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    Jimmy Bell dies aged 69 as Rangers kitman passes away suddenly and tributes flood in for Ibrox legend

    REVERED Rangers kit man Jimmy Bell has died suddenly at the age of 69.Bell has been a key part of the Ibrox backroom team ever since joining the Ibrox club shortly before the arrival of Graeme Souness in 1986.
    Jimmy Bell watches Rangers win back the titleCredit: The Sun
    Jimmy Bell (second from right) on the bench on SundayCredit: Rex
    Joining initially as the club’s bus driver, he moved onto the kitman role and worked under ELEVEN Rangers managers.
    Current boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst greeted him warmly on his arrival as he remembered him from his playing days.
    Working right up to Sunday’s Old Firm match, the fans’ favourite wielded power behind the scenes at the Ibrox club.
    A Rangers statement read: “Rangers Football Club are today devastated to announce the death of our much-loved, legendary kit man, Jimmy Bell.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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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;}OLD FIRM LATEST .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;}Legendary Gers kit man Jimmy Bell dies, Jota ‘wants Celtic stay’
    “Jimmy, who has served the club for over 30 years and been a friend and confidant to numerous generations of players and staff, will be so sadly missed by everyone at the Rangers Football Club.
    “A former employee of Parks’ of Hamilton, Jimmy initially drove the Rangers team buses to matches across the country, before moving on to his current role as First Team Head of Kit.”
    Rangers chairman Douglas Park said: “As a club, we are absolutely devastated to learn of the loss of our colleague and more importantly, our dear friend, Jimmy Bell.
    “Jimmy dedicated his life to Rangers Football Club. Having worked under managers from Graeme Souness through to Giovanni, he experienced some of the greatest days in our 150-year history.
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    “Of course, he was here during some of the lowest points, and showed selfless dedication, regardless of the challenge ahead of him.
    “Jimmy’s work ethic was second to none. He dedicated countless hours to preparation for each training session and game.
    “No job was too big or too small for him, and he thrived on working for his boyhood club.
    “I spoke with Jimmy regularly, having known him from his time as a mechanic and bus driver at Park’s.
    Jimmy Bell with Paul Gascoigne at the recent Rangers legends matchCredit: Willie Vass
    “He was excited for Thursday night’s game at Ibrox, particularly having experienced a European semi-final before under Walter Smith.
    “Rangers and Scottish football as a whole, have lost a legend and a friend today. He was a family man, a devoted father, grandfather and husband.
    “Jimmy will be sorely missed and I send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Bell family at this difficult time on behalf of Rangers Football Club.
    “Please respect the privacy of the Bell family at this difficult time. Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.”
    Former Rangers star Bob Malcolm led tributes, saying: “Rest in peace Keizer proper club legend thought go out to your family.”
    Barry Ferguson with Jimmy Bell after the club beat Celtic to win the Scottish CupCredit: SNS
    Former Rangers star Ronald De Boer said: “With great sadness the news came to me that Jimmy Bell passed away. You will be missed Jimmy. “The best kitman in the world” RIP.”
    Steven Gerrard posted an Image of Bell placing the strips in the home dressing room, with the words RIP Jimmy 🙏”
    Steven Gerrard posted on Instagram
    Nacho Novo posted an image of him with Bell and the Scottish Premiership trophy with the words: “I can’t believe the sad news this morning 💔💔💔💔💔 RIP jimmy 😭😭”
    Motherwell chief executive Alan Burrows wrote: “I am saddened to hear the news about Jimmy.
    “Spent a bit of time blethering with him when he was at Fir Park last week & he was in good form.
    “He’s always been very tight with our kitman, who is gutted.
    Ronald de Boer made this post on Instagram
    “My thoughts are with his family, friends & colleagues at this sad time.
    “RIP”
    Former Rangers player and assistant David Weir told The Athletic two years ago: “Jimmy’s a bit like me. If he likes you, he likes you.
    “If he’s not sure about you, you won’t get much out of him but I got on really well with him.
    “There were people he respected and he gave his trust to and there were some he didn’t.
    Jimmy Bell with Walter Smith and Archie KnoxCredit: SNS
    “He was very like that with Barry Ferguson. He loved him.
    “Even when Barry left he wouldn’t let anyone touch his locker. It was like a shrine.
    “He decides who gets them and at the dressing room in the training room he decided who sat where.”
    A cult hero with the fans, Walter Smith latterly preferred Bell to drive the bus to Celtic matches.
    Jimmy Bell hugs James Tavernier after the club’s recent Scottish Cup semi-final winCredit: Willie Vass
    Weir said: “He used to drive the bus for us occasionally. He used to drive to the Celtic games and everyone knows what it’s like driving to those games.
    “Nothing would stop him. Red lights, wrong side of the road. I’m not exaggerating.”
    Former midfielder Ian Ferguson said: “They talk about players being legends but this guy is a legend for all the players who come through that door. He is like a father figure to them and does everything.”
    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 LIVE: Leipzig lose on league duty, Peter Lawwell’s son lands scouting job, Jota has ‘eyes elsewhere’

    THE final Old Firm derby of the season. (almost) feels like a distant memory now as focus turns elsewhere for both clubs.Celtic have one strong hand on the Premiership trophy thanks to the draw 1-1 at Parkhead and will be looking to wrap up the title ASAP.
    Rangers have a huge Europa League semi-final on Thursday against RB Leipzig.
    Keep up date with all the latest news right here with our live blog.
    HAVE YOUR SAY

