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    Incredible moment Rangers LET Partick Thistle score uncontested equaliser as Scottish Cup clash descends into chaos

    THIS is the remarkable moment Rangers let Partick Thistle walk the ball down the pitch to score an equaliser in an incredible Scottish Cup tie at Ibrox.Light Blues boss Michael Beale ordered his players to let Scott Tiffoney make it 2-2 after Thistle were left enraged by Malik Tillman’s goal that put the Gers in front.
    Tillman’s goal led to chaosCredit: PA
    All hell broke loose after Tillman scoredCredit: VIAPLAY
    Thistle boss McCall acknowledged Beale’s act of sportsmanshipCredit: VIAPLAY
    Tiffoney walked the ball into the net after the dramaCredit: Willie Vass
    The chaos unfolded in the 70th minute of an incredible cup clash when Rangers knocked the ball out of play so Malik Tillman could get treatment on an injury knock.
    Partick then resumed with the throw-in, with Kevin Holt preparing to launch the ball down-field to return possession to Rangers.
    However – Tillman himself didn’t seem to get the memo and he dramatically nicked the ball off of Holt, ran clean through on goal and scored.
    All hell then broke loose.

    Tillman was bundled to the ground as tempers boiled over, with Thistle absolutely enraged with what had gone on.
    Referee David Munro was powerless to intervene – but Light Blues gaffer Beale certainly wasn’t!
    Stop what you’re doing right now and watch this! 🤯Malik Tillman gives Rangers the lead in controversial circumstances which infuriates the visitors 😠Michael Beale then steps in and orders his side to allow Partick Thistle to score 👏🔵#ScottishCup | @ScottishCup pic.twitter.com/iUOtLalNGO— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) February 12, 2023

    Once things began to calm down, Beale instructed his players to allow Thistle to level things up.
    Scott Tiffoney ran the entire half of the pitch completely uncontested – that was until he got to Allan McGregor.
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    Appearing none too pleased with the decision to let Partick score, McGregor made things tricky for Tiffoney before eventually allowing him to knock the ball into the net.
    The Rangers fans weren’t impressed, with huge boos greeting the goal.
    Beale and Ian McCall shook hands on the touchline, with the Thistle boss acknowledging his opposite number’s act of sportsmanship.
    It was an absolutely incredible, unprecedented moment in a game that was full of absolute drama from start to finish.
    Holt had given Thistle a shock first-half lead from the penalty spot after a controversial VAR intervention.
    Antonio Colak, penalised for handball, levelled the game up early in the second-half.
    James Tavernier then saw a penalty saved by Sneddon, before the incredible goal drama unfolded.
    And then four minutes from time, there was an own goal to add to the bedlam.
    James Sands then headed-in a late winner – that may eventually go down as a Connor McAvoy own goal – as the Gers won an incredible match.
    After the game, Gers skipper Tavernier said: “We are high on standards as Rangers, it was the right thing to do to let them score the goal.
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    “It was about carrying on after that.”
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    Former Rangers & Scotland goalkeeper Billy Thomson dies aged 64 as tributes pour in for St Mirren & Dundee United icon

    LEGENDARY former Dundee United, St Mirren and Rangers goalkeeper Billy Thomson has passed away at the age of 64.The sad news has been confirmed by his former clubs this morning.
    Former Scotland keeper Billy Thomson has died aged 64Credit: Scottish News and Sport
    Thomson is a Dundee United legendCredit: Scottish News and Sport
    Thomson had a two-year spell at Rangers in the mid-1990sCredit: SNS
    Thomson’s top-level career spanned more than two decades and he was one of the Scottish game’s top goalkeepers.
    He made his first team breakthrough at Partick Thistle in the late 1970s and was back-up to Scotland star Alan Rough.
    St Mirren paid £50,000 to sign him in 1978, a big fee for a 20-year old ‘keeper back at the time.
    It proved to be an inspired acquisition as Thomson went on to become a club legend for the Buddies.

