INT SPL - Scottish Premier League

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Smith expects congestion problems

Rangers manager Walter Smith admits it will be a "tall order" to avoid dropping league points if their European run continues - but he insists there is no way he will prioritise competitions.

Rangers put themselves in a decent position to progress to the Europa League quarter-finals with a goalless draw at PSV Eindhoven on Thursday night.

Although Smith brought in second-choice goalkeeper Neil Alexander for the first-leg clash and confirmed Allan McGregor would return for the visit of Kilmarnock in the league on Sunday, he maintains he will not take the Europa League lightly despite the prospect of damaging fixture congestion.

Rangers have played two SPL games less than Celtic, sitting five points behind their rivals, and have four outstanding matches to be scheduled, against St Mirren, Aberdeen, Dundee United and St Johnstone.

The Ibrox club let slip a seven-point lead to lose the title after their run to the 2008 UEFA Cup final and Smith admits another lengthy stint in Europe could define this year's challenge against Celtic, who exited European competition in August.

"It's a tall order for us if we continue to play in Europe. I think that might be a factor depending on how our situation develops," Smith said.

"Basically we are going to have to go on an exceptional run of wins to get the championship. I think there will be points dropped for all the clubs but Celtic went on a long run before losing to Motherwell.

"I think we will have to emulate that if we're going to be champions."

Rangers have seen their ability to handle fixture congestion affected by cuts to the size of their squad, which has been stretched further by a glut of injuries, although Nikica Jelavic and Sasa Papac are both set to return against Kilmarnock on Sunday.

"If you look at the last time, we handled it all the way up until the last couple of games when we were asked to play three games in six days and stumbled a bit there," Smith said.

"To be honest, it's not going to help us, the extra games, especially with the smaller group we've got. But there is no use trying to prejudge anything."

He added: "The priority is just to win. You can't choose. If you're in the professional game and you're in a tournament, you want to do as well as you possibly can.

"I think we've shown in the League Cup and Scottish Cup and Europe we try and do as well as we possibly can. That's the way it will be and that's the way it has to be at a club of this size."

Rangers' run to the Manchester final against Zenit St Petersburg has given the players the belief they can emulate that achievement and set up a May 18 date in Dublin.

"I don't see why not," midfielder Maurice Edu said. "I know it's a difficult task and the fact we have a thin squad this season makes it that much more difficult.

"In saying that, there is a great spirit and a great amount of character in this team. I think that can take you a lot further than some people might think."

Edu added: "When the season is over you want to look back and have things to show for it, to have the chance to win medals and do something special.

"I think everyone would rather be in that situation as opposed to being knocked out of a competition so you have less games."

Smith was more cautious about Rangers' chances of making another final, warning that PSV have the attacking capability to do what Rangers did on three occasions in 2008 and progress after a goalless home leg.

But he feels they have a good chance of beating the Dutch side and welcomed Edu's confidence.

"If you're not optimistic there's no point in trying," he said. "We have shown in the past we can come up against good sides and get through.

"We enjoyed a bit of luck in that run, if we can get another bit of luck, you never know what could happen."

The latest test of Rangers' ability to overcome their European exertions comes against fourth-placed Kilmarnock, who are fresh from 2-0 wins over both St Mirren and Hearts, although the Ayrshire side will be without playmakers Mehdi Taouil and Alexei Eremenko.

"Kilmarnock had a terrific result last week at Tynecastle, they have had some excellent results this season and played some excellent football," Smith said.

"They are well deserving of their position in the league. It will be a difficult game for us, considering we are just coming back from a European game as well."

Meanwhile, Smith confirmed Rangers would soon consider whether to appeal against assistant Ally McCoist's two-match touchline ban following his disagreement with Celtic manager Neil Lennon.

And he was philosophical about having to wait until the Scottish Football Association's disciplinary committee next meets on April 12 before discovering the outcome of misconduct charges against Madjid Bougherra and El-Hadji Diouf, who were sent off in the Scottish Cup loss at Parkhead.

Smith said: "That's normal for Scotland is it not? That's a normal situation, wait for three or four months to get an answer to any problem you've got."

 

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Crucial week for Gers takeover

Craig Whyte's protracted bid to take over Rangers enters a critical stage this week with Lloyds Bank believed to be the main stumbling block to the deal being concluded.

The £33 million bid will see the Scottish tycoon take over 75% of Sir David Murray's shareholding, with London-based property developer Andrew Ellis becoming a 25% partner.