    Leipzig shocker
    Just days before their clash with Rangers, RB Leipzig have crashed to defeat against a ten-man Borussia Monchengladbach side.
    Domenico Tedesco’s team , who hold a 1-0 first-leg lead over the Gers in their Europa League semi-final, made five changes from last week’s match at the Red Bull Arena.
    RB Leipzig went down 3-1 to Borussia MonchengladbachCredit: EPA
    Trailing 2-1 at half-time, Leipzig were then handed a man advantage when Nico Elvedi upended Christian Nkunku. 
    But Jonas Hofmann scored his second of the night not long after to extend Monchengladbach’s lead, which proved enough for the three points.
    Sounds familiar
    Just in case you were wondering…
    Mark Lawwell is indeed a relation to former Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell.
    He is the recently-departed chief’s SON.
    “Great trust”
    Ange Postecoglou on Celtic’s new head of scouting and recruitment, Mark Lawwell:
    “I was very keen for Mark to join the Club and clearly I am delighted that he has accepted this important role and that we have been able to bring him to Celtic.
    “Mark is someone who I worked closely with throughout my four years at Marinos, through which time we developed great trust and an excellent working relationship. He knows the way I like to work, the way my teams play and the particular player profile which this requires.”
    He continued: “I know he will be a great addition to our team, leading our first-team scouting and recruitment function and delivering on our key objective of identifying and bringing exciting, talented players to the Club.  
    “We have a great team of people at the Club and since joining Celtic I have been hugely impressed by the staff around me who have all worked so hard to deliver success.  
    “I have said before that I didn’t want to make changes just for the sake of it, but we always aim to build and develop everything we do and in bringing Mark in I know we have made an appointment which will be hugely beneficial for us moving forward.”
    Celts announce new recruitment chief
    One of Ange Postecoglou’s former aides has been appointed as the club’s new head of scouting and recruitment.
    Mark Lawwell worked with the Aussie at Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan and is expected to play a key role in the upcoming transfer window.
    A club statement read: “Celtic Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Lawwell as Head of First Team Scouting and Recruitment.  
    “Mark joins Celtic from his position as Head of CFG Scouting and Recruitment, within City Football Group’s global structure, having spent the last 10 years there.
    “Mark, who will join the Club in readiness for the summer transfer window, previously worked closely with Celtic Manager Ange Postecoglou on scouting and recruitment throughout Ange’s time as Manager of Yokohama F Marinos.”
    Jota’s not a done deal
    Jota has his eyes on a move ELSEWHERE from Celtic Park, in the mind of one Hoops hero.
    Frank McAvennie would love to see the Portuguese winger return from Benfica on a permanent basis but says it’s worrying that an agreement has already been announced.
    Jota has been a hit at Celtic this season on loan from BenficaCredit: Kenny Ramsay
    When asked if Jota would be a Celtic player next season, McAvennie told Football Insider: “I don’t think so.
    “I would love it to happen. Every time I see him he has been tremendous.
    “He can be a bit hot and cold sometimes but he has been different class since he came back from injury.
    “He’s a talented boy and I hope he likes what is happening at Celtic. It’s a great environment.
    “He’s one hell of a player but I think if he was going to sign then he would have by now.
    “Maybe I’m wrong, I hope I am wrong but maybe he has his eyes on a move somewhere else this summer.”
    HAVE YOUR SAY

    Gers can pull off “greatest achievement for 20 years”
    Reaching the Europa League final would be the greatest achievement in Scottish football for two decades, says former Rangers and Kilmarnock goalkeeper Cammy Bell.
    Gers trail 1-0 to RB Leipzig going into Thursday’s return leg at Ibrox but Bell reckons the Light Blues have what it takes to progress to the final in Seville – where Celtic played Porto in the Uefa Cup Final 21 years ago.
    He told Go Radio: “These moments don’t happen very often. If Rangers can get to a European final, it would be one of the greatest achievements in Scottish football for 20 years.
    “It’s massive on Thursday night and I genuinely think they’ll do it.”
    “Honoured and grateful”
    Celtic ace Kyogo Furuhashi has spoken of how “honoured” he was to pick up two awards at the club’s player of the year do last night.
    The striker won goal of the season and top goalscorer at the event.
    He tweeted: “I am very honoured and grateful to receive the #CelticFC Top Goalscorer and Goal of the Season awards in my first year at the club.
    “Thanks to everyone who voted for me. None of this would be possible without the effort of the whole team. We will continue to work hard 🍀🙏”
    Euro vision
    Scotland’s champions WILL go straight into the group stages of the Champions League next season.
    It comes as Uefa announced that Russian clubs will not compete in continental competition for 2022-23.
    That clears the path for the Premiership victors to go straight into the tournament proper, regardless of whether Villareal were to lift the trophy this year (a win for the Spanish side could in theory have led to Scotland’s champions missing out).
    As it stands then, Celtic will be back in Europe’s top club competition next season for the first time since the 2017-18 edition.

