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      in Soccer

      Liverpool star Andy Robertson almost became pro GOLFER after Celtic release before pal teed up football resurgence

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      ANDY ROBERTSON has a grand slam in the bag and will be going for his fifth major in Paris.He tees up a second Champions League triumph today having helped Liverpool swing both domestic trophies this season.
      Andy Robertson is on the verge of adding to his grand slam of majorsCredit: Alamy
      The Liverpool left-back is a fine golfer and played off five aged 15Credit: Getty
      There was also the triumph of 2020 and the end of 30 years of hurt at Anfield as Jurgen Klopp’s boys won the Premier League title.
      Meanwhile waiting for him back home in Glasgow is another, very different award.
      For the defender has been granted lifetime honorary membership of Cathcart Castle Golf Club in recognition of his achievements in football.
      Achievements that may never have been accomplished were it not for his passion for golf.
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      As a 15-year-old with a handicap of five he captained the club’s junior section and many predicted that he could go on to become a top pro.
      It was also at that same age that a fellow member kicked his footballing career out of the rough after he had been dumped from Celtic’s academy in 2009.
      He was considered too small to make it and feared that his dream was over before it had even begun.
      That was where Cathcart Castle’s junior team manager John McCallum came in.
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      He revealed: “When Celtic let Andy go he came to me for a chat. He was a bit distressed about it all.
      “I told him that, whilst it might have felt like it, it wasn’t necessarily the end of the world.
      “At the same time I had a word with somebody at the golf club who was involved at Queen’s Park.
      “I dropped a hint that Andy had been released by Celtic and that they should maybe take a look at him.”

      Robertson spent the next three years playing with the Hampden club’s youth team and was even given a job in the club’s office fielding ticket enquiries.
      By 2012 he had signed for Scottish Premiership side Dundee United before a year later joining Hull City for £2.85million.
      Klopp beat then-Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to grab him for an initial £8m in 2017 and his rise to stardom had really begun.
      He still returns to Cathcart Castle and head pro Stephen Duncan said: “It was decided last year to grant him honorary membership because we are all so proud of the little lad who played here.
      A few come and play here act like they are billy big-time but not AndyStephen Duncan
      “Andy has often come for a round when he is up here and was supposed to be formally presented with his life membership last year when he was going to be in Glasgow on Scotland duty.
      “But he was injured and couldn’t make it so it is still waiting for him and I know he’s really happy and proud about it.
      “The best thing about him is that he hasn’t changed a bit.
      “Me and him always had a bit of banter in the pro shop because he was a Celtic boy and I’m a big Rangers fan — he’s always been up for a bit of that.
      “When he comes back it’s just like the old times but while he’s achieved so much in football, he’s still the same Andy Robertson.
      “Some who make it big in football, and there are a few who come and play here act like they are billy big-time but not Andy.
      “He was a great lad when he was a golfer here and he still is and everybody’s a fan of his.
      “We’ll all be glued to the TV hoping he can win another Champions League medal against Real Madrid.
      A young Robbo reignited his career at Queen’s ParkCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      He lifted the Champions League for the first time in 2019Credit: Getty – Contributor
      “I well remember when he was starting to break through at Queen’s Park and he was playing against Rangers.
      “I was at Ibrox that day and he absolutely destroyed the boy who was playing right midfield.
      “He was up and down the wing like you wouldn’t believe but now, of course, we all believe.
      “Andy was always a great character to have around the club and everybody liked him.
      “He was always willing to learn and listen and had this quiet confidence about him.
      “And he always had the attributes to succeed at whatever it was he wanted to do.
      ‘REAL DETERMINED CHARACTER’
      “What he has done since I used to give him tips about his golf game is fantastic — he’s a real credit to Cathcart Castle Golf Club.”
      Glasgow-born Robertson, 28, now also happens to be captain of the Scotland team who face Ukraine on Wednesday in a World Cup qualifier with Wales awaiting the winners.
      McCallum added: “Andy always had something special about him, even at a young age.
      “You know when there’s somebody in your midst that has that X-factor or whatever.
      “He was one of them. He was a real determined character.
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      “Celtic letting him go, it gave him strength, you know?
      “For want of a better word, he used his own gumption to turn things around.” More