However, the bank's desire for an 'exit payment' of more than £1 million is one of the key stumbling blocks. Moreover, the severity of the cuts that the bank want to impose on the club for the start of next season is ``unsustainable'', according to a source close to the deal.

Those issues are sure to anger the Light Blues' supporters, who are expected to be told this week when figures are released that the club's debt has been slashed to around £21 million from the £27.1 million figure announced in June.

Talks will continue this week but Whyte is desperate for the deal to be done by Thursday, with the following day, April 1, being ruled out.

London-based Whyte appeared to be on course to complete a buyout when he reached an agreement in principle with majority shareholder Murray in early December, but various reported deadlines have come and gone.

Whyte had confirmed to the Stock Exchange in November he was considering making an offer for Rangers and was in talks with Murray International Holdings. He then held talks with Murray and Rangers chairman Alastair Johnston last year but there is real frustration in the Whyte camp that the deal is still not done.

The takeover plans include vows to wipe out the debt and invest £25 million in the team over a five-year period.

 

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Kilmarnock 0-4 Celtic: Neil Lennon's men move to within a point of Rangers ahead

Celtic cut Rangers lead at the top of the SPL to just a single point ahead of the Old Firm derby with a convincing 4-0 win over Kilmarnock.

Kris Commons opened the scoring in just the fourth minute for Neil Lennon’s side, taking a Gary Hooper pass and firing low past Anssi Jaakkola.

The early strike seemed to give the visitors the platform they needed to dominate and they doubled their lead in the 34th minute when Commons got his name on the score sheet for the second time.

It was Hooper again who set the Scotsman up for Celtic’s second, providing a return pass for Commons to slot in.

The game then appeared to be as good as over as Hooper turned goal-scorer just before the interval, firing his effort past Jaakkola from the edge of the area to make it 3-0.

Neil Lennon’s men seemed to pick up where they left off at the start of the second half as they immediately went on the attack in search of more goals.

Anthony Stokes had an effort well saved by Jaakkola in the Kilmarnock goal, before Kris Commons came within a coat of paint of securing his hat-trick when he smashed a shot against the bar.

Stokes himself then saw a shot hit the bar as Celtic continued to dominate proceedings.

And it wasn’t long before they added to their lead when Stokes made it 4-0 in the 58th minute. The striker fired a shot high into the net after some good work from Charlie Mulgrew and Gary Hooper.

Although they didn’t add to their lead in the last half an hour of the game, Celtic moved to within a point of Rangers at the top with a game in hand, and the manner of their victory served as a warning to Walter Smith’s side ahead of the Old Firm clash at the weekend.

 

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Scottish clubs to investigate more internet posting by youth players

Following recent social media comments made about Celtic manager Neil Lennon which led to a sacking at Scottish club Berwick Rangers, three more youth team players at Scottish clubs are under investigation.

Social media giants Facebook and Twitter have been full of comments after news had broke of a parcel bomb being sent to Lennon's house, as well as those of prominent Celtic fans Paul McBride QC and former Member of Scottish Parliament Trish Godman. All parcels were intercepted by Royal Mail.

Youth players at Clyde and St Mirren have been suspended and Motherwell are investigating after claims were made that a 16 year-old signed to them had posted an offensive message.

A statement from Clyde said: "The club can confirm that yesterday evening an Under-19 player was suspended with immediate effect, following alleged comments on a social networking site.
"A disciplinary meeting will be held today and a further statement will be issued at the conclusion of that process."

St Mirren said: "Subject to the club's disciplinary procedure a full investigation has been launched so it would therefore be inappropriate to comment further at this time.

"The club condemns all sectarian behaviour and supports all efforts to eradicate it from the Scottish game."

 

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Craig Whyte set to meet Rangers board members to further discuss takeover deal

Scottish tycoon Craig Whyte will meet with members of the Rangers board next week to further explain his proposed takeover plans for the Glasgow club.

Whyte was expecting to complete his purchase of the club earlier this week but he has seen his proposed £52.5 million bid put on hold after club chairman Alastair Johnston decided to review the plans wth other board members after a new bid had been recieved.

It is now understood that director Paul Murray is fronting a consortium to takeover instead of Whyte. Murray's consortium, if successful, would reportedly give Ally McCoist a lump sum to bring in new players next season.

However, it is understood that Whyte is still confident that he will be the new owner of Rangers and would be more than willing to approach the board again to discuss his plans.