    Have your say

    EURO TRIP
    Celtic and Rangers face a fixture pile-up in Europe next season due to the World Cup in Qatar.
    November’s tournament means the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League group stages will end early that month.
    The Hoops will book their place in the Champions League when they win the Premiership title.
    While Rangers will start off in the second qualifying round unless they win the Europa League, in which case they’ll go straight into the group stage.
    FINAL THREE
    Rangers and Celtic both have three league games to play before the Premiership season comes an end.
    Here are the remaining fixtures in full:
    Rangers: Dundee United, Ross County, Hearts.
    Celtic: Hears, Dundee United, Motherwell.
    Backwards Billy
    Tony Cascarino believes Billy Gilmour has gone BACKWARDS in his spell at Norwich.
    The Chelsea kid hasn’t featured much in the league’s bottom side but remains a key part of Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad.
    He told talkSPORT: “The lad Gilmour that came to Norwich, didn’t do particularly well at the club, and the fans turned on him at the start of the season.”He’s a terrific young footballer but, somehow, he’s not grown.
    “We talk all the time about young lads going elsewhere and improving – the lad Williams as well from Man United – but they’ve gone backwards this year.
    “Two players have gone there from big clubs have gone backwards at Norwich.”
    In Fashion
    Fashion Sakala added to his Rangers goal tally at Parkhead yesterday.
    Can he be the man Van Bronckhorst trusts in midweek?
    Here’s his numbers in the league this term.

    EYES ON GERMANY
    Rangers will be keeping a keen eye on the Bundesliga tonight with Europa League rivals RB Leipzig in action.
    They face a trip to Borussia Monchengladbach in a key fixture for their automatic Champions League hopes.

    Freiburg occupy 4th spot and the final spot at Europe’s top table through the league placings with Leverkusen one place ahead having played a game less.
    FC Cologne and Union Berlin are also firmly in the hunt going into the last couple of games.
    But tonight is a massive game for Leipzig – just days ahead of a crucial semi-final showdown at Ibrox.
    MORE FROM ANGE
    “It’s very humbling, and I’m proud.
    “It’s not just representative of my work but all the staff.
    “It’s been a big challenge for us and I think people have recognised that. It’s great when it is voted by your peers because they understand what you’re going through.
    “It’s not what drives or motivates me [proving people wrong]. I’m not too harsh on people that said the jury was out on me. I understand that.
    “There was no great recognition of what I have done, and when you come from the other side of the world that’s always understandable.
    “People have recognised the challenge I had, especially in a year that many thought would be a transition season.
    “Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we tick off the big one.”
    FIRST CLASS
    Ange Postecoglou has heaped praise on John Kennedy and his Celtic coaching staff
    The Aussie boss arrived at Parkhead last summer on his own – in a decision he revealed was made by himself.
    He last night landed the PFA Manager of the Year award with the Hoops on the verge of landing the Premiership title alongside their Premier Sports Cup success.
    He told Sky Sports: “It was my call not to bring anyone in – and just to assess the staff I had.
    “The key to that was then getting them to believe in me. They’ve been outstanding.
    “Led by John Kennedy who has been at the club a long time. He understands what success looks like but all the staff have been great.
    “For us to be in the position we are has taken a massive collective effort.”
    Firm legends
    Ally McCoist shared a picture with Celtic hero Danny McGrain before yesterday’s Old Firm clash.
    The pair posed outside Celtic Park prior to the 1-1 draw.
    Fans from both sides took to social media to laud the ‘legendary’ pair.
    McGrain was at Celtic for 17 years and is widely regarded as one of the best right backs in British football history.

    MORE FROM BOSNICH
    “I have been in dressing rooms before where because of nerves people might be physically sick.
    “Everyone takes it different. Dwight Yorke was one of the most laid-back people before games. I was told just to embrace it.
    “It’s down to the manager to create, as best as he can, the environment, then it’s up to the players.
    “The biggest thing for Ange is to keep a lid on things.
    “It’s a wonderful opportunity, yes. You have to be prepared for every scenario.”
    HE IS THE BOS
    Mark Bosnich has hailed Ange Postecoglou as a winner with a capital W.
    The Celtic boss is on the verge of securing his first Premiership title after Sunday’s draw with Rangers.

    The gap remains at six points with three games to go following the 1-1 draw at Parkhead.
    He told AK Media: “It would be a superb achievement. He’s illuminating a pathway for young Australian coaches.
    “I got to know Ange really well sitting next to him for nearly four years when we worked at Fox Sports together.
    “Knowing the style of football he plays, his approach to football, it will be a fantastic achievement.
    “When he first came there and there were so many doubters, I think that inspired him more. It’s understandable, especially people from Europe.
    “He’ll definitely be on the front foot; he’s a winner with a capital W.
    “The thing that really endeared him to Australian football fans was the style of football he played. The style of football he plays allows fans to be very, very proud of their team. That’s wherever he has gone.”
    BORNA AGAIN
    Borna Barisic has labelled Rangers’ game with RB Leipzig as their ‘biggest game of the season’.
    The Light Blues trail the Bundesliga outfit 1-0 going into the Europa League semi-final second leg at Ibrox on Thursday night.
    He said: “Listen, this is now our biggest game of the season on Thursday.
    “We know what we need to do, we know how they play. We know how they played in Germany will be different at Ibrox.
    “We cannot wait for that game to show energy, to show desire, to try to qualify for the final.
    “We know the fans will help our performance for sure. They’ll be behind us like always.
    “It’s on us now to perform on Thursday. I expect a very, very good atmosphere and we’ll see what happens. We’ll give everything to win the game.”
    ALL HART
    Joe Hart insists Celtic still have work to do in their bid to win the Premiership.
    He said: “Look you’re never going to get me to sit here and say that but I think we’ve worked very hard to be in this position.
    “We’ve come through a lot and we’re pleased with where we are and we’ve got a job to do. And that continues.
    “This league is not set up for us to win it. There is opposition out there, there are other teams trying to do it.
    “Rangers mathematically are still in this fight. They’re never going to lie down.
    “This fixture wouldn’t allow them to lie down and that’s why it’s such a great fixture to be involved in.”
    JOB NOT DONE
    Jota insists Celtic’s bid to win the Premiership title is NOT done and they will be ready to go into battle with Hearts next week.
    He told Celtic TV: The job’s not done. We keep on going. We rest and then next week we go again.