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      Rangers loanee Aaron Ramsey ‘set for contract termination’ at Juventus according to Italian reports

      by

      JUVENTUS are set to terminate Aaron Ramsey’s £400,000 a week contract upon his return from loan.That’s according to Italian publication TuttoSport, who say the Welshman’s arrival back from Rangers will see the end of his time in Turin.
      Aaron Ramsey joined Rangers on loan from Juventus in January
      Ramsey arrived in Glasgow to much anticipation after a last-minute January deadline day loan deal.
      But the expensive swoop didn’t quite work out as Light Blues fans would have hoped as he came and went without completing a single 90 minutes.
      Fitness issues plagued the 31-year-old’s time both in Italy and Scotland over the course of the season.
      And reports now suggest his parent side have had enough of his contributions and that they will offer him a payoff and termination.
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12px;max-height:75px;overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:2;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1px;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}No Rammies .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Mayor of Seville blasts ‘fake news’ over damage during Rangers v Frankfurt Final
      Ramsey moved to the continent after leaving Arsenal at the end of the 2018/19 season.
      But despite linking up with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala on the pitch it’s been three years to forget in terms of his club career.
      On his way out of Ibrox Ramsey made the time to thank Rangers fans for sticking by and supporting him through his Europa League nightmare in Seville.
      Van Bronckhorst brought the Welshman on as a last minute substitute so he could take a penalty in the impending shootout.
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      But it’d turn out to be a disastrous move on the Gers front as he saw his effort turned away by an on-form Kevin Trapp on the night.
      Ramsey had been silent in the media ever since – but spoke out after the Scottish Cup win over Hearts to show his appreciation.
      He said: “A nice way to finish the season after the big disappointment on Wednesday.
      “To the blue sea of Ibrox, I want to thank you for your overwhelming support through the highs and lows. 
      “You are some of the most passionate fans I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
      “Thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome. 
      “It’s been an incredible few months and I’m proud to be a small part of this club’s rich history.”
      Meanwhile, John Souttar was having a ball as he enjoyed his last chance to party before officially joining Rangers in the summer.
      The Hearts defender will become a Light Blues player next month and marked the occasion by getting married to his long-time partner Kayley.

      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

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      I dated Rangers star Calvin Bassey – he’s not your typical footballer, he’s really shy and funny

      by

      A PERSONAL trainer who dated Rangers star Calvin Bassey has told how the £25million-rated defender isn’t your typical footballer.Molly Godfrey, who also played field hockey internationally for Scotland, started a relationship with the Nigerian international after he slid into her DMs on Instagram.
      Personal trainer Molly enjoyed her time with CalvinCredit: MOLLY GODFREY
      Calvin is the man of the moment in Scottish football after performances this seasonCredit: Willie Vass
      Molly reckons Calvin is headed straight to the topCredit: MOLLY GODFREY
      Molly was surprised by how shy the footballer wasCredit: MOLLY GODFREY
      The pair quickly hit it off after the 22-year-old ace’s arrival in Glasgow from Leicester City and Molly loved his sense of humour.
      Although their romance never stood the test of time, she isn’t surprised that her former flame is being linked with moves to top Premier League sides after man of the match performances in both the Europa League and Scottish Cup finals recently.
      Molly, who appeared on the most recent season of Geordie Shore, says: “He’s a really lovely boy who had big dreams to play with Rangers and break into the first team.
      “Calvin and I used to love just having a laugh together and people may or may not know this but he is a terrible singer and even worse dancer – which made him even funnier.
      “He’s not your typical footballer as he was a bit shy around new people.
      “But all of my friends loved him too as he always had a big smile on his face and was just great fun to be around.”
      Paisley-based Molly, 25, adds: “We slowly grew apart and I decided to go on Geordie Shore and he decided to focus on his football therefore we decided to part ways mutually.
      “I think he’s a great asset to Scottish football with an incredible future at his fingertips.
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      “He is a true diamond of a boy. Anyone would be lucky to be with him.”
      Meanwhile, former Rangers and Celtic striker Kenny Miller reckons Bassey can replicate Kieran Tierney when it comes to club record transfers.
      But while he stopped short of saying Bassey as a player can be compared to Tierney but as a prospect, he thinks his performances have earned him a hefty price tag that he says Ibrox chiefs must stick to.
      He told Clyde1’s Superscoreboard: “You have to be starting at £15m minimum.
      “I think that’s the going rate.
      “I’m not suggesting that he’s achieved the same amount as Kieran Tierney because Kieran played for a number of years at Celtic and won all kinds of trophies and performed at Champions League level, Europa League level and international level also.
      “But Calvin Bassey has the potential – and I’m not saying he’s better, I’ll reiterate that – but from the level of performances we’ve seen, to get £25m (for Tierney) and let Bassey go for £10m or £12m, no, I think you’re looking at a record bid to let him go.”
      Any women based in and around Glasgow looking for a real lifestyle change where they can have the balance of their social life as well as a healthier body and mind can follow @mollyfitness_uk on Instagram and complete an enquiry form to work with her.
      We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us at scoop@thesun.co.uk or call 0141 420 5300 More