    Undisputed first-choice keeper, he made over 200 league appearances as a St Mirren player.
    Thomson moved on from Paisley in 1984, joining Jim McLean’s iconic Dundee United side.
    He battled with Terrors icon Hamish McAlpine to be first choice, eventually establishing himself as No.1
    Going on to make more than 230 appearances for United, Thomson was part of the legendary side that reached the 1987 UEFA Cup Final, beating the likes of Barcelona along the way.
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    Thomson famously suffered an injury just behind his ear five minutes into the first leg against IFK Gothenburg, requiring stitches.
    He continued on, and McLean praised him for his remarkable performance.
    He also played in two Scottish Cup finals for United.
    After leaving Tannadice in 1991, Thomson spent three years at Motherwell.
    Aged 36, he then moved on to Rangers 1994 where he spent two years as understudy to Andy Goram.
    Thomson made seven Premier Division appearances for the Light Blues.
    He finished his career back in the city of discovery, this time for Dundee, playing 25 times in the 1996/97 season.
    Thomson also won seven caps for Scotland, with all of his appearances coming during his time at St Mirren.
    After retiring from playing, he went to become one of Scottish football’s top goalkeeping coaches.
    He was on the staff at Dundee, before returning to Rangers in May 2001.
    Thomson is credited with a key role in the development of Allan McGregor at the Ibrox club.
    Still Gers No.1, Thomson oversaw the goalkeeping department as McGregor made his way from young first team hopeful to undisputed first-choice at his boyhood club.
    Thomson remained at Ibrox until the summer of 2007, and worked at both Kilmarnock and Stranraer afterwards.
    Thomson has been inducted into both St Mirren and Dundee United’s Halls of Fame – he was honoured by the Buddies just last year.
    After confirming the sad news of Thomson’s passing, the Paisley club remarked that he’d taken his “rightful place” among their great with his induction.
    Thomson went on to be Rangers goalkeeping coach for several yearsCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
    More recently, Thomson worked at KilmarnockCredit: The Sun
    Dundee United also extended their condolences to Thomson’s family, while Dundee also offered their thoughts.
    Condolences were also passed on by Rangers while Motherwell said they were deeply saddened by the news.
    As the news broke, fans took to social media to remember Thomson.
    One posted: “Not only a brilliant goalkeeper, Billy was a lovely guy. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
    A Rangers fan added: “A great pro that also did wonders in helping develop Allan McGregor. Gone too soon.”
    Reminiscing, a Partick Thistle fan said: “For a few years in the 70s, Bertie Auld’s Jags were in the highly luxurious position of having two international class ‘keepers on the books; Billy was simply too good to stay.”
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    A St Mirren supporter also paid tribute, posting: “So sad to hear, yet another of my childhood heroes from when he played at St. Mirren. Had the good fortune to meet Billy Thomson at my pal’s birthday party, around 40 years ago. Was such a nice guy.”
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    Hearts 3 Dundee Utd 1: Stephen Humphrys scores ‘best goal Tynecastle has seen’ and sparks Jambos frenzy at audacious lob