    “It’s game after game. We know how important the next one is, so we keep on, we don’t give up, we get together the troops and we go into battle next week.”
    He continued: “It’s always a tough game against Rangers so we tried our best. We wanted to win but, unfortunately, we didn’t.
    “Our style of game always aims for goals and pressing and keeping after them, but unfortunately we didn’t score again after the first goal.
    “We kept on trying and then we conceded a goal. But the main thing to think about all of this is that we didn’t give up.”
    Big bad John
    John Lundstram’s reputation on the park continues to grow.
    Off it, Rangers fans’ will soar after his latest moment.
    Gers supporters loved a clip circulating social media showing Lundstram staring down jeering Celtic supporters.
    The incident came after the game when the 28-year-old was leaving Parkhead for the coach home.
    Despite a barrage of boos and insults, Lundstram smiled, stared back and kept on walking.

    Load more entries… More

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    Russian teams BANNED from Champions League and Europa League next season in boost for Celtic and Rangers

    RUSSIAN sides have been banned from European competitions next season… in a boost to Scottish teams.The ejection of Russian clubs is one of a number of penalties placed on the country by Uefa following the invasion of Ukraine.
    Celtic will go straight into the Champions Leaguer group stageCredit: Getty
    Rangers have also received a Euro boostCredit: Getty
    Replacing Russia’s automatic spot in the Champions League group stage will be the Scottish Premiership title winner.
    Celtic effectively need just three points from their remaining three games to claim the league title, as well as a group stage place.
    Rangers would join their bitter rivals in the group stage should they win the Europa League.
    Even if they fail to triumph in the competition, however, they will be guaranteed Europa League group stage football at a minimum.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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    Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side would enter the Champions League in the third qualifying round.
    Third-placed Hearts are also guaranteed group stage football.
    The Jambos will enter the Europa League in the play-off round.
    So even if Robbie Neilson’s side were to lose, they would fall into the Europa Conference League group stage.
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Scotland’s fourth place side, currently Dundee United, will enter the Europa Conference League in its third qualifying round.
    While its fifth placed team, a position held by Ross County with three games remaining, will enter in the UEL’s second qualifying round.
    Motherwell are also in contention to finish in the European places, sitting a point behind Ross County.
    Should Rangers win the Europa League, they would go into the Champions League group stage draw in Pot 1.
    Celtic, meanwhile, will likely be in Pot 4.
    EURO BID BAN
    Russia have also been banned from bidding to host Euro 2028 – in a further boost for the FA-led British Isles bid.
    Uefa’s ruling executive committee announced that Russia had been ruled ineligible to bid in one of a remarkable 12 major punishments against Moscow following the invasion of Ukraine.
    And with Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin keen for the five nation bid to win it is likely that the last remaining rival, Turkey, will soon depart the field to allow confirmation of the tournament being played across the five British Isles nations.
    In a statement, Nyon chiefs said: “The Uefa executive committee declared the bid submitted by the Football Union of Russia to host Euro 2028 or Euro 3032 as not eligible.
    “Regulations state that each bidder shall ensure that it does not act in a manner that could bring Uefa or European football into disrepute.”
    Uefa also cited the February 28 suspension of Russia by itself and Fifa to add: “Given the uncertainty as to when the suspension will be lifted, the acceptance of a bid would also go against that decision.”
    The Fifa ban saw Russia kicked out of their scheduled World Cup semi-final play-off against Poland while club sides were booted out of European competitions.
    Uefa added punishment by confirming Russia will not be allowed to play in this summer’s Nations League games and will be “automatically relegated in 16th place in league B”, while no Russia sides will be allowed to enter any European competition next year.
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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;}’LIKE FLATMATES’ .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;}Helen Flanagan reveals she hasn’t shared bed with fiance Scott for 7 YEARS
    And Russia’s women’s team have now suffered a similar fate with Uefa declaring they will not be allowed to play in this summer’s Euros and instead be replaced by Portugal and have also been rejected from the qualification round for next year’s Women’s World Cup.
    Similar bans will apply to youth and futsal tournaments run by Uefa. More

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    Celtic vs Rangers LIVE: Gilmour ‘gone backwards’, Lundstram staredown, Postecoglou on surprise Rod Stewart visit

    CELTIC are in a really strong position to win the Premiership title after sharing the points with Rangers at Parkhead on Sunday.Jota had fired the home side into the lead before Fashion Sakala netted a second half equaliser in the final derby of the campaign.
    The Light Blues striker smashed a low effort off Joe Hart’s post as the away side pushed for the winner on derby day.
    However, things turned sour at the end of the game as fans lobbed missiles at one another.
    Both clubs released statements of their own and eight arrests were made by cops.
    FINAL THREE
    Rangers and Celtic both have three league games to play before the Premiership season comes an end.
    Here are the remaining fixtures in full:
    Rangers: Dundee United, Ross County, Hearts.
    Celtic: Hears, Dundee United, Motherwell.
    Backwards Billy
    Tony Cascarino believes Billy Gilmour has gone BACKWARDS in his spell at Norwich.
    The Chelsea kid hasn’t featured much in the league’s bottom side but remains a key part of Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad.
    He told talkSPORT: “The lad Gilmour that came to Norwich, didn’t do particularly well at the club, and the fans turned on him at the start of the season.”He’s a terrific young footballer but, somehow, he’s not grown.
    “We talk all the time about young lads going elsewhere and improving – the lad Williams as well from Man United – but they’ve gone backwards this year.
    “Two players have gone there from big clubs have gone backwards at Norwich.”
    In Fashion
    Fashion Sakala added to his Rangers goal tally at Parkhead yesterday.
    Can he be the man Van Bronckhorst trusts in midweek?
    Here’s his numbers in the league this term.