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      Rangers fans are all saying the same thing after what Aaron Ramsey did during Scottish Cup trophy lift

      by

      AARON RAMSEY brought his Rangers loan spell to an end by getting his hands on the Scottish Cup – eventually.The superstar January signing endured a difficult week, the only man to miss his kick in the Europa League final penalty shoot-out defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday.
      Ramsey cut a devastated figure after Europa League heartbreakCredit: Reuters
      Ramsey was an unused sub in Scottish Cup finalCredit: PA
      Boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst admitted following that crushing loss that Ramsey had been ‘very down.’
      While the Juventus loanee hasn’t been able to make the impact he might’ve wanted or expected to at Ibrox, he did at least manage to sign off with a trophy.
      Ramsey was an unused sub as Rangers won the Scottish Cup for the first time since 2009 with a 2-0 extra time win over Hearts at Hampden.
      While the Welshman didn’t get on the pitch, it was what he did AFTER the game that caught the attention.
      All the usual formalities were in place as the players received their medals.
      Hearts went up to collect their runners-up prizes, followed by Willie Collum and his team of officials.
      Then, it was the turn of Gers skipper James Tavernier to hoist the famous old trophy aloft to a rapturous reception from the Light Blues support.
      Then came the usual process of the cup being handed around the rest of the squad to show it off to the fans and get their own cheer.
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      At least that’s what happened until it came to the last man waiting on the podium – Ramsey.
      Leon Balogun held the cup up, passed it on to Allan McGregor who then did the same.
      The veteran goalie then turned to pass the trophy to Ramsey, but the Welshman REFUSED to take it.
      McGregor tries to offer Ramsey the trophy (Credit: BBC Scotland)
      Instead, he turned and hurriedly headed for the stairs! (Credit: BBC Scotland)
      Ramsey heads off with the cup still in McGregor’s hands (Credit: BBC Scotland)
      Instead, the former Arsenal man turned and made his way back down the famous Hampden stairs!
      The moment didn’t go unnoticed either, with several fans commenting on social media.
      Many seemed to think the events from Wednesday night were still playing on the midfielder’s mind.
      One fan said: “Felt sorry for Ramsey when he sheepishly refused to lift the cup up there. The move hasn’t worked out but he’s one of us now whether he comes back or not. All the best mate.”
      Another Gers supporter added: “Hurts my wee heart to see Ramsey not lift the cup, still love you.”
      A third said: “Feel bad for Ramsey. Offered to lift the cup by McGregor but refused.”
      The fans who felt sorry for Ramsey will, however, all have been relieved to see that he DID eventually get his hands on the cup!
      Ramsey eventually lifted the Scottish Cup
      Once the players had made their way onto the field to go and see the fans, it seems the 31-year old was eventually convinced to have his moment!
      Ramsey posed for several photos with the trophy and his family.
      His future remains uncertain and nobody seems quite sure where he’ll be playing his football next season.
      Ramsey will, however, now be preparing for Wales’ World Cup play-off final at the start of next month, which could of course be against Scotland.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Rangers 2 Hearts 0 (AET) Ryan Jack and Scott Wright win Scottish Cup as Light Blues end emotional week with silverware

