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    Celtic planning sensational Kieran Tierney return from Arsenal with Hoops to make stunning transfer swoop

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    CELTIC are in pole position to pull off a sensational transfer coup and bring Kieran Tierney back to Parkhead.It emerged on Wednesday night that Arsenal won’t take up the option to extend the Scotland star’s contract beyond next summer.Kieran Tierney’s time at Arsenal looks like it’s coming to an endCredit: ReutersTierney won four league titles with CelticCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowSunSport can reveal Celtic want to bring Tierney back to ParkheadCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowHe was known for his huge celebrations with the Hoops fansCredit: REUTERSThat means Tierney can sign a pre-contract with a non-English club as soon as next month.And now SunSport can reveal Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers – who has been keen to get Tierney back ever since his own return – is poised with a move to take him back to the club where he kicked off his career and won four league trophies.It’s understood the Parkhead are considering a deal to take the 27-year-old fan favourite home when the transfer window opens next month.But with Tierney – who left Celtic for a then Scottish record £25million fee five years ago – on a six-figure weekly wage that could prove tricky.Celtic could try to take him on loan for the last six months of his Emirates deal.But if that is not possible they could look to get him signed up on a pre-contract agreement that would see him pull on the hoops once again for the start of season 2025/26.There is sure to be rival interest in his signature from the English Premier League and foreign clubs, with Newcastle United previously strong contenders.But it’s believed Celtic are firmly in the driving seat to pull off any deal.Most read in FootballTierney has always had a strong desire to one day return to Celtic and there is now a huge chance it could happen.Boss Rodgers currently has two main options for left-back but the futures of both Greg Taylor and Alex Valle are uncertain.Fans ‘knew Scotland were in trouble’ after spotting Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson’s 3rd minute antics vs GermanyTaylor has been at the club since joining from Kilmarnock as Tierney’s replacement in a £2m move in 2019 but his contract is up in the summer with no sign of an extension being agreed.Valle is only at the club on loan until the end of the season, although there is speculation that his stay could be cut even shorter if Barcelona decide to recall him in January.A Hoops homecoming for Tierney would delight fans who adored the boyhood fan.SunSport revealed in June last year that Tierney was open to a return back then but the deal couldn’t be finalised.Instead he went on a season-long loan to Real Sociedad in La Liga.Kieran Tierney’s life and timesBorn on 5 June, 1997 in Douglas, Isle of Man and moved to Scotland as a small childJoined boyhood club Celtic as a seven-year-old and progressed to the first teamMade Hoops debut aged 17 in April 2015 before enjoying major breakthrough in the 2015/16 seasonTierney became an key Celtic player and he hearned the PFA Scotland and SFWA Young Player of the Year Awards in 2016, 2017 and 2018He won four consecutive Scottish Premiership titles between 2016 and 2019, also winning two Scottish Cups and two League CupsTierney joined Arsenal in a then-Scottish record £25million move in August 2019He won the FA Cup in first season with the GunnersA knee injury suffered in March 2022 ended Tierney’s season and his Arsenal career has never really recoveredHe spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Real SociedadTierney has been capped 47 times for Scotland and was part of the squad at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024Tierney’s career has been badly hampered by a succession of injuries though and two hamstring knocks limited his playing time in Spain.He returned to fitness in time for Scotland’s Euro 2024 campaign and started the opening game against Germany but another hamstring injury against Switzerland ended his campaign early.He made his first Arsenal start in 19 months in last night’s 3-2 Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was taken off by boss Mikel Arteta after 69 minutes as a precaution.Tierney came through the youth ranks at CelticCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowTierney won the FA Cup with ArsenalCredit: GettyKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Inside MOTD’s ‘new signing’ Kelly Cates’ rise to top, from famous babysitter to brutal reason her footie career ended