    TYNECASTLE has witnessed some stunning goals over the years.Stephen Humphrys’ wonder strike must be up there with the best of the lot.
    Humphrys lined up in the final minuteCredit: Andrew Barr
    His halfway line strike sailed over Mark BirighittiCredit: Andrew Barr
    The goalie couldn’t reach it in timeCredit: Andrew Barr
    Then Tynecastle swept into a frenzy at the audacious lob.Credit: Andrew Barr
    The Hearts forward netted from well inside his own half with almost the last kick of the ball to send this place wild.
    Humphrys, who ran from his own 18-yard box and shrugged off two challenges before letting fly, will surely claim the Goal of the Season award.
    It was an amazing strike and capped a crazy game – with both sides finishing with ten men.
    Ryan Edwards’ red card saw United play an hour with a man down, while Josh Ginnelly was sent off for dissent at the death.
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    Steven Fletcher had fired United ahead but the first sending off completely changed the game.
    Lawrence Shankland and Alex Cochrane netted for Hearts – before Humphrys took centre stage. 
    United’s defeat at Killie put them bottom of the table coming into the weekend and boss Liam Fox suffered a blow when Jamie McGrath was crocked in the warm up.
    Peter Pawlett was called in at the last minute as their plans were wrecked before kick off.
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    But you would never have known it with the way United started at Tynecastle.
    Fox’s men knocked the ball about with confidence and took a deserved lead through Fletcher in nine minutes. 
    Craig Sibbald picked out Ilmari Niskanen on the left and his low cross was perfect for the striker.
    Fletcher nipped in ahead of Kye Rowles and then reversed his finish under Zander Clark.
    Hearts had a half-chance through Ginnelly but United were playing the better stuff.
    Glenn Middleton was causing problems and fired over a cross Liam Smith almost connected with.
    The loose ball fell to Fletcher but he couldn’t divert his shot on target and Hearts escaped.
    Middleton was causing real problems for Hearts and his bouncing shot had to be watched closely by Clark.
    Player ratingsHow they rated..
    HEARTS: Zander Clark 7, James Hill 6, Toby Sibbick 7, Kye Rowles 6, Alan Forrest 4, Andy Halliday 6, Robert Snodgrass 7, Stephen Kingsley 6, Barrie McKay 7, Josh Ginnelly 6, Lawrence Shankland 7.Subs: Stephen Humphrys (Forrest 46) 9, Jorge Grant (Halliday 61) 4, Garang Kuol (Hill 69) 3, Alex Cochrane (Rowles 69) 5
    DUNDEE UTD: Mark Birighitti 7, Ryan Edwards 3, Charlie Mulgrew 7, Scott McMann 6, Liam Smith 6, Dylan Levitt 7, Craig Sibbald 7, Ilmari Niskanen 7, Peter Pawlett 6, Glenn Middleton 7, Steven Fletcher 7.Subs: Arnaud Djoum (Pawlett 52), Kieran Freeman (Sibbald 74) 3, Rory MacLeod (Niskanen 85) 1, Lewis Neilson (Kingsley 88) 1.

    The Tynecastle natives were growing restless but were cheering as Edwards was sent off on the half-hour mark.
    The United skipper took the ball and man as he left Andy Halliday in a heap with a crunching tackle.
    The Hearts man was left in a heap and was pointing to his ankle as ref Walsh was told to have a look.
    Edwards probably knew what was coming as the official returned to the pitch with a red card.
    Excessive force appeared to be the reason and the United skipper handed the armband to Fletcher. 
    Fox had to rethink his system and deal with some immediate Hearts pressure – but his side soon started creating chances again.
    Fletcher was sent free after a clever flick but tried to find the top corner and let Hearts off the hook.
    Pawlett then had a decent penalty claim turned away on the stroke of half-time.
    Steven Fletcher gave United the lead by beating Zander Clark.Credit: Andrew Barr
    Lawrence Shankland hit the equaliser against his old club.Credit: Andrew Barr
    As Hearts scrambled to clear the ball, Middleton pounced and crashed a shot off the post.
    Neilson threw on Humphrys for Alan Forrest at the break and the big striker was out to make an impact.
    His first involvement was a low shot that was well saved by Mark Birighitti – and he was then booked for a late tackle on Charlie Mulgrew. 
    Hearts were piling pressure on but still struggled to create clear-cut chances.
    Robert Snodgrass flashed a shot wide from 20 yards but Birighitti wasn’t being worked enough.
    Lawrence Shankland had been quiet but was picked out at the back post – only to make a mess of the volley. 
    Hearts pinned United back for almost all the second half but with Mulgrew calling the shots, they defended well.
    Yet Hearts kept going and eventually overpowered their tiring opponents in a big finish.
    The Verdict
    MAN OF THE MATCHSTEPHEN HUMPHRYS made a big impact before his wonder goal – but that capped a stunning second-half display from the striker. He was summoned from the bench to help his side and did just that, Barrie McKay also stepped up when Hearts needed him as he helped break down a stubborn United defence. The Jambos star helped create their first two goals as the pressure paid off. 
    MAN IN THE MIDDLE NICK WALSH used the VAR at his disposal after missing Ryan Edwards’ red-card tackle on Andy Halliday. The United man was accused of overstepping the mark as he left Andy Halliday in a heap as he cleared the ball. After a check, Welsh flashed the red. Josh Ginnelly was also sent packing at the end – with a spot of time-wasting quickly followed by dissent.
    MEN IN THE DUGOUTROBBIE NEILSON took stick for his tactics in midweek against Rangers but ensured his team returned to winning ways here. The Hearts gaffer threw everything at in the second half as Jambos turned it around. United boss Liam Fox has the task of fixing their awful away form and will be thinking what might have been had Ryan Edwards stayed on. United were excellent but Hearts ultimately had too much. 