    EYES ON GERMANY
    Rangers will be keeping a keen eye on the Bundesliga tonight with Europa League rivals RB Leipzig in action.
    They face a trip to Borussia Monchengladbach in a key fixture for their automatic Champions League hopes.

    Freiburg occupy 4th spot and the final spot at Europe’s top table through the league placings with Leverkusen one place ahead having played a game less.
    FC Cologne and Union Berlin are also firmly in the hunt going into the last couple of games.
    But tonight is a massive game for Leipzig – just days ahead of a crucial semi-final showdown at Ibrox.
    MORE FROM ANGE
    “It’s very humbling, and I’m proud.
    “It’s not just representative of my work but all the staff.
    “It’s been a big challenge for us and I think people have recognised that. It’s great when it is voted by your peers because they understand what you’re going through.
    “It’s not what drives or motivates me [proving people wrong]. I’m not too harsh on people that said the jury was out on me. I understand that.
    “There was no great recognition of what I have done, and when you come from the other side of the world that’s always understandable.
    “People have recognised the challenge I had, especially in a year that many thought would be a transition season.
    “Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we tick off the big one.”
    FIRST CLASS
    Ange Postecoglou has heaped praise on John Kennedy and his Celtic coaching staff
    The Aussie boss arrived at Parkhead last summer on his own – in a decision he revealed was made by himself.
    He last night landed the PFA Manager of the Year award with the Hoops on the verge of landing the Premiership title alongside their Premier Sports Cup success.
    He told Sky Sports: “It was my call not to bring anyone in – and just to assess the staff I had.
    “The key to that was then getting them to believe in me. They’ve been outstanding.
    “Led by John Kennedy who has been at the club a long time. He understands what success looks like but all the staff have been great.
    “For us to be in the position we are has taken a massive collective effort.”
    Firm legends
    Ally McCoist shared a picture with Celtic hero Danny McGrain before yesterday’s Old Firm clash.
    The pair posed outside Celtic Park prior to the 1-1 draw.
    Fans from both sides took to social media to laud the ‘legendary’ pair.
    McGrain was at Celtic for 17 years and is widely regarded as one of the best right backs in British football history.

    MORE FROM BOSNICH
    “I have been in dressing rooms before where because of nerves people might be physically sick.
    “Everyone takes it different. Dwight Yorke was one of the most laid-back people before games. I was told just to embrace it.
    “It’s down to the manager to create, as best as he can, the environment, then it’s up to the players.
    “The biggest thing for Ange is to keep a lid on things.
    “It’s a wonderful opportunity, yes. You have to be prepared for every scenario.”
    HE IS THE BOS
    Mark Bosnich has hailed Ange Postecoglou as a winner with a capital W.
    The Celtic boss is on the verge of securing his first Premiership title after Sunday’s draw with Rangers.

    The gap remains at six points with three games to go following the 1-1 draw at Parkhead.
    He told AK Media: “It would be a superb achievement. He’s illuminating a pathway for young Australian coaches.
    “I got to know Ange really well sitting next to him for nearly four years when we worked at Fox Sports together.
    “Knowing the style of football he plays, his approach to football, it will be a fantastic achievement.
    “When he first came there and there were so many doubters, I think that inspired him more. It’s understandable, especially people from Europe.
    “He’ll definitely be on the front foot; he’s a winner with a capital W.
    “The thing that really endeared him to Australian football fans was the style of football he played. The style of football he plays allows fans to be very, very proud of their team. That’s wherever he has gone.”
    BORNA AGAIN
    Borna Barisic has labelled Rangers’ game with RB Leipzig as their ‘biggest game of the season’.
    The Light Blues trail the Bundesliga outfit 1-0 going into the Europa League semi-final second leg at Ibrox on Thursday night.
    He said: “Listen, this is now our biggest game of the season on Thursday.
    “We know what we need to do, we know how they play. We know how they played in Germany will be different at Ibrox.
    “We cannot wait for that game to show energy, to show desire, to try to qualify for the final.
    “We know the fans will help our performance for sure. They’ll be behind us like always.
    “It’s on us now to perform on Thursday. I expect a very, very good atmosphere and we’ll see what happens. We’ll give everything to win the game.”
    ALL HART
    Joe Hart insists Celtic still have work to do in their bid to win the Premiership.
    He said: “Look you’re never going to get me to sit here and say that but I think we’ve worked very hard to be in this position.
    “We’ve come through a lot and we’re pleased with where we are and we’ve got a job to do. And that continues.
    “This league is not set up for us to win it. There is opposition out there, there are other teams trying to do it.
    “Rangers mathematically are still in this fight. They’re never going to lie down.
    “This fixture wouldn’t allow them to lie down and that’s why it’s such a great fixture to be involved in.”
    JOB NOT DONE
    Jota insists Celtic’s bid to win the Premiership title is NOT done and they will be ready to go into battle with Hearts next week.
    He told Celtic TV: The job’s not done. We keep on going. We rest and then next week we go again.