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      LISTENING intently to her dad and his mates’ football chat as a youngster, Kelly Cates could not have had a better preparation to host Match Of The Day.For her father is Sir Kenny Dalglish — pride of Celtic and Liverpool’s Kop, with a record 102 Scottish caps, three European Cups and a clutch of league titles to his name as both a player and a manager.Kelly Cates could not have had a better preparation to host Match Of The DayCredit: GettySharing a light-hearted moment pitchside with her dad, Reds legend Kenny DalglishCredit: AlamyKelly aged four at Anfield in 1980 with mum, dad, brother Paul and the League Championship trophyCredit: GettyAnd those mates often included ­fellow medal-laden Reds Graeme Souness and Alan Hansen, both now top pundits themselves.Kelly’s one-time babysitter Graeme once said: “She is fantastic at this job because she has been in a football house all her life, listened to the daft chat on football from all of us since she was tiny.“I’d be in the living room, Alan Hansen would be in there, opinions going out all over. “She had a great insight into how this football world works.”Read More on SportWhile Kelly has absorbed the game from some of its greatest names, it’s her own deft skills behind the mic that have seen her rise to the very top in sports broadcasting.Now, alongside friends Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman, the 49-year-old is reported to be about to take over the Match Of The Day presenter’s chair from Gary Lineker.In a considerable coup for the BBC, reports suggest the corporation has managed to prise Kelly away from Sky Sports to present its flagship football programme.But she can still expect a text from her dad when she is on air if King Kenny is riled by the punditry from her guests.Most read in FootballShe revealed last month: “He texts [when she is on air], especially if my mum’s not there.Selleck ’tache“It’s if he doesn’t have anybody to sound off on. I was driving into work and decided not to sign my Sky Sports contract – it’s the scariest decision I ever made“He’ll hear a bit of our conversation, and then he will text me to chip in.“If it really bothers him, he’ll phone me on the way home.”Born the eldest of four children in Glasgow, Kelly was brought up in Southport, Merseyside, after her dad signed for Liverpool from Celtic in 1977.Her mum Marina once said: “Glasgow and Liverpool are very similar.“It’s the people — they are so friendly in both cities. “So it was very, very easy for us to settle here.”At the time Kelly was almost two years old and her brother Paul, who went on to play for Newcastle, ­Norwich and Wigan, was a baby.Two more siblings, Lynsey and Lauren, followed.Liverpool fan Kelly was always immersed in football, and said: “When I was a baby my mum took me to matches to watch my dad play.My earliest memories are of being in the players’ lounge with the other players’ childrenKelly Cates“I don’t remember a time when I didn’t go to football games.“My earliest memories are of being in the players’ lounge with the other players’ children.”Kelly in 1979 with dad Kenny’s Liverpool team-mate Graeme Souness, who used to babysit herDad Kenny with family friends Souness and Hansen celebrate Liverpool’s European Cup in 1978Credit: GettyKelly with fellow Sky presenters Clare Tomlinson and Carrie Frais in 1998Credit: RexGraeme — Kenny’s fellow Scotland international — was sometimes roped in for childcare duties. A black and white photo from 1979 shows four-year-old Kelly poking out her tongue at the hardman midfielder with the Tom Selleck ’tache and bushy hair.He recalled: “Kenny and I roomed together for ten years or more with Liverpool and Scotland and I was a regular at his place.“I was single and would turn up for Christmas lunch. “I used to babysit — or not necessarily babysit. “I’d ­volunteer to take Kelly out in her pram in the afternoons.I was single and would turn up for Christmas lunch. I used to babysit — or not necessarily babysit. I’d ­volunteer to take Kelly out in her pram in the afternoonsGraeme Souness“Without realising it, she was my introduction to some lovely young ladies. “I’d be walking along, and then, ‘What a gorgeous baby, you seen this baby?’ ”Despite her father’s elevated status as a Liverpool and Scotland legend, Kelly recalled: “When he was home he was just Dad.“I recall going to a Rod Stewart concert at Ibrox [stadium] once and him being stopped every ten metres walking around the pitch.“I was about seven and found it so weird — like, ‘What do they want with him?’“It was the same with his team-mates — to me they were always just Dad’s friends, sitting around arguing about football.”Her own efforts as a player were not a roaring success.Kelly with fiery pundit Roy KeaneCredit: MatchDay Images LimitedKelly is reported to be about to take over the Match Of The Day presenter’s chair from Gary Lineker – pictured Gabby LoganCredit: PAKelly’s pal and MOTD co-host Mark ChapmanCredit: GettyKelly said: “When I was 11 I was playing football on some concrete. I ran down the wing thinking, ‘Oh, this will be easy’, tripped over and knocked myself out. “That was the end of my football career.”After A-levels in maths, further maths, physics and chemistry, she won a place to read maths at the University of Glasgow.Then when Sky Sports News was launched in 1998, she made the brave move to give up her studies and join the fledgling station.She said: “The channel was looking for young people who loved football.“It was new, and no one was watching, so they pretty much said to us,“There wasn’t a massive budget but Sky just wanted young, enthusiastic people and they didn’t want to take too much of a risk by putting their best people on it.