    Shankland grabbed the equaliser in 71 minutes as the pressure finally told.
    Barrie McKay fired in a cross and the Hearts striker found space to send a shot into the bottom corner.
    It did take a deflection but Shankland didn’t care as he celebrated his 21st of the campaign.
    Hearts were now flying and Cochrane grabbed the second in 77 minutes.
    McKay again claimed the assist with a clever pass and his team-mate did the rest – firing his shot across Birighitti. 
    United were now well beaten and Humphrys almost made it 3-1 when his low shot hit the base of the post. 
    But he had a lot more luck from five yards in his own half – with his weaker left foot.
    Humphrys showed strength and pace to shrug off challenges and then sent a shot soaring over the helpless Birighitti.

    Humphrys scored from his own half after a 40-yard dash.Credit: Andrew Barr
    ROBBIE NEILSON declared the Goal of the Season contest to be OVER after Stephen Humphrys’ wonder strike.
    The Hearts forward raced 40 yards before scoring from his own half to seal a 3-1 win over Dundee United.
    Jambos hoss Neilson admits it might be the BEST goal he has ever seen as he hailed Humphrys’ magic moment.
    He said:  “Goal of the season is now done in Scottish football.
    “I’ve been here for a long time and seen a lot of games over the years.
    “But I can’t think of a better goal to be honest with you. It was an unbelievable finish.
    “As soon as it left his boot we all thought it had a chance.
    “It’s over the keeper, is it dipping and time kind of slowed down a bit.
    “It was outstanding and I’m delighted for him.
    “Firstly he is a brilliant boy, he has been brilliant for the dressing room and the group.
    “He has been a wee bit in and out  but you saw when he comes on what he can give you.
    It shows you both sides of him, pace, power, strength but also the finesse to have that final finish.
    “It will be all over social media. It’s one of those moments we will remember.
    “Stephen is a cult hero here and in the dressing room, he is a really good character.
    “The boys love him and so does the fans because he is different to what we’ve got there.
    “I’m over the moon for him. I would love to keep him longer term.
    “But he is a Wigan player and has a contract down there so it will ultimately come down to them.”
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    I’m the Hearts fan who went viral for showing my boob tattoo on Italian TV – it’s only Hibs fans who are annoyed

    A HEARTS fan who interrupted a live TV broadcast in Italy to show a Jambos-inspired tattoo on her breast has revealed her shock after going viral.Journalist Tancredi Palmeri was speaking about the transfer window when Natasha Lodge and her boyfriend appeared in front of the camera.
    Natasha could be the most popular Hearts fan on the planet right now
    Thankfully she has no regrets over going viral
    People were in stitches at her antics
    The tattoo in questionCredit: @lodge_natasha
    After telling the SportItalia correspondent her name and that she was from Edinburgh, he quickly said ‘Hearts of Midlothian’ to show he knew about Scottish football.
    But Natasha, from Niddrie, left him rushing to cover her modesty after she suddenly lifted her to top to expose her ‘5-1’ inking – a nod to her side’s famous victory over rivals Hibs in the 2012 Scottish Cup Final.
    Speaking to the Scottish Sun, Natasha said: “It seems like the only people bothered are Hibs fans on Facebook. 
    “There’s been thousands of comments. But definitely a lot more good fun ones than nasty, you get that everywhere though. 

