppose it’s usually about stability in midfield. For me, the importance of prevailing the ball is a collective, it’s not simply one player. Scott was once extremely good in my time here. We performed with a physical player at the weekend and lost, so it’s all about the balance in your team. I said when I first got here in that with a bit of luck the identity of this group will have power, strength, creativity and velocity over the path of my time here. We’re working closer to that. Technical capability is very important but being aggressive is equally vital in all factors of the pitch.”

Q: The final win in a Champions League sport was once when you were here as manager. How outstanding an success would it be for you once more to information Celtic to every other Champions League win the following day night?

Brendan Rodgers: “It would be great, but extra so for the supporters that have been ready a lengthy time. The Anderlecht recreation was a brilliant win for us and we played truely well in the game. The crew has gone close on activities but it would be pleasant to make that result. It’s more for all and sundry than a non-public achievement. This is a sincerely challenging opposition for a group like ourselves but we always dream and have the ambition to do well. Whilst we’re competing with the shit we’ll continually fight for the result.”

Jessica Elliott – The Celtic Star: Are there any particular things from the relaxation of the team stage games that you’ll be looking to improve on for tomorrow night? Callum McGregor said that you want to be switched on for ninety minutes however is there whatever else that you’ve worked on in coaching that will assist you get a higher result tomorrow?

Brendan Rodgers: “I suppose in terms of these games, I’ve constantly stated they’re games about belief. Callum’s virtually right from a intellectual point of view your concentration is so important. The technical level of players right here capacity they can get via the pitch very quickly, and all of a unexpected they’re in on your back-line. Lots of teams at this level have excellent at the front quit of the pitch so that concentration is important. When you have the ball, it’s all about having that belief and the poise to look after the ball and to attack with speed, however also to be able to play at tempo.

“That’s some thing we continually intention to do here within the team. Most importantly, as quickly as the whistle goes then you go and attack the game, and that is when we are at our best. We’ve shown that right here on a number of games and when we do that, we seem a simply proper side. You comprehend within the game that you have to defend and you’re going to have to be strong, with a little bit of luck alongside the way. If you can do that, then with any luck you can have a terrific night.”

Jessica Elliott – The Celtic Star: The performances in the Champions League have been good, but you perhaps don’t have the points to show for it. What are the positives that you can take from this marketing campaign going into the next one?

Brendan Rodgers: “I look thru each sport and there have been spells where I’ve been honestly happy with things, like the begin in Feyenoord right up to half-time when we lose a poor goal. The Lazio sport here we should have taken something from that game and didn’t. That awareness lapse fee us. The Madrid game at home was a certainly correct overall performance and a in reality thrilling sport in opposition to a surely true side.

“We’ve shown that we can not simply compete but our footballing capacity too. It’s simply about sustaining that, and you can’t drop off in your next games. Madrid away used to be a tough nighttime for us, and when you lose a player at that stage the opposition can punish you, and they did. I’ve viewed a lot in a lot of the video games to be aware of that if we maintain enhancing our experience and seem to enhance the squad then we with any luck can make another step forward.”

Q: Just to contact on recruitment, in the summer season window you signed nine new gamers and at the weekend only two of them began in Palma and Phillips whose mortgage deal finishes soon. In the previous fixture, only Palma started. Looking back, would you say you were comfy with the summer time activity, and are you confident going forward in January that you’ll be in a position to get the first crew geared up gamers that you noted in terms of journey and quality?

Brendan Rodgers: “I don’t need to appear back. The gamers were signed and are in here. They are players that can also not be for now but may be gamers that down the line come to be truely exact gamers for Celtic. when you’re coming into a membership like Celtic, at 20 years of age it can be a real challenge. The adaption of coming to any other us of a can be tough.

“Those guys have signed lengthy contracts, and hopefully, in that time they can show that they can be Celtic players. Looking forward, we want to enhance the squad, and I assume we’ll do that one way with gamers coming again that can show influential for us and hopefully, if there’s the right gamers available we can improve in key areas that we would like to.”

Q: In the European campaign, you have competed properly in the majority of games. Do you have a message for Celtic fans that you experience that you can be the one to take the membership forward and growth in phrases of knockout football?

Brendan Rodgers: “I without a doubt can due to the fact it’s the very cause I got here back. I got here returned here to lead the club domestically to endured success and additionally into Europe where we all want to wreck this barrier and bridge this hole which is a in reality challenging challenge but it’s what I’ve usually performed in my career. I picked the undertaking to come right here and optimistically take us forward.

“That’s going to be us all, the supporters, the board, the gamers and myself all being together. Getting the right players in that can enhance and advance the squad. I have each and every confidence that I can do that over the coming seasons.”