      by

      RANGERS ensured an emotional week ended on a high as they tasted Scottish Cup glory for the first time since 2009 after a 2-0 win over Hearts.Ryan Jack and Scott Wright were the goalscoring heroes as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men recovered from Thursday’s Europa League heartbreak in impressive fashion, securing silverware despite being taken to extra time for the second time in just three days.
      Ryan Jack thunders in the opening goal at HampdenCredit: Reuters
      The midfielder celebrates his wonder strikeCredit: Reuters
      There was some shock team news before the game, as Amad Diallo was given a start for Rangers, with several Europa League final stars on the bench after that gruelling clash with Eintracht Frankfurt. Aaron Ramsey and Kemar Roofe were left on the bench.
      On the other side, the Light Blues came up against a man who will be a team mate next season in John Souttar, who found himself in the rather unique position of making his farewell Hearts appearance against the club that will employ him in a matter of days.
      It was a frantic start at the national stadium and Willie Collum was reaching for his yellow card inside the opening three minutes.
      Peter Haring went flying into a heavy tackle on Calvin Bassey, with his studs catching the Rangers defender on the ankle.
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12px;max-height:75px;overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:2;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1px;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}CUP CHAOS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Hampden evacuated hours before Rangers v Hearts Scottish Cup final
      It was a painful one for Bassey and a crunching challenge, but yellow was probably just about correct, although there probably couldn’t have been many complaints if the ref had opted for a harsher punishment.
      The first big opening of the game went the way of Hearts and it was a huge chance. Robbie Neilson set his side up to press high from the off, and it almost paid dividends.
      Ellis Simms challenged Leon Balogun for a long, high ball, winning the dual and nodding the ball on to Nathaniel Atkinson.
      The Australian then fed Liam Boyce, who sent the ball across goal where Simms was charging in towards the goal.
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      The Hearts man got there, but perhaps went with the wrong foot, stretching for the ball with his right instead of his lift. He got contact on it, but the ball went away from goal, struck the post and trickled to safety.
      Big, big chance for Hearts! 💜Ellis Simms just can’t get enough on it on the stretch, and the post saves Rangers 😮 pic.twitter.com/M0XA5AtHql— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) May 21, 2022