‘Go and play at being on the telly!’“It was a huge decision to leave university, but I thought, ‘This isn’t an opportunity I’m going to get again’.”On her broadcasting inspirations, Kelly mentions Des Lynam — who fronted Match Of The Day through the 1990s with brilliant understatement — and Gabby Logan, another daughter of a football icon, former Wales international and manager Terry Yorath.Kelly said: “Des was the gold ­standard. “He had that sense of being engaged with fans and got every ­single aspect of it right.“I loved that tone. “It’s the kind of tone that I like watching and ­listening to.“It kind of makes sense that I’d aim for, but not quite reach, that.“I always looked at Gabby’s career progress and watched her journey.“It was brilliant to see, and even though she’s not much older than me, it felt like she was always the next step.”It was undoubtedly a male-dominated profession, but Kelly insisted: “I wasn’t a trailblazer.“There were already people who put the groundwork in, like Gabby and Hazel Irvine. “I never have [encountered sexism] but I know other female reporters have.“Obviously you see a lot more women on screen now, but I’d like to see that backed up in the same numbers behind the cameras as well.“Now I’m older, I feel much more protective of younger women coming into the industry.”After Sky Sports News, Kelly worked as an interviewer and presenter for sports channels Setanta and ESPN. Then came work as a reporter for ITV at the 2010 World Cup, and for Channel 4 at the 2012 London Paralympics.She presented a Football League highlights show for Channel Five before being lured back to Sky Sports in 2016.At the helmOriginally at the helm for Football League matches, Kelly went on to become one of the most respected presenters on big Premier League fixtures.Working with Gary Neville, Jamie “Carra” Carragher and Roy Keane, she considers the current era to be a “golden age” for punditry.She said: “It’s not necessarily the players who play football naturally who talk about it in the best way.“It’s the ones who really worked at their game. “Carra, when he was playing, would go home and watch videos of Franco Baresi and other great defenders constantly, so he learnt.”Now Kelly — who also hosts a BBC Radio 5 show — is rated among the nation’s very foremost broadcasters by her peers and fans alike.Her friend and TV colleague Gabby, 51, says Kelly has an “effortless broadcast style and depth of knowledge that can pretty much rival anybody”.And she added that Kelly can also “disarm the likes of Roy Keane with a single eyebrow when she wants to shut him up”.Kelly’s formative years immersed in football mean she brings an understanding of the stresses that managers have to cope with daily.She continued: “I’ve had managers get a bit annoyed by a question but it’s often not me they are angry at. “They are under a lot of pressure.”In 2007 Kelly married TV ­producer Tom Cates and the couple had two daughters.They split in 2021, and Kelly said last month: “The girls are with their dad at weekends.“Although we’re not together, we get on fine and he’s really flexible with the girls, so we manage it mostly between us.I worked for ESPN years ago and they had a mantra of ‘Take the sport seriously but don’t take yourself seriously’. For me, that’s the best approachKelly Cates“The girls are getting a bit older now and they think they don’t need as much [from us] — that’s what they tell us, but they do.”In 2021 she revealed she was wary of dating, and added: “I don’t have a picture in my head of why a middle-aged, slightly overweight, mother-of-two could possibly be attractive. “It’s not that I’m putting myself down, it’s not a lack of confidence or low self-esteem — it’s that I just don’t know what that would look like.“I don’t want to spend my precious free time with a random.“Imagine going out with somebody and you sit there halfway through and think, ‘God, this guy’s an idiot’, you’ve just wasted a babysitter.”If Kelly has indeed landed sports broadcasting’s jewel in the crown, don’t expect this down-to-earth and seemingly unflappable presenter to start picking up airs and graces.READ MORE SUN STORIESLast month she said with characteristic modesty: “I worked for ESPN years ago and they had a mantra of ‘Take the sport seriously but don’t take yourself seriously’. “For me, that’s the best approach.”Gary Lineker is stepping down as MOTD hostCredit: BBCA HAT-TRICKOF QUALITY TV TALENTBy SHAUN CUSTIS, Head of SportYOU may not agree with the BBC’s decision to split presenting duties on Match Of The Day. But if that’s the way they have decided to go, they could not have picked three better people for the job.I’ve worked with Kelly Cates many times and she is the consummate professional.The fact many people didn’t realise she is the great Kenny Dalglish’s daughter speaks volumes for her talent on TV.She wasn’t handed her career.She had to prove herself to get the top jobs and did so by developing a relaxed but knowledgeable style which puts guests at ease and chimes well with viewers.Her fellow presenters, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, have also more than earned their stripes. Chapman is a brilliant all-rounder who, in my view, is the best sports presenter on radio and TV, while Logan rose up through the radio ranks to host the biggest shows on BBC Sport.They are a dynamic trio. More