    “It’s game after game. We know how important the next one is, so we keep on, we don’t give up, we get together the troops and we go into battle next week.”
    He continued: “It’s always a tough game against Rangers so we tried our best. We wanted to win but, unfortunately, we didn’t.
    “Our style of game always aims for goals and pressing and keeping after them, but unfortunately we didn’t score again after the first goal.
    “We kept on trying and then we conceded a goal. But the main thing to think about all of this is that we didn’t give up.”
    Big bad John
    John Lundstram’s reputation on the park continues to grow.
    Off it, Rangers fans’ will soar after his latest moment.
    Gers supporters loved a clip circulating social media showing Lundstram staring down jeering Celtic supporters.
    The incident came after the game when the 28-year-old was leaving Parkhead for the coach home.
    Despite a barrage of boos and insults, Lundstram smiled, stared back and kept on walking.

    SURPRISE AT THE DOOR
    Ange Postecoglou has also revealed the time Rod Stewart rocked up at his door and gave him a hug.
    The Celtic-daft rocker is a regular at Parkhead and showed his appreciation and love for the current Hoops gaffer.
    He revealed the surprise visit as he opened up on the Celtic fans’ adaptation of ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham! to include his name.
    He added: “My wife was horrified.
    “My kids actually think that is how the Christmas song goes.
    “They have never heard George Michael’s version so it was horrifying for my wife hearing my two boys signing that song at Christmas time with my name in it. It is all a bit surreal.
    “Before one of the recent games I had a knock on my door and Rod Stewart came in and gave me a hug. That goes to show you how well worlds change.”
    DRINK TO THAT
    Ange Postecoglou admits he isn’t looking too far ahead and is taking each game as it comes in Celtic’s bid to win the Premiership.
    Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Rangers leaves the Hoops six points clear at the top with just three games left to play as they close in on the league crown.
    Postecoglou says it will be a special moment when the time comes and he intends to crack open some of his Scottish whiskey selection in celebration.
    Speaking on ABC TV’s Offsiders programme, he said: “It is the whole one game at a time sort of headset I have got on at the moment.
    “I am not looking too far ahead.
    “We still have a couple of steps to go. It will be special.
    “I have already got a fairly decent collection of some fine Scottish whiskey.
    “If it does happen then I will break open a couple of the special ones and have a couple of the quiet ones.”
    More from Commons
    Commons believes Celtic were there for the taking and were LUCKY to get a point.
    He added: “Celtic were there for the taking.
    “In the end, they were lucky to draw. Fashion Sakala could quite easily have had a hat-trick on a different day.
    “Ryan Kent also missed a good chance, while Joe Hart produced a great save to deny Scott Arfield in the second half.
    “Don’t get me wrong, Celtic missed a few chances of their own. But if we’re talking about how Postecoglou can improve this team, the defence looks to be an obvious starting point.
    “There’s no doubt Carl Starfelt has improved over the course of the season from the player who first arrived in Glasgow last summer.
    “He can look good at times and, in fairness, he dealt with a lot of danger really well yesterday. But he still makes me nervous.”

    ‘Glass jaw’
    Celtic’s defence has been pinpointed as an area of concern for Ange Postecoglou by former star Kris Commons.
    He branded the key part of the side as Celtic’s ‘glass jaw’ despite having the meanest defence in the Premiership this season.
    He told the Daily Mail: “There have been some games this season where they have enjoyed well over 80 per cent of possession. It’s incredible to watch when they are in full flow.
    “But there’s still a nervousness and a fragility to their defence against teams with a bit more quality and bravery to engage them higher up the pitch.
    “We’ve seen it all season. In conceding 15 times across six games in the group stage of the Europa League, Postecoglou’s side shipped more goals than any other team in the competition.
    “Bodo/Glimt then ran riot in the Europa Conference League, beating Celtic 5-1 on aggregate over the two legs.
    “There’s a glass jaw to this Celtic team and we saw it once again against Rangers yesterday. Plainly, Rangers will be kicking themselves that they didn’t leave Parkhead with three points.”
    AWARDS SEASON
    Liel Abada reacts after winning Celtic’s Young Player of the Year award.
    He said: “I am really happy.
    “This is really a grand moment for me.
    “I really want to say thank you to the fans, coaches and players who voted for me. Thank you everyone for the support.”
    “I am really happy to be here.”
    ‘WONDERFUL’
    Michael Stewart labelled Fashion Sakala’s Rangers leveller against Celtic as ‘wonderful’.
    The Light Blues hitman superbly brought the Ibrox men level at Parkhead with a low-drive beyond Joe Hart.