Rangers fans will have to wait a little longer to see who their next owner is but at the moment the only serious proposal is that of Whyte.

 

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Neil Lennon admits Celtic job is endangering his life

Neil Lennon believes being manager of Celtic is the reason his life has been endangered and admits this week has been the most difficult since joining the club.

Strathclyde Police are currently investigating a parcel bomb which was sent to Lennon’s home, as well as two other high-profile Celtic fans.

Asked whether this incident would have happened if he was at another club, the Celtic manager replied: "It wouldn't, no. And it's not because it's my aggressive behaviour on the pitch any more," he told reporters.

"A lot was said about that when I played and I think you all know the reasons why these things are happening now.

"It's good that people are talking about it and we will get something done about it."

"It leaves a bad taste in the mouth, but I'm totally committed to the club, the fans and the players," he said ahead of Sunday's Old Firm derby.

"It's my most difficult week in the job. We all know why it's happening."

The club's fans held a candlelight vigil outside Celtic Park on Thursday night in solidarity with Lennon and the 39-year-old reveals he has found it difficult being the subject of constant news stories.
"I am a football manager, a football person, not a politician," said Lennon.

"I have never talked about politics or talked about religion, I just talked about football as a sport and predominately for the good of the game up here.

"I have tried to be as positive as I can about all things in Scottish football. I have had spats with people, yes, but that's just in my nature and I don't think that will change.

"I think it is pretty unprecedented what has happened and I hope it is not going to get out of hand.

"Anyone in any walk of life shouldn't have to deal with something like this.

"It is uncomfortable, you see your face every hour on the hour on the news and, after a while, you start thinking 'is that me they are talking about?

"It is disconcerting and uncomfortable, but I am well looked after by the people in charge and there is an ongoing investigation so I don't want to comment too much on that."

The Northern Ireland man also emphasised he is committed to the club and has revealed the recent events have led to a number of changes in his everyday life.

"My life has changed a bit, but I have tried not to change it too much," he added.

"I am not under armed guard or anything like that, but we have had to curtail a few things and change things about my lifestyle, which is unfortunate. But I am hoping things can be brought to a head.

"I'd like to thank the police for all their briefing and the professionalism they have shown and the security they have given me over the last week, 10 days, they have been absolutely fantastic and made life as easy as possible under the circumstances.

"I've had this for 10 years, but I don't want to say you get used to it, because you never do."

"You get an opportunity to manage Celtic once in a lifetime. "I would have regretted it the rest of my life if I hadn't taken it."

 

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‘The whole of the season, all we have heard is that Celtic don't get penalty kicks’

Rangers manager Walter Smith bowed out of his final Old Firm derby on Sunday with a parting jeer to Scottish rivals Celtic, after the game ended in a goalless draw.

Smith, who is retiring from management at the end of the season, criticised Celtic after they were awarded an 83rd minute penalty, which Ranger’s goalkeeper Allan McGregor superbly saved to keep the Scottish title race alive.

The Ibrox boss told The Express: "It's not a penalty kick. But they got it and Allan McGregor saved it and Celtic will be happy now because their whole campaign this season has been the fact they have been asking for decisions."

"Well, they got one and Allan McGregor saved it. That's it. The whole of the season, all we have heard is that Celtic don't get penalty kicks.

"They got one and they tried to get another one as well and both of them were exactly the same in my mind - both of the players ran into the players and they weren't penalties."

Speaking on Keeper McGregor, who pushed Georgios Samaras's late spot-kick wide, Smith said: "He has played well for us all season. Celtic's impetus came around the hour and we gave away some silly free-kicks, which allowed them to put pressure on us.

"They have good delivery and players capable of causing problems in the penalty area. They did that and Allan had to make a couple of decent saves."

The Old Firm has suffered growing criticism of late, after unacceptable behaviour and ugly scenes on and off the pitch. The latest derby was somewhat overshadowed by a series of parcel bombs sent to Celtic manager Neil Lennon and other prolific Celtic fans, however Smith defended his Ranger’s team, adding: "This year, it has reached a level that is obviously unacceptable.

"But, when you look at the games we have had this season, there has maybe been a couple of incidents in two of them."

 

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Celtic midfielder Joe Ledley ruled out of title run-in

Celtic have been dealt an injury blow with the news that key midfielder Joe Ledley will the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury.