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      Celtic fan who chewed off pensioner’s EAR after Rangers Old Firm clash jailed

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      A THUG who chewed a chunk off a pensioner’s ear after an Old Firm game was jailed today for two years.Alistair Mackay, 53, pounced on Steven Brown, 67, in Glasgow city centre on September 3 2023.Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers celebrates the single-goal winCredit: AlamyAlistair Mackay, 53, pounced on Steven Brown, 67, in Glasgow city centreCredit: SpindriftRangers and Celtic had earlier played a match at Ibrox which the visitors won 0-1.Celtic fan Mackay – who had earlier watched the game in a pub – got involved in an altercation with a man in a Rangers top.This was separated by Mr Brown who was then attacked by Mackay who bit his ear during the melee.Mackay pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting Mr Brown to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.Sheriff Tom Hughes said that the matter was linked to a “lethal combination” of alcohol being taken, a man being left with his ear bitten off and “mayhem caused in the city centre.”The sheriff added: “It must be abundantly clear to sensible minded people that this was totally and utterly unacceptable and should not be tolerated in this city.“I am aware that this weekend there will be another match with people being badly injured which will cause problems for people like you turning up before a judge for a serious sentence – for what? “A football match.Most read in Football“A clear message has to go out from the courts that this conduct will not be tolerated and will be taken seriously.“The only possible way to deal with this due to the serious nature of the offence is custody.”Paul Heaton reveals co-singer is a Celtic fan Mackay was also banned from attending football matches for five years.The court earlier heard that Mackay, with two friends, had watched the game and drank in The Barras and Merchant City areas of the city.The trio were walking to Glasgow Central train station when they came across Mr Brown and his friend who were strangers.The pair heard a disturbance and saw Mackay and his friends in a physical altercation with a young man wearing a Rangers top.Mr Brown went to separate the fight and tried to pull Mackay away.Prosecutor Jenny Reid said: “Mr Brown was then involved in a struggle with Mackay and both fell to the ground.”Mr Brown did not feel any pain or pressure to his ear at this time.”However, there was no one close enough to him which would have caused the damage to his left ear.”A witness pulled Mackay off Mr Brown who was bleeding profusely from his ear.Miss Reid added: “A section of his ear appeared to be missing.”Kyogo celebrates after scoring Celtic’s goal during the matchCredit: GettyThe victim later attended hospital where he was found to have “full thickness tissue loss of his left ear from the helix to the lobe.”The wound was closed and he was released from hospital the next day.Meantime, Mackay and his friends walked to Glasgow Central station.Miss Reid said: “As he passed the Grant Arms pub, he was in possession of a piece of Mr Brown’s ear in his right hand.”Mackay, of East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, turned himself in a month later following a media appeal.READ MORE SUN STORIESRoss Yuill, defending, told the sentencing that his client is unlikely to be in court again.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Moment Rangers hero calls radio show live on air pretending to be fan and leaves host admitting ‘he’s had me on toast!’

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      JAMIE O’HARA enjoys taking the mick out of Scottish football. But the talkSPORT presenter and host was given a taste of his own medicine last night by a legend of the Scottish game. Jason Cundy and Jamie O’Hara on talkSPORTO’Hara was trolled by a Rangers legendIt was no other than Ally McCoistCredit: GettyFormer Tottenham star O’Hara, 38, was on air yesterday with radio pal Jason Cundy for their late night show. The pair gave their reaction to all the football drama of the evening, with Rangers holding Tottenham to a 1-1 draw at Ibrox in the Europa League. And the duo weren’t the only former players to have starred for either of the two clubs who was on the station last night. Rangers legend Ally McCoist was also on the show after deciding to call up his two talkSPORT colleagues after the stalemate in Govan. But he went undercover using a different alias to prank O’Hara, with the help of Cundy. The caller was introduced as ‘Hamish the Rangers fan’. But in fact it was Ally the Ibrox icon. McCoist, 62, was in high spirits after Philippe Clement’s men pulled off yet another a surprise performance in Europe to take a point, this time against Ange Postecoglou’s side. Most read in FootballAnd while the focus was all on the North London side on the radio, McCoist wanted to give his own team some praise in front of thousands of listeners. In an attempt to disguise his own voice when