    It earned a share of the spoils on derby day and earned the plaudits of pundit Michael Stewart in the Sportscene studio.
    Describing the goal, he said: “That is the danger when it is only 1-0.
    “Just when Celtic looked as if they were finding a little form in the second half
    “Rangers inject the pace into the attack, it’s really good play, one-touch, overload the wide area.
    “It’s a wonderful finish from Sakala, he gets around the outside of Kent, the overload is there, bang, first time right in the bottom corner from Sakala.
    “It is passed Joe Hart before he can react and get down.”
    Hart: ‘We dominated’
    By Robert Grieve
    Rangers fans will insist they deserved to win yesterday, but then Celtic also had chances in the first half after they had taken the lead.
    Hoops stopper Joe Hart felt his side ‘dominated’ their Ibrox rivals.
    He said: “I felt like we dominated but they are a hard team to put away.
    “They are resilient, they are dangerous on the counter- attack and I think, with our aggressive style of play, if we are not two or three goals ahead people have always got a chance.
    “But we stick by those foundations, stick by that  way of playing football. It has won us more games than it has drawn us. It is what it is and we have another three big ones coming up.”
    Unlucky says Boyd
    By Colin Duncan
    Kris Boyd reckons the result of the final Old Firm game didn’t matter for Gers, but he still believes they should have won it.
    The Premiership’s record goalscorer insisted that Ryan Kent and Fashion Sakala should have converted golden chances.
    He said: “Kent’s was an easier chance than the one Jota took to get his goal.
    “He has got to score. Anthony Ralston’s body shape is the exact same as Borna Barisic. He has no clue Kent was there.
    “It was a great second half for Rangers and they were the better team, but Sakala had a great opportunity to win it.
    “His goal was a fantastic finish, but he was unlucky not to get a second. Rangers were very unfortunate not to win.”
    Hart breaker
    By Robert Grieve
    IT was a moment in the match to give their supporters palpitations.
    But Celtic’s Hart didn’t skip a beat.
    Joe Hart made a crucial stop for Celtic
    Rangers star Scott Arfield must have thought the shot he had struck from Scott Wright’s cutback was destined for the net.
    But there was no ordinary Joe between him and a goal. Joe Hart just isn’t sure how he managed to claw the ball away.
    “Look, it is mayhem out there.
    “I love playing football, love being in goal and sometimes you do things that you ideally don’t want to do, that you know you are better than.
    “And sometimes you do things where your body and your instincts take over.
    “I don’t know actually what happened, I just know it stayed out.”Joe Hart
    ‘Gers kept momentum’
    By Colin Duncan
    Kris Boyd insisted avoiding defeat was all that mattered for Rangers ahead of their showdown with RB Leipzig on Thursday.
    The ex-Gers hitman is convinced it was all about maintaining momentum with the league already out of their reach.
    Boyd feels his old side would have been content to avoid any further injury set-backs.
    He said: “Thursday is a massive game and the title was over anyway for Rangers. The most important thing was not getting beat. It was vital to leave with no injuries, and hopefully they will have Aaron Ramsey and Kemar Roofe back.
    “That little blip after Christmas cost them the league — losing a two-goal lead to Motherwell then losing to Celtic.”
    CALMAC LEADS THE WAY
    Last but not least for The Hoops – Callum McGregor has been given the title of Player of the Year!
    The captain has been a colossal figure in the heart of Ange Postecoglou’s side this season.
    And he’s now been given individual recognition for his efforts too.
    The 28-year-old picked up both the players and club POTY award, rounding off the night of awards for the Celts.
    Award for Abada
    Celtic have named Liel Abada as their Fans Young Player of the Year.
    The tricky forward has 15 goals and nine assists to his name so far this season.
    Hoops fans voted in the award and named the 20-year-old as their best performing youngster.
    His season highlights include a dramatic 90th minute winner against Dundee United in January, and a strike against Rangers the month following.
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    Celtic vs Rangers LIVE: Clubs hit out at each other over fan trouble as arrests made, Hoops win big at PFA awards

    CELTIC are in a really strong position to win the Premiership title after sharing the points with Rangers at Parkhead. Jota had fired the home side into the lead before Fashion Sakala netted a second half equaliser.
    The Light Blues striker smashed a low effort off Joe Hart’s post as the away side pushed for the winner on derby day.
    However, things turned sour at the end of the game as fans lobbed missiles at one another.
    Both clubs released statements of their own and eight arrests were made by cops.
    CALMAC LEADS THE WAY
    Last but not least for The Hoops – Callum McGregor has been given the title of Player of the Year!
    The captain has been a colossal figure in the heart of Ange Postecoglou’s side this season.
    And he’s now been given individual recognition for his efforts too.
    The 28-year-old picked up both the players and club POTY award, rounding off the night of awards for the Celts.
    Award for Abada
    Celtic have named Liel Abada as their Fans Young Player of the Year.
    The tricky forward has 15 goals and nine assists to his name so far this season.
    Hoops fans voted in the award and named the 20-year-old as their best performing youngster.
    His season highlights include a dramatic 90th minute winner against Dundee United in January, and a strike against Rangers the month following.
    Kyogo is goal king for Celts
    Kyogo Furuhashi has picked up Celtic’s top goalscorer award and goal of the season award.
    The Hoops striker has notched 17 goals in all competitions since arriving from Vissel Kobe in the summer.
    Kyogo Furuhashi won two prizes at Celtic’s player pf the year doCredit: Alamy
    He’s proved a fan favourite and goals like his winner against Hibs in the League Cup Final – which earned him the goal of the season gong – cemented that status.
    Crowd chaos
    CELTIC have hit back at a statement from Rangers criticising the police at today’s Old Firm clash, claiming their own supporters were attacked with bottles and SEATS.
    The Light Blues released an initial statement condemning a lack of action from cops that they said left their fans “unprotected” and led to injuries to elderly and disabled people.
    The Parkhead club however claim seating from the stadium was ripped apart and launched towards fans and stewards.
    They also talked about incidents from the Old Firm match at Ibrox last month.
    Rest for Reo
    Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has given a response to the calls over Reo Hatate’s fitness.
    The Japanese international has had a persistent run of games for club and country as of late, leaving some fans to question whether he should be given more time to recover.
    Asked whether his withdrawal today was a result of fatigue, Postecoglou responded:
    “To a certain extent.
    “For them, Matty O’Riley is 21-years-old and for Reo this is his first sort of journey outside of his own country and it has new challenges.
    “I have said all along that there is a relentlessness when you play for this football club and you can’t rest on what you did last week or even the last pass or the last action. It’s constant and it’s always there.
    “But you are never going to build that into players if you shield them away from it.
    “This year my thoughts were just to expose as many of our players to it as I could. Earlier in the year we were throwing guys in without even training and the expectations are still there, you have to perform.”Ange Postecoglou
    What a hit
    The PFA have picked Tom Rogic’s Tannadice stunner from December as their goal of the season.
    The Aussie faced firm competition for the award but came out on top at the award ceremony tonight.
    Taking the ball just over the half-way line – a mazy run took the midfielder by three Dundee United jerseys on his way to the box.
    With seemingly nobody able to stop him he continued on to the middle of the box before unleashing a curling finish into the bottom corner.
    What an effort it was!
    One step closer
    Kyogo Furuhashi has reminded fans that his Celtic side are getting nearer and nearer to the league title.
    The Japanese striker was brought off after 62 minutes in today’s Old Firm – but he’s clearly focused on the potentially title securing tie with Hearts next week already!