      Rangers grew into the game, and a few half chances came in quick succession.
      A superb Connor Goldson cross field pass set Diallo away and clear in behind Alex Cochrane, but his ball across the box was a tame one and Hearts fired the ball to safety with Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent waiting.
      Moments later, Steven Davis miscued an effort on the edge of the box, although the ball fortunately found its way to Scott Arfield.
      But the former Canada man couldn’t make a breakthrough as his powerful effort was well blocked by Souttar.
      Simms was causing the Rangers defence a fair bit of havoc, and it was his presence and hold up play that led to an opportunity for Barrie McKay.
      But he blazed the ball over from just outside the area.
      Ryan Kent, perhaps still reeling from his dramatic late, saved attempt in the Europa League final, was having a quiet afternoon but he burst into life on 27 minutes by fashioning a chance for himself.
      The winger took possession form Joe Aribo, and despite close attention from a couple of Hearts defenders, he shuffled the ball from his right foot to left. Unfortunately for Kent, there wasn’t a finish to match the footwork as his low shot skidded well wide of Craig Gordon’s goal.
      Calvin Bassey, Rangers’ stand-out performer in Seville on Wednesday, was proving a threat here down the left hand side and he created two big chances in the closing stages of the first half.
      The first saw the Nigeria international, once again at left back after Borna Barisic’s injury in midweek, sent in a tremendous ball to the edge of the six yard box where Aribo, once again performing as a false nine, got on the end of it.
      But his header lacked any real power or direction, and the ball flashed wide of Gordon’s far post.
      Three minutes before the half time whistle, Bassey fired in another tremendous cross, this time to the back stick. Diallo was the man looking to make the most of this one, but he mistimed his jump, got underneath the ball and sent it harmlessly over the bar. That was it for an entertaining, albeit goalless, first 45 at Hampden.
      It was a fairly quiet start to the second half, at least from a chance perspective as both sides struggled to break down stubborn defences.
      Gordon hadn’t had anything of note to do until he was called into action 12 minutes into the second period.
      A lovely ball over the top from Diallo from just inside his own half sent Kent clear of the Jambos backline and the pacey former Liverpool man was bearing down on goal.
      But showing the excellent form that has earned him player of the year awards, Hearts’ 39-year old ‘keeper read the situation every inch of the way and was there to smother the danger before Kent could get an effort away.
      Craig Gordon gets out fast to deny Ryan KentCredit: Willie Vass
      Diallo picked up the game’s second caution for a crunching challenge on Boyce, and his heart might have been in his mouth just a couple of minutes after when he caught McKay a little late.
      There wasn’t much in it, and that’s how Willie Collum saw it, and there was no need for further punishment.
      It did ultimately lead to the end of Diallo’s afternoon, and he was replaced on 63 minutes with Scott Wright being send on in his place.
      Hearts were struggling to create anything of note, but they showed their intentions when Nathaniel Atkinson fizzed in a fantastic curling ball from the right, but it was just too heavy for Simms to get anything on it.
      Wright injected a bit of life into the Rangers performance and they enjoyed another good, attacking spell as the final 15 minutes approached.
      The sub showed lovely skill to send Aribo away, but his cross across the face of goal never looked like finding anyone, with Scott Arfield the better option near the penalty spot.
      Bassey, having another superb game, then decided to take matters into his own hands. The big defender stepped up and found himself on the edge of the penalty area.
      He showed great feet and skill to skip past a couple of Hearts defenders, and his low effort was pushed away from goal by Gordon, and eventually gathered.
      Rangers were in control, and should really have made it 1-0 with six minutes left to play with their best chance of the game.
      James Tavernier swung in a fantastic corner that was met powerfully by Leon Balogun at the near post. In terms of contact, the centre back couldn’t have met it any better. But he couldn’t keep the header down and it skimmed across the top of the net.
      Craig Gordon was a hero for Hearts in the semi final against rivals Hibs, pulling off a number of superb saves, most notably a stunning stop from Ryan Porteous.
      He was at it again here as the final entered stoppage time. Joe Aribo shuffled the ball into a shooting position, and despite a shirt pull from Atkinson, he managed to get a powerful, low driven effort towards goal.
      The Scotland number one somehow stuck out a leg and almost beyond belief, diverted the ball just past the post and out for a corner.
      What a save from Craig Gordon! 🖐️It’s going to be extra time in the Scottish Cup final after that outstanding stop from the Hearts keeper 💜 pic.twitter.com/543Wall8HG— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) May 21, 2022

      It was as truly stunning save, and replays showed just how good it was. An absolutely incredible stop from the goalie.
      Giovanni van Bronckhorst was calling for a penalty – there was a clear shirt pull on Aribo just before he got his attempt away, but the advantage had already been played.
      The Rangers pressure was relentless until the very end, and there was still time for another chance. It was from a corner again, and it was Scott Wright this time who did brilliantly to flick the ball towards goal with his head.
      This time, the crossbar denied the Light Blues and that was that. Once again, Rangers were off to extra time.
      The Ibrox men were showing no sign of slowing down and another fantastic chance passed them by in the opening couple of minutes.
      It was Bassey again with another fantastic cross, and in similar fashion to Diallo’s first chance effort, Aribo got underneath and sent the ball high and over the bar when the net should really have been bursting.
      But Rangers didn’t have to wait too long to finally make their deserved breakthrough and in absolutely sensational fashion.
      Ryan Jack, sent on towards the end of normal time, was the somewhat unlikely hero and it was an absolute wonder strike on 94 minutes.
      Ryan Jack BLASTS Rangers in front in extra time! 🔵A rocket that could win the Scottish Cup for Rangers if Hearts don’t come up with a response now 🚀 pic.twitter.com/D8IUOCxIXX— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) May 21, 2022

      A corner was cleared to the edge of the area where the midfielder was waiting to pick up the scraps, and he had enough time to take a touch to set himself. He did just that before unleashing an absolute piledriver of an effort that thundered past Gordon and into the net via the underside of the bar.
      A special strike, and an outpouring of relief and celebration for the Rangers fans packed into the national stadium after an emotional week.
      After that, it was one of those cases of the floodgates threatening to open. Hearts had been toiling since mid-way through the second half, and Rangers, despite heading into extra time for the second time in three days, looked as fresh as ever.
      The Light Blues were repeatedly carving the Jambos open, and it was 2-0 just three minutes after Jack’s opener.