asked how he thought his team performed, he said: “Different bracket tonight. Different. And I’m listening to you boys. I’m listening to O’Hara.Moment Tottenham fans troll Scotland with familiar taunt as police escort them to Euro showdown with Rangers”I’m listening to Spurs fans coming on. And it’s Spurs this, Big Ang that, Big Ang the next thing. The Rangers are different level tonight. Come on.”O’Hara then replied with a sly dig at McCoist’s (Hamish’s) club. He said: “I  mean, listen. Fair play to Rangers. You’ve done well tonight. You played against a team who’s far superior.”You gave a good account of yourselves. You’re a good side in Europe. You get to the back end of tournaments and you do alright. But, don’t get carried away.”You didn’t turn us over and win 3-0. It was 1-1.”The Rangers legend admitted: “No, I agree. I agree with you. I’m not getting carried away. But it was a far better level of performance than we’ve seen.How they ratedJack Butland: Some of his kicking was rather suspect, first half. Spared Jefte’s blushes after the full-back almost overcooked a back header. Given no chance as Dejan Kulusevski levelled for Spurs…7. James Tavernier: The Rangers captain was making his 53rd appearance in the Europa League. What a ball for Igamane’s opener and what a block to deny Dominic Solanke late on…8.John Souttar: In a huge blow for the player and his manager, the Scotland star was forced off with just 32 minutes gone. Nursing his groin as he left, Souttar must now be a major doubt for Sunday….4.Robin Propper: All too eager to go to ground and all too eager to play the ball back to his keeper. Depending on how bad Souttar’s injury is, could be set to face Celtic at Hampden…6.Jefte: Rather fortunate to escape an early booking for foul on Johnson. The Brazilian is absolutely electric going forward, but there’s work to do defensively. That said, a really positive showing…7.Nico Raskin: A truly outstanding display from the young Belgian. Head and shoulders above everyone else on the park. Gave the ball away just once in a towering man of the match performance….9.Mo Diomande: Picked up a senseless booking for handball with just 20 minutes gone. The booking rules him out of the Man United match. Put it behind him to deliver a superb performance…8.Vaclav Cerny: Made one or two brilliant surging runs with only his final ball letting him down. Tested Tottenham keeper Fraser Forster twice in the first half before being hooked midway through the second…6Nedim Bajrami: Saw an early effort tipped over the bar by Forster. Worked hard but couldn’t influence the game in the final third. Was becoming frustrated and no real surprise to see him replaced…6.Ridvan Yilmaz: The Turk was the surprise inclusion on the night, making his first start for Rangers since August. Clement deployed him on the left wing and what a tremendous shift he put in….7.Hamza Igamane: Almost blew the roof off Ibrox when he blasted Rangers in front 90 seconds into the second half. Like many of his teammates, he simply ran out of steam towards the end….8.Subs:Leon Balogun: It was a surprise to see the Nigerian left on the bench in the first place. Replaced the crocked Souttar just after the half hour mark….6.Connor Barron: Was desperate to get on and he played his part when he finally got the nod..4.Dujon Sterling: Helped bring some much needed energy to the Rangers team….4Robbie Fraser: Brilliant delivery picked out Dessers who had strayed offside…4.Cyriel Dessers: Almost won it for Gers only to be denied by a stunning save from Forster….3.Unconvinced O’Hara hit back: “Well, I don’t really know. How have you been getting on in the league? You’ve been behind Aberdeen and Celtic this year.”McCoist then gave away his identity when his real voice came out when describing the “electric” Ibrox atmosphere. He said: “Well, back to what I’m saying, Jamie. The last four or five have been okay. But, I mean, actually, the place was electric. Electric, I’m telling you.”That’s when the penny finally dropped for O’Hara who admitted the Gers hero ‘had him on toast’. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “Honestly, I’ve been sucked right in here. I’ve just figured out who this is. It’s McCoist isn’t it? He’s had me on toast.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Celtic vs Rangers: Get £50 in free bets, plus 11/2 Bet Builder tips for Scottish League Cup final on Sunday with Betfred

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      THE OLD FIRM meet in a blockbuster Hampden cup final on Sunday as Celtic and Rangers battle it out for the League Cup trophy.So our team of betting experts have selected a Bet Builder for the heavyweight encounter, which Betfred have priced up at a generous 11/2.Not just that! New Betfred customers who register an account with Betfred and stake a tenner on football will receive £50 in sports free bets!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Celtic vs Rangers tipsOur Bet Builder selections: Celtic to win, over 3.5 goals and Nicolas Kuhn to score.Back our 11/2 Bet BuilderHere’s why we’ve made those selections..Celtic to win: Rangers have really turned a corner domestically in recent weeks and it looks like the new players are finally settling, while Celtic haven’t quite been at their all-conquering best. But Hoops should still have too much quality.Over 3.5 goals: Philippe Clement can’t afford to just sit in and try and do Celtic on the counter, the Rangers supporters simply can’t watch that unfold again. Could try and take game to Celts and could make it an open encounter.Nicolas Kuhn to score: Has been the standout player in Scottish football this season and up against Jefte, he’ll surely fancy his chances big time. Can show why Germany boss has even commented on his performances this year.Back our 11/2 Bet BuilderRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