The ex-Cardiff man only returned from the sidelines to take part in Sunday’s 0-0 draw away to Old Firm rivals Rangers, but suffered a fresh knock mid-way through the second half.

Scans have revealed the injury suffered during the match, this time on his upper hamstring, is serious enough it to rule the 24-year-old out of the final six matches of the season.

Ledley has impressed since joining the Scottish giants on a free transfer from Cardiff last summer, scoring twice in 29 appearances.

Celtic currently lie one point behind Walter Smith's sides but with a game in hand.

 

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Motherwell - Rangers : Preview

Motherwell (4-4-2): Randolph, Craigan, Hutchinson, Gunning, Saunders, Hateley, Murphy, Jones, McGlinchey, Sutton, Jeffers.

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall has no injury worries ahead of this tie, and will stick with impressive young centre-back Shaun Hutchinson in the heart of defence.

Rangers (4-4-2): McGregor, Weir, Whittaker, Bougherra, Papac, Wylde, Davis, Edu, Jelavic, Lafferty, Naismith

Walter Smith is still without DaMarcus Beasley and was hoping to have Jamie Ness and Lee McCulloch available but late set backs have ruled them out of the match.

 

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Celtic 4-1 Dundee United

Celtic defeated Dundee United 4-1 in a pulsating home match which saw Neil Lennon's side score four times to edge closer to SPL leaders Rangers.

Celtic exerted pressure in the early minutes of the match as a stunning run from James Forrest looked to open the scoring but Dusan Pernis was on the lookout to avert the danger. Shortly after a scramble in the same area saw further trouble for the away side, but Daniel Majstorovic and Scott Brown were unable to get a shot away as the Terrors’ defence managed to clear the ball away.

The visitors looked about to get into the drivers’ seat themselves when Dixon put a teasing cross into the Celtic box but no one was there to take advantage of the opportunity.

United continued to make forays forward as both Goodwillie and Conway made positive runs into Celtic territory but Neil Lennon’s side easily dealt with the visitor's attacking efforts. Indeed, the Hoops soon had another chance of their own as Kris Commons’ cross found Anthony Stokes who headed the ball off target.

Then, 23 minutes into the game, Stokes managed to find space behind the Terror’s poor defence and set up Gary Hooper with a low cross into the six-yard box. The former Scunthorpe striker just poked the ball in with a simple finish to give Celtic a 1-0 lead.

A few minutes later, the lead could have been doubled as Izaguirre nutmegged Conway to find Stokes but the provider was unable to get one of his own as his shot went over and onto the roof of the net.

Dundee did have one late opportunity in the first half as Goodwillie broke through Kayal’s challenge and tried to shoot but Celtic stalwart Scott Brown was on hand to block the attempt, shortly before the whistle was blown on a pulsating first half.

The Terrors had an early chance to score in the second half but Morgaro Gomis sliced the ball wide of the goal. Celtic seemed determined to extend their lead, however, with Commons tormenting the United defence and the former Sunderland striker forced a fantastic block from Garry Kenneth.

Celtic would not have to wait long for the second however as Beram Kayal beat one man on the edge of the area before letting fly with a left foot drive that found the net from 20 yards, putting his side firmly in the ascendancy and with victory looking likely.

Peter Houston responded, and sought to freshen things up for his side, with a double change before the hour with Jonathan Daly and Johnny Russell coming on for Prince Buaben and Danny Swanson. Russell almost had an immediate impact as tried his luck with an effort from outside the area but his strike hit the Celtic post.

Celtic boss Lennon then made a change of his own as he brought on Ki-Sung-Yeung to replace Forrest. Shortly after Lennon's side had two opportunities to add a third goal but Gary Hooper shot wide before Brown's header was saved by Pernis.

With five minutes to go, Celtic were still looking to add to their lead and it was Commons who duly obliged as the ball fell loose to him in the six-yard box, leaving him to lash it past Pernis.
Five minutes of added time were signalled but there was still time for more action as Dundee got a consolation goal of their own courtesy of a Goodwillie cross that found Russell, who applied the finish and ensured that Celtic would not keep a cleansheet.

However, that was not the end of the action as Neil Lennon’s men retaliated to seal a convincing scoreline as Daryl Murphy, who replaced Brown, scored a superb goal in the last seconds of injury time.

The final whistle blew on an enthralling match shortly after leaving Celtic just a single point behind arch-rivals and current SPL leaders Rangers, with a game in hand.