    “I’m not bothered about it, I just find it crazy how you can do one wee thing on the street and have no idea how many people are going to see it.”
    Palmeri, who shared the footage to his 220k Twitter followers, later enjoyed a drink with the couple as the footage quickly started to spread all over social media.
    To make matters worse for her partner, he revealed he was actually a fan of Hibs himself.
    But Natasha insists her other half is absolutely fine with the tattoo she drunkenly got during a holiday to Magaluf in 2016.
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    She adds: “He came afterwards. We laugh about it.
    “I got it there so it was easy to cover up.
    “I mean it doesn’t really bother me but I just seem to enjoy showing people once I’ve had a drink.
    “He’s a Hibs fan but it doesn’t bother him at all.”
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    Kieran Tierney reveals how he gets inside information on Celtic’s Japanese stars from Arsenal teammate Takehiro Tomiyasu

    THE Rising Sun over Paradise is dazzling for former Celtic hero and lifelong fan Kieran Tierney.Ange Postecoglou’s stunning fusion of Japanese talent with the Hoops’ title-winning squad has grabbed the imagination of the £25million ace.
    Kieran Tierney is well-read on his former team’s new Japanese stars
    And Arsenal defender Tierney is well placed for all the inside info on the Far East stars brought to Parkhead by Postecoglou – and taking the Premiership by storm.
    Gunners’ team-mate and Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu – known simply as Tomi by the Arsenal players and staff – effectively becomes Tierney’s Wikipedia when it comes to checking out incomers.
    Celtic now boast six Japanese players; Yuki Kobayashi, Yosuke Ideguchi, Tomoki Iwata, Reo Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda.
    And thanks to Tomiyasu, KT’s got a dossier in his mind of each of them.

    Only the out in the cold Ideguchi has failed to make an impact and could well exit before this month’s transfer window closes.
    Centre-half Kobayashi’s just beginning to bed in after two solid displays while midfielder Iwata made a debut from the bench in the Scottish Cup victory over Morton. 
    Overall, ex-Yokohama Marinos boss Postecoglou’s inside knowledge of the J-League has paid rich dividends for Celtic.
    And Tierney’s gripped by the Japanese dynamic within a bull-dozing team that’s won 24 of 26 domestic games this season, losing just one.
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    The 25-year-old told SunSport: “I speak to Tomi a lot.
    “I didn’t know much about the boys who came in from Japan before and it’s the same with the two signed over the last month.
    “I don’t see the J-League and so I’ve been asking Tomi for info and his thoughts on them as players.
    “Daizen Maeda was with Tomi in the Japan squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
    “Tomi’s been very positive about all the boys signed and that’s been good to hear.
    “He’s a great player himself and an excellent team-mate. He’s good company.
    “I’m always speaking to Tomi and if ever there’s a Celtic game on at the training ground he sits and watches it with me.
    “I’ve tried to make him a Celtic fan!
    “It’s funny, but Tomi’s seen that old video of me being presented with boots by Shunsuke Nakamura when I was just a kid at Celtic.
    “He was aware of it a long time ago.
    “Nakamura was one of Tomi’s heroes growing up, but that goes for so many of the Japanese players all over the world.”
    Foreign players have unquestionably added plenty for Celtic over the years.
    But for Tierney it’s also important there remains a Scottish core – and he’s thrilled close pals Callum McGregor, Greg Taylor, David Turnbull and James Forrest continue to be at the heart of the Postecoglou revolution.
    Tony Ralston and Stephen Welsh have also made decent contributions since the Greek-Aussie landed the hot-seat 19-months ago.
    Tierney – previously on record as saying a future second spell at Celtic would be appealing and still the owner of two season tickets – said: “I think it’s important for there to be a Scottish presence in the team.
    “Or, at least, people who have grown up knowing everything about the club and have got the mentality of needing to win.
    “Callum was seven or eight when he joined and he’s had that winning mentality from that age all the way up.
    “And now as captain with every player coming in from different clubs and countries he’s able to help them settle quickly on and off the park. They’re made aware of the necessary standards.
    “Right now it looks like every signing just clicks, buys into Celtic immediately. They all seem to be doing so well.
    “Callum’s a brilliant captain. But I had no doubt in my mind he would be successful with the armband. No one in the club had doubts.
    “I know how much it means to Callum, how professional he is and how much he gives to the club.
    “He deserves every bit of success he gets – and I’m sure by the end of the season he’ll have two more trophies to lift.
    “Jamesy now has 100 goals and 100 assists. He’s a club legend. What he’s done over all those years – is it 14 now? – is amazing.
    “There aren’t many players able to say they’ve done what he is. He’s in the history books.
    “Like Callum, he’s another brilliant guy.
    “Greg, for me, is a contender for player of the year. He came through a hard time at Celtic with the Covid situation and the missing out on 10.
    “But we always knew he was going to be a great player for the club.
    “Greg’s different from me. He’s got his own strengths. He’s very technical and on the ball he’s among the best there is.
    “I’m so happy he’s established himself in the team. I love him as a person and we text each other weekly.
    “David’s another top lad and excellent player – a good friend – while Tony and Stephen are others who can be proud of their contribution after coming through the ranks.”
    Tierney’s a huge fan also of Postecoglou.
    He added: “What Celtic have done, and are doing just now, is amazing.
    “I was gutted for them in the Champions League. I felt they deserved so much more for their performances.
    “It’s a journey they’re on in Europe. It’s a bit like Arsenal, steady progress. People can see where you’re going, what you’re trying to do.
    “Ange Postecoglou’s bought right into the club. That’s why the fans love him. He’s adored.
    “My friends talk about him; certain clips, certain interviews.
    “Even when he wears a certain JUMPER people are buying it. You can tell how much he’s loved.”