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      Rangers 1 Tottenham 1: Super-sub Kulusevski saves Spurs as Postecoglou leaves Ibrox with crucial Europa League point

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU was looking decked on his Glasgow return – and then up stepped Decky.Dejan ‘Decky’ Kulusevski, to be specific, who came off the bench to rescue his boss with a late leveller that chalked off Hamza Igamane’s opener.Hamza Igmane netted the go-ahead goal for RangersCredit: Willie VassHamza Igmane fired past former Celtic stopper Frazer ForsterCredit: ReutersDejan Kulusevski fired Tottenham levelCredit: GettyThe Swede made a positive impact after coming on as a substituteCredit: ReutersBut ex-Celtic chief Postecoglou survived the Ibrox bear pit thanks to another old Bhoy in Fraser Forster, who pulled off a stunning late stop to deny Cyriel Dessers.Defeat would have plunged Postecoglou’s injury-hit Spurs further into crisis.And while they were by no means convincing here, the main thing is they came away unbeaten and with something to build on.Postecoglou claimed on Wednesday that the injury crisis crippling his squad is the worst he has ever faced “by a fair stretch”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMicky van de Ven and Cristian Romero joining Ben Davies on the treatment table – along with Guglielmo Vicario, Wilson Odobert, Mikey Moore and Richarlison – left him perilously short at centre-back.It meant 18-year-old Archie Gray, a boyhood Celtic fan due to his family’s love of the Bhoys, started in the middle of defence alongside last-man-standing Radu Dragusin.The great-nephew of Scotland legend Eddie Gray is a defensive midfielder by trade.But he has been largely used at full-back by Postecoglou and here was drafted into the middle.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGray’s Celtic allegiances did not appear to be widely known among the Gers fans, judging by his reception.But Fraser Forster’s certainly were and he was roundly booed throughout.Man Utd team-mates in furious on-pitch argument at final whistle after Red Devils scrape past Viktoria PlzenForster, in for the injured Guglielmo Vicario, had his best years at Celtic Park, including a magnificent performance to help beat Lionel Messi’s Barcelona in 2012.The 36-year-old has deputised well during Vicario’s absence and made another smart stop early doors here to tip over Nedim Bajrami’s effort.But while Forster looked sharp, his out-field team-mates seemed sluggish.Twice Gray attempted to dribble up field and play a ball round the corner, only to surrender possession with a poor pass.Pedro Porro was equally guilty of giving the ball away, sparking a Gers’ attack with one such lazy delivery which ended with Mohamed Diomande blasting well over.While the less said about Timo Werner’s attempt to trap Fraser Forster’s pinpoint long ball the better.Postecoglou had opted to play his out-of-form captain Son Heung-min through the middle and leave £65million striker Dominic Solanke on the bench,But luckless Son struggled to impose himself on the Philippe Clement’s backline, which lost centre-back John Souttar to injury ten minutes before the interval.This was a throwback game for former England stoppers, with Jack Butland in nets for the hosts and Forster for Spurs.Butland’s kicking out from the back looked suspect but he made a brilliant stop to deny Brennan Johnson from close range, even if the offside flag would have bailed the ex-Stoke keeper out anyway.Spurs were poor but Rangers looked toothless, even if Forster did pull off another decent stop to keep out Vaclav Cerny’s drive just before the break.Postecoglou had a point about his lengthy absentee list but it was not as if the side he put out here was lacking in quality.But the volume of games recently and the inability to rotate had left them looking tired.One player who looked bereft of confidence – and quality, in honesty – was Werner.So it was no surprise to see him hooked at the break with player of the season Kulusevski sent on to breathe some life into Postecoglou’s sleepy side.Yet they failed to wake up in time to stop Igamane coolly slotting home James Tavernier’s delivery two minutes into the second half.That sent Ibrox potty – with a number of the diehard fans literally bouncing behind Forster’s goal.It could have been worse ten minutes later too were it not for Diomande’s low effort deflecting the wrong side of the post.In between, Brennan Johnson had a golden chance to level but steered a cutback wide, much to Postecoglou’s frustration on the sidelines.That proved to be Johnson’s last meaningful action as on the hour as he was hooked as part of a triple sub that saw Dominic Solanke, Pape Sarr and 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall sent on.Spurs looked to be heading for a first defeat for an English team to a Scottish side in 18 years.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut then when Solanke sent a ball across the box which James Maddison shielded, there was Kulusevski to fire home a leveller.It got Postecoglou out of jail – even if his struggling side were anything but convincing on the ground of his auld enemy. More