    Welsh wins at Celtic POTY
    Stephen Welsh has won Celtic’s academy player of the year award.
    The centre-half was a regular starter at the beginning of the season as Carl Starfelt took time to settle at Parkhead.
    Stephen Welsh has scooped Celtic’s young player of the year awardCredit: Kenny Ramsay
    Since then he has been a rotational player but his performances have remained solid.
    The Hoops are hosting their annual awards night as we speak, with further announcements to come.
    It’s a must
    Ange Postecoglou has to make permanent moves for Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers his priority in the summer.
    That’s according to Rangers hero Neil McCann – who reckons the on-loan duo have become essential members of the Celtic squad.
    23-year-old Jota was the one to net an early opener for The Hoops in today’s Old Firm.
    However, he and Carter-Vickers are both currently only on loan in at the club, and could return to their parent sides at the end of the current campaign.
    McCann thinks the Parkhead club have to make sure both return to Postecoglou’s squad next season.
    Close Game
    Joe Hart described Rangers as “proper opposition” as he talked up the importance of today’s Old Firm in regards to the title race.
    The goalkeeper praised his Light Blues opponents but also feels his side could’ve came out as worthy winners at the same time.
    He said: “They’re a good team. Champions last year, semi-finalists in a top European competition.
    “We’re playing against proper opposition and we worked hard to make those chances.
    “No, we didn’t take them. On another day, we could’ve been more comfortable but ultimately we weren’t.
    “Tight game, tight game.”
    Fan fallout
    Rangers have hit out at the policing of today’s Old Firm match at Celtic Park.
    The Glasgow giants drew 1-1 on the pitch, but rumours circulated afterwards that supporters had thrown bottles and missiles at each other in the game’s aftermath.
    The Ibrox club had 800 fans backing them from the away corner of the ground.
    But whilst their section was heavily flooded with Police presence, Rangers feel the authorities did nowhere near enough to keep supporters safe.
    The statement even revealed elderly and disabled fans had been left needing treatment.
    All over now
    John Hartson claims today’s Old Firm draw between Celtic and Rangers means the battle for the league title is FINISHED.
    Ange Postecoglou’s side sit six points clear at the top with just three games of the season to play.
    Celtic legend John Hartson
    And The Hoops hero reckons the 1-1 draw at Parkhead means the title race is officially done and dusted for another year.
    He tweeted: “(Celtic) Could have won, should have won.. could have lost.
    “Really important we didn’t lose today…let’s make it officially 10 titles in the last 11 years next week or even in the next 2/3 weeks. It’s done.
    Caught the eye
    Presenter Jim White reckons Jota, Matt O’Riley and Calvin Bassey could be options being looked at by English Premier League sides.
    Speaking on GoRadio, he said: “I think Jota would very much catch the eye. He has got an eye for a goal and a wee chance, and he usually takes the chance, and he did today as well.
    “The guy who continually impresses me is Matt O’Riley. He came from totally left-field.
    “There were a number of Championship and League One clubs interested in him, and O’Riley has gone north and looks absolutely well settled at Celtic Park and is a favourite among the Celtic supporters, and I can understand it.
    “The good thing about Bassey (as well) is he can play in a number of positions in that Rangers team and never looks out of place. You have to think he is one of the first names on the team sheet for Gio van Bronckhorst in Europe.
    “But Bassey, for sure. I mean he was everywhere today. The last line of defence when they needed him.”
    Terry’s bucket list
    John Terry attended today’s Old Firm clash and admitted that it’s one he could check off his bucket list.
    The Premier League legend was spotted in the Parkhead stands before the clash sporting a Celtic scarf around his neck.
    John Terry before the Old Firm match
    And he has spoken of his love for the Hoops in the past.
    He said previously: “My brother and I decided that we would choose an English team and a Scottish team each.
    “I chose Chelsea and Celtic and my brother went for Rangers which meant we had plenty of rivalry growing up.”
    And Terry took to Instagram before the match to post a photo of himself with the caption “Bucket List weekend” and tagged Celtic in his post.
    NAME GAME
    Celtic took another social media approach for this week’s derby clash.
    The Parkhead club referred to Rangers as ‘the opposition’ during the Scottish Cup semi-final tie at Hampden.
    But they were back to being named as Rangers when Sakala found the net this afternoon.
    One Twitter user replied asking: “Rangers today is it?”
    One Celtic fan asked: “thought it was the opposition?”
    While a Rangers supporter picked up on it: “Lovely goal from opposition fc”.
    ‘FINISH STRONG’
    Ange