    ‘I might be a footy star – but pals never stop slagging me’
    Tierney was born on the Isle of Man and lived in London for the last three and a half years.
    But you’ll never take Wishaw out of him.
    Tierney moved to the North Lanarkshire town when he was only 10-months old.
    He’s confessed it took him over a year to settle in London after his record transfer from Celtic to Arsenal but now feels comfortable.
    Tierney, however, insisted no matter where his career takes him he’ll always pine for where he was raised.
    He said: “I’ll always miss home, but I’m a lot more settled than the first year, 18-months for sure.
    “It’s crazy that I’m now in my fourth season at Arsenal. It feels like it’s flown in.
    “To be at a club like this with over 100 appearances is very good and it’s something that no one can take away from me.
    “It’s a quiet life for me here. I don’t do much.
    “I’m not one for going out on the town, I don’t go into London very often.
    “I train, I go home, I recover, the odd time I’ll go out for a bit of food local.
    “But it’s all good, it suits me fine.
    “There’s no chance of me ever being big-headed or have an ego. That’s just the way I’ve been brought up. I’d never want to be like that anyway, but it wouldn’t be fair on my family.
    “I was brought up proper with manners.
    “I’ll always just be myself.”
    Tierney’s childhood pals have never eased up on banter as his career’s rocketed – and that’s suited him perfectly.
    His public status is undeniable but as far as he’s concerned he’ll always just be one of the boys.
    He said: “Sometimes my pals speak about football but, honestly, not as often as you’d think.
    “I’ll come home after a game or training and it’s like ‘what time are you on the Playstation tonight?’
    “There’s not a lot of comments on my performances or anything that’s happened in the games.
    “It’s a good get-out, I like that. I can get away from things.
    “My pals knew me before I became a professional footballer.
    “Put it this way, they don’t cut me any slack for being a football player – I still get SLAGGED as much as ever!”
    Meanwhile, Tierney’s £25 million price tag – a record for Scottish football – doesn’t weigh heavily on him.
    He said: “Maybe when I first joined it was on my mind.
    “In terms of some of the transfer fees down here it’s not much.
    “But, obviously, it’s the most expensive Scottish one.
    “I don’t feel pressure from it, just pride. 
    “For somebody who has come from the Celtic academy and a working class background, to go on and be a £25million football player – well, that makes me proud.
    “I never thought it was going to change who I was or what people thought of me.
    “I’ve worked very hard to get to this level and I’ll never ease up.”

    National pride
    Tierney is confident Scotland can hit the ground running in the upcoming Euro qualifiers.
    Three of our opening four fixtures are at Hampden, starting with Cyprus and Spain in March.
    Both are sell-outs as is the eagerly awaited home friendly against England next September as the Tartan Army truly show their backing for Steve Clarke’s national team, with only the tie against Georgia on June 20 still having tickets available from our scheduled Hampden fixtures in 2023.
    Key man Tierney rates it ‘vital’ we get off to a great start.
    He told SunSport: “I love it when international duty’s coming up because I love playing for Scotland, I love representing my country.
    “The feeling about the camp is very good.
    “I love the manager, I love his staff and I’m grateful for every chance I get to play.
    “There have been times when I’ve been injured and missed games. So I don’t take any camp, training session or match for granted.
    “It will be very important for us to start the Euro qualifiers well. We’ve got Cyprus and Spain at home in March and they’ll be tough ties.
    “But we’re at Hampden and we have to believe in ourselves.
    “Qualification for another tournament is something we really want to achieve.
    “Missing out on the World Cup was a massive disappointment for everyone after the experience of playing in the Euro finals.
    “It’s a tough group we’re in with Norway also there.
    “But the manager’s always emphasising we have to be full of belief. That we CAN qualify. 
    “He’s always hammering home the message we have to change our mentality that Scotland don’t qualify for tournaments and the Euros were a one off.
    “We need to be a team fighting for every position, every point. It doesn’t matter the opposition, it’s about going out and looking for points and qualifying.”
    Tierney, though, confessed losing captain and goalkeeper – broken leg victim Craig Gordon – is a major blow.
    He added: “I was gutted when I learned about Craig. It’s the horrendous side of football. I hope he’s okay, I don’t know how long he’ll be out.
    “But I wish him the best.
    “I noticed Craig saying on Instagram that people had doubted him before and that people have written him off in the past after bad injuries.
    “But if anyone knows how to come back from something it’s Craig Gordon.”
    Tierney, meanwhile, stressed again he’s got no problem turning out wherever Clarke needs him. Left-back for Arsenal, left-sided centre-half for Scotland.
    He added: “Listen, it’s not a problem. I’m delighted wherever he plays me.
    “The other week I came off the bench for Arsenal and played left wing.
    “I’ll give my all in every position.
    “I’m now used to being centre-back in a three – the majority of my caps have been there.
    “There’s great competition for left-back with Andy Robertson and Greg Taylor.
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    “But, just to play, I’ll turn out anywhere for Scotland.”
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    Ally McCoist owns up to CHEATING on Question of Sport after Rangers hero was accused live on air

    ALLY McCOIST may have been a footballer by trade, but he is known for having vast knowledge in a range of different sports. The Rangers and Scotland legend is a fan of cricket, rugby, snooker, among others, including the beautiful game.
    McCoist was one of the team captains on Question of SportCredit: Getty
    The Rangers hero is now a regular on TalkSPORT
    But despite being the go-to man for many when it comes to sport, even he can’t help himself from cheating when he’s asked difficult questions.
    While coming to the end of his footballing career, McCoist took to the cameras to showcase his sport knowledge on popular Friday night quiz – Question of Sport.
    McCoist was one of the team captains for nearly a decade between 1997 and 2006, and he established himself as a personality off the pitch as well as legend on it.
    But his rival captain on the other side, John Parrot, who was a Snooker world champion, has revealed that McCoist used to sometimes deceive his opponents on the show to get the right answers.

    And he was once caught out after he revealed he had the name of a certain Bulgarian high jumper written on his arm.
    Speaking about McCoist’s antics, Parrot told TalkSPORT: “Honestly, you’ve never seen anything like it. He used to write the names down on his hand and everything. 
    “You know when someone is doing their exams in school, it was unbelievable.  
    “There was this female high jumper on the picture board in the last round and he was asked ‘do you know who that is?’ and he said ‘no I don’t, but I might in a minute’ and he lifted his sleeve up and her name was there.”
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    McCoist laughed: “You have got some memory! She was actually Bulgarian and I’ll tell you how difficult it was.
    “Her name started at the top of my elbow and just finished at my wrist.”
    Parrot revealed the Rangers hero wasn’t the only one who cheated on the show as he got McCoist back years later with a similar trick.
    He said: “Honestly, it was hilarious. I got him back a few years later.
    “I went down early for one of the shows and they used to do the quiz between pub quiz teams and have a run through.
    “I got down early and there’s all the one-minute answers, and I thought ‘aw yeah that’ll do me!’.
    “When it got to the one-minute round, McCoist was saying ‘Jesus JP, you’re on fire!’
    “It was unbelievable, cheating taken to a whole new level.”