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      Ange Postecoglou set for fiercest reception yet after boos against Bournemouth and Chelsea – and NOT from Tottenham fans

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU is braced for a red-hot reception in the Europa League on Thursday – and NOT from Tottenham fans.After enduring personal abuse at Bournemouth last Thursday and more jeers after the Chelsea capitulation on Sunday, the big Aussie now returns to Glasgow.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is facing a hostile environment by Rangers fansCredit: RexPostecoglou was booed by Tottenham fans after the games with Bournemouth and ChelseaCredit: GettyPostecoglou remains beloved by Celtic fans after winning FIVE trophies in two years – and catching the eye of Daniel Levy.But after snatching the Premiership title from Rangers in two glory-laden years in Scotland, he’ll know exactly what to expect when Spurs arrive at Ibrox for the Battle of Britain.Celtic legend Frank McAvennie told SunSport: “The Rangers fans will give him pelters.“He’ll know that and he’ll know there will be a little bit of humour in there, too.Read More on Football“He’ll be getting the old ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ chants.Ange will take it and he’ll understand why he’s getting it.“Spurs have been magnificent in 20-minute spells – then lost the games.“The players have let him down. They have been guilty of not concentrating for 90 minutes and leaking goals.“But Ange will relish going back to Ibrox for a big game – and one he’ll need to win. I can’t see the Tottenham fans having it if they don’t beat Rangers.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter the 4-3 home loss to Chelsea – when they led 2-0 – Postecoglou was cut to 4/1 to be the next Premier League manager to be axed.It’s all a far cry from his two-year spell at Celtic, when we won the Double in his first season and the Treble in 2022/23.Ange Postecoglou reacts to Tottenham’s 4-3 loss to Chelsea Those triumphs – and previous title wins in Australia and Japan – convinced Levy he was the right fit for North London.But his journey to the East End of Glasgow was a far more complicated route filled with plenty of twists and turns.With Neil Lennon gone and Steven Gerrard having ended Hoops’ hopes of a tenth straight title, the Celtic hierarchy wanted a big-name boss in the summer of 2021.They doggedly pursued Eddie Howe, who had left Bournemouth and was yet to join the Saudi revolution at Newcastle United.A deal for Howe appeared close, only to collapse at the last minute and leave Celtic looking elsewhere for a saviour.Postecoglou was in the J-League with Yokohama F Marinos, one of the City Group’s network of clubs.Ange’s Celtic successHe had worked closely with City Group recruitment guru Mark Lawwell, son of Peter – then Celts’ chief executive and now chairman.And Postecoglou’s dynamic style of play ticked several boxes for the Celtic board and their fans.McAvennie recalled: “I was delighted with everything Ange did at Celtic.“Yes, we’ve now got Brendan Rodgers but I still think of Ange from time to time.“And I’m sure Ange thinks of his time at Celtic, too. It did him the world of good.“The pressure of having to win every game at Celtic probably prepared him for the pressure he’s now under at Tottenham.Rough start“People talk about him being in trouble if he loses this game but the same could be said for Rangers manager Philippe Clement.“If he loses to Tottenham then loses to Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final at Hampden on Sunday, the heat will be on him.”Postecoglou faced three Rangers bosses in two years in Glasgow, with Gerrard quitting for Aston Villa, Giovanni van Bronckhorst axed despite winning a Scottish Cup and reaching a Europa League final then Michael Beale appointed.Ironically, he didn’t enjoy the same swashbuckling start as at Spurs 16 months ago.He was knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers by a mediocre Midtjylland team before losing his league opener at Hearts.He lost his first trip to Ibrox, albeit he won there later in the season as Celts edged closer to the title – his only victory in four trips across Glasgow.’We Never Stop’By then, he’d returned to the J-League to inject pace and purpose into the side with Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda all signing.Cameron Carter-Vickers had arrived from Spurs, initially on loan, to stiffen the defence in front of Joe Hart.Portuguese winger Jota and Denmark midfielder Matt O’Riley were bought for £8million and later sold to Al-Ittihad and Brighton for £50m.Postecoglou’s ‘We Never Stop’ mantra was adopted by the Hoops’ faithful and became a slogan which underlined every success.McAvennie added: “Ange changed the team completely. He signed players who stepped up to the mark.