      The Hearts defence was nowhere to be seen whatsoever as Ryan Kent thundered through the middle. He then laid the ball off for the impressive Wright, who should great feet and composure to drill a low effort away from Gordon and into the bottom corner.
      Hearts looked dead on their feet, and it was Rangers who were threatening to add a bit of gloss to the scoreline.
      They cut open the defence once again as the first period of extra time drew to its conclusion, although Kent this time sent an effort high and wide of the goal.
      Fashion Sakala was sent on for the closing stages as Rangers looked to make the most of the joy they were getting on the break.
      He got clean through as the Light B lues looked for a third, but the popular Zambian couldn’t get anything behind his effort and it trickled into Gordon’s arms.
      Allan McGregor’s future has been the subject of much discussion this season, and it looks like the 40-year old’s decision has been made.
      With cup goalie Jon McLaughlin in sticks, Giovanni van Bronckhorst sent McGregor on for the final minute in what was clearly his farewell moment.
      McGregor, who began his Ibrox career at the end of the last century, came on a standing ovation form both his team mates and supporters in another emotional moment.
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.css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}I flew 5,000 miles for a first date with a girl I’ve never met
      It finished 2-0 and Rangers have something to show for a remarkable campaign.
      The cup hoo-doo is over too – Giovanni van Bronckhorst has secured the club their first domestic trophy for a staggering 11 years, and even more incredibly, a first Scottish Cup success since 2009.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Hampden evacuated hours before Rangers v Hearts Scottish Cup final as fire service answer alarm call

      by

      HAMPDEN PARK was EVACUATED this morning ahead of one of its biggest matches of the season. The fire service were alerted just after 10.30am this morning, with all staff told to leave their posts ahead of the Rangers-Hearts Scottish Cup final as one fire engine was sent out to the Mount Florida ground to investigate.
      Hampden was evacuated just hours before Scottish Cup Final kick off.Credit: Steve Welsh
      Hampden was evacuated just hours before Scottish Cup Final kick off.Credit: Steve Welsh
      It has subsequently been confirmed as a FALSE alarm but the incident just minutes before hospitality guests were due to arrive has put organisers under serve pressure.
      Wealthy football fans have been paying up to £500 for slap-up lunches ahead of the big match.
      After all checks were undertaken, staff were finally allowed back into the venue shortly after 11am.
      The eagerly awaited clash kicks off at 3pm with coverage of the clash on Premier Sports 1 starting at 2.30pm.
      Meanwhile, the match could see Rangers hero Connor Goldson making his final appearance in a Gers jersey.
      Ibrox boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has admitted there’s only a ‘small’ chance the big defender remains a Gers player after the Hampden clash with Hearts.
      Goldson has been an almost ever-present since joining from Brighton in the summer of 2018 but his contract is up and despite talks, there’s no sign of a new deal being penned.
      He’s been a key part of the side that won the Premiership title last season and got all the way to the Europa League final this time around.
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      Van Bronckhorst, however, hasn’t completely given up hope of retaining the 29-year old beyond the end of the campaign, insisting he still hopes the former Brighton man is part of his team next season.
      Speaking ahead of the cup final against the Jambos, van Bronckhorst said: “Regarding Connor, the club has been in talks with him to extend his contract. So far he didn’t extend it.
      “But, the chance he will still be a Rangers player tomorrow I think will be small but as I said, I would love to have Connor in the team next year.
      “As you see quite a lot when players get out of contract, there are two possibilities. To keep playing for Rangers or move on and to have another challenge.
      “I still have in my mind that he will be a part of Rangers next season. If that’s my feeling or the reality we will have to watch in the coming weeks.”
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      Rangers fall guy Aaron Ramsey WILL take penalty against Scotland if it goes to a shootout says Wales boss