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    Patrizio Billio dead at 48: Former Crystal Palace, Dundee and Aberdeen star passes away

    FORMER Crystal Palace and AC Milan player Patrizio Billio has passed away at the age of 48.The midfielder arrived at Selhurst Park in the late 1990s during a long career which saw him play for many clubs around Europe.
    Patrizio Billio has passed away at the age of 48Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    The star was a midfielder during his playing days and enjoyed a career which took him from Italy to multiple clubs in the UKCredit: Scottish News and Sport
    Billio also played for Scottish clubs Dundee and Aberdeen in the early 2000s.
    He retired in 2010 and returned to AC Milan to coach their academy side in Kuwait.
    Milan confirmed Billio’s sad death on Twitter.
    They said: “Yesterday Patrizio Billio left us prematurely, who grew up in our youth sector and has been the coach of our football school in Kuwait since 2011.
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    “The entire Rossoneri family clings to the pain of their loved ones. Rest in peace, Patrick.”
    AC Milan’s Kuwait academy wrote on Instagram: “It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our head coach Patrizio Billio on Monday 23rd of January, 2023.
    “Over the past 10 years, Mr. Billio has done a remarkable job in elevating the training standards at the AC Milan Academy in Kuwait. 
    “You will always be remembered. Our heartfelt condolences goes to Mr. Billio’s family.”
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    Billio grew up in Milan after his birth in 1974 and joined the Rossoneri’s youth academy.
    He was sent out on loan to lower league Italian clubs like Monza and Verona before eventually leaving the San Siro without making a senior appearance.
    Billio headed for Crystal Palace in the 1997-98 season and join up with his more experienced and famous countryman Attilio Lombardo.
    But Palace would end that season bottom of the table after losing 11 in 12 games between January and April.
    A four-year spell in Scotland would follow as Billio headed to Dundee and then Aberdeen.
    He left Dundee in 2002 after being attacked by a fan during a training session.
    Billio played for another six clubs in Italy before retiring. More

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    Todd Cantwell joins Rangers as Michael Beale completes first transfer as Gers boss

    RANGERS have confirmed the signing of Todd Cantwell from Norwich City. The 24-year-old midfielder arrives at Ibrox as Michael Beale completes his first transfer as Rangers boss.
    Cantwell is Beale’s first signing as Ibrox boss

    The former Norwich City playmaker was heavily linked with the Light Blues this month after the Championship club revealed they were willing to listen to offers for him this window.
    Cantwell only had six months remaining on his Norwich contract and could have signed a pre-contract agreement with Rangers to join in the summer on a free.
    But Beale wasn’t waiting about and has now landed the former England youth international on a “long-term deal” after fending off interest for his signature.
    He will wear number 13 for the remainder of this year’s campaign.

    SunSport revealed Blackburn lodged a bid of around £1.5million for the midfielder earlier in the window but Norwich knocked it back as they didn’t want to lose him to one of their rivals.
    Dutch giants PSV were chasing Cantwell too.
    But it’s Beale’s side who have won the race for the 24-year-old.
    And he will now join his Ibrox teammates as they look to win their first piece of silverware under their current manager.
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    Spoeaking to Rangers TV after completing his move, Cantwell said: “I am delighted and I feel very proud. This is obviously a massive football club and I am delighted to get going and to get started.
    “This is a massive club and there is a massive responsibility when you sign for Rangers to be the player that the fans want to see.
    “They want to see a player that works hard and a player that can win them games which is very important and that is something I am hoping I can bring.”
    Beale said: “I am extremely happy to welcome Todd to Rangers. He is a player that is fully aligned to our playing style and we believe he will be a key player for the club in the coming seasons.
    “I am looking forward to working with him on the pitch this week and integrating him into our fantastic football club.”

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