“He got together with Peter Lawwell at the start and everything just clicked.“We’d never have known about Kyogo, Hatate or Maeda without Ange.“The same could probably be said about Jota, who was in Benfica’s B team. He changed everything about Celtic for the better.”Alas, things have now gone from bad to worse for the big Aussie at Spurs.READ MORE SUN STORIESDefeat in Glasgow would be tougher to take than the rocky reception he’s guaranteed from Rangers fans.But as McAvennie says: “Being a West Ham man myself, I couldn’t care less about Tottenham…”Rangers fans remember Postecoglou’s success with rivals CelticCredit: Getty More

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      Britain’s most loyal footie fan has been watching Hibernian FC for 91 YEARS

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      FOOTIE-mad Pat Davidson is Britain’s oldest and most loyal fan — having watched her beloved Hibernian FC from the stands for 91 years.Pat, 96, was first taken to their Easter Road stadium in Edinburgh as a thrilled five-year-old by her dad Angus.She feared her days watching Hibs were over when she moved into a care home.But staff arranged a VIP hospitality experience with the club, including four-course fine dining, for the Scottish Premiership clash against St Mirren on November 9.Her first question to anyone new she meets is “are you a Hibby?”And she said of her emotions at the match: “I’m crying because I am so happy.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL FANS”I never thought I would be back to watch a game.”“It brought back lots of memories of my dad, when it cost two and six to get in and we had to stand.”Aren’t I lucky to still be having adventures at 96!”Pat, who lives at Lauder Lodge in the city, was also ­presented with a new Hibs scarf and had a chat with the club’s sporting director Malky Mackay about the game.Most read in FootballBut there were no such favours from St Mirren — who beat bottom-of-the-table Hibs 2-1.Hibernian FC fan Pat Davidson is Britain’s oldest and most loyal fanBizarre moment football fans turn up to cup final with human skull of grandfather and say ‘we take him everywhere’ More

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      Hearts forced to launch investigation after image of notorious UDA killer beamed to fans at Celtic clash

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      HEARTS have issued an apology after a picture of a notorious loyalist killer was displayed on their stadium’s big screen.The Tynecastle club have launched an internal probe after the snap of UDA member Michael Stone was displayed during birthday messages before Saturday night’s clash with Celtic.The image of Michael Stone displayed on the big screen at Tynecastle prior to kick-offHearts will now launch an investigationCredit: Kenny RamsayThe snap, beamed to thousands of fans, showed Stone leaving a prison gate along with the words: “My mate Michaels first game in years, here’s a old photo of him coming through the turnstiles.”A club insider said that the Gorgie outfit always posts messages during matches and this time they were “deliberately” targeted.They said: “Every week there are birthday messages posted on the big screen.“It is impossible for the club to know if the pictures are genuine or not.“In this case it appears that someone deliberately targeted that game and used a picture of Stone.“It is quite childish really.”Stone is one of the most notorious killers of the Troubles.Originally a member of a street gang in Braniel estate before being associated with the UDA and Red Hand Commando, Stone was well known in loyalist circles as a gun for hire.Most read in FootballHe first hit the headlines in March 1988 after launching a gun and bomb attack in the Milltown cemetery in west Belfast, killing three people.His targets were mourners at the funerals of three IRA members shot dead by the SAS in Gibraltar.Children in Need hero gets message from CelticHe was sent to the Maze prison for three counts of murder before being released in 2000 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. Once inside the prison, he became one of the five leaders of the ‘Ulster Freedom Fighters’ prisoners.In November 2006 he carried out a foiled attack on Stormont which he claimed was ‘performance art’.After the attack he was charged with the attempted murder of Sinn Fein leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness.More recently, he has made headlines for his artistic endeavours which started while he was in prison, with one of his paintings recently fetching £4,500 in an eBay bid before the sale was cut off.A spokesperson for Hearts said: “Our fans’ social service was abused by someone online, leading to an image appearing on the stadium’s big screens, and we apologise for any offence caused.“We will review our procedures internally to ensure this type of misuse is not repeated.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCeltic won the match 4-1.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More