      by

      Wales manager Robert Page insists Aaron Ramsey will recover from his Rangers penalty misery and has backed him to take a World Cup play-off final spot-kick should he be needed to.Ramsey missed the decisive penalty on Wednesday as Rangers suffered Europa League final heartbreak to Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville.
      Aaron Ramsey could take a penalty against ScotlandCredit: Willie Vass
      But Page has backed Ramsey to take a spot-kick against Scotland or Ukraine in Cardiff on June 5 should qualification for Qatar 2022 be decided by a shoot-out.
      Asked if he still had faith in Ramsey, Page replied: “Absolutely, 100 per cent.
      “It happens to the best in the world. Top players, they put themselves up.
      “I am so proud of him for putting himself up (to take a penalty for Rangers), he is a world-class footballer.
      “He had the courage and conviction to take a penalty. Top players recover from that, no problem.
      “I have no doubt whatsoever if it comes to penalties that he will take one.”
      Ramsey has joined captain Gareth Bale in a 27-man squad for a hectic June programme that also includes four Nations League matches – home and away against Holland, a trip to Poland and a visit from Belgium.
      Bale has made just two cameo substitute appearances for Real Madrid since scoring both goals in Wales’ 2-1 World Cup play-off semi-final victory over Austria on March 24.
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      The 32-year-old has been absent from Real’s last five matchday squads with a back problem.
      But Bale has returned to training in the Spanish capital and is on course to be available for Real’s Champions League final date with Liverpool on May 28.
      Bale’s nine-year stay in Madrid is set to end this summer, with talk of him signing a short-term deal – possibly at hometown club Cardiff – should Wales qualify for their first World Cup in 64 years.
      Page said: “I think everybody is probably thinking the same thing (about Bale’s future).
      “It will depend on how results go with regards to what he does next season with a club.
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      “The only person who can answer that is Gareth. All I know is whenever he turns up for us he is first class.
      “The full focus on himself is winning this game against Ukraine or Scotland, so he can worry about that after.
      “He is here for the full duration (Wales’ final game next month is away to Holland on June 14), he has made that really clear to me.”
      Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward and Bournemouth forward Kieffer Moore both return to the squad after missing the March camp through injury.
      Everton striker Nathan Broadhead, who has netted 13 goals in 26 appearances during an injury-hit loan spell at Sunderland, receives his first senior call-up.
      Page insists his entire squad will travel to Poland for the opening Nations League game in Wroclaw on June 1
      Huddersfield’s Sorba Thomas and Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson are both involved in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final at Wembley three days earlier.

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      Who Rangers can face in Champions League qualifying after Europa heartache and how they can still be seeded above Celtic

      by

      IT was a match with a cool £60m resting on the outcome – but they couldn’t bring the trophy back to Glasgow. But Rangers still have one last chance to claim an estimated £40m bounty from participation in the Champions League group stages next season after their Europa League final heartache – via the more conventional qualification route.
      A gutted Giovanni van Bronckhorst after the penaltiesCredit: Getty
      Van Bronckhorst consoles gutted skipper James TavernierCredit: Getty
      And if they make it past two rounds of competition, they could even end up a pot ABOVE Premiership champions Celtic in the group stages.
      It is Eintracht Frankfurt – and not the Gers – who go straight in among the top eight seeds for next season’s Champions League, not to mention getting the privilege of battling it out with either Real Madrid or Liverpool in the Super Cup final in Helsinki in August.
      While Rangers lick their wounds after that luckless defeat on penalty kicks in Seville, thoughts at Ibrox turn to Saturday’s Scottish Cup final with Hearts – and then the summer qualifiers.
      And the good news for the Gers is that their recent exploits in Europe mean that they will be SEEDED for both the third qualifying round and play-off round.
      That will keep them away from Portuguese giants Benfica and Dynamo Kyiv – should the Ukrainians make it through their second round tie – in the third qualifying round.
      While one more team will be seeded and not every league in Europe is completed, for now the teams they could face in the third qualifying round are Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven, the third placed finisher in France, which is currently Marseille.
      Austrians Sturm Graz and surprise Belgian runners up Union Saint-Gilloise are also definite possibilties, as are last season’s Celtic tormentors Midjytlland, assuming they can make it past the second qualifying round.
      The second placed team in Cyprus, currently APOEL Nicosia, and the second placed side in Turkey , currently Fenerbahce, are also possibilities.
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      Get through the third qualifying round and they would then battle it out over two legs for a spot in the group stages.
      Make it that far, and Rangers could even be ranked a pot ABOVE Celtic in the groups, by dint of their superior club ranking, 50.25 to 33.00.
      Ange Postecoglou”s men will almost certainly be in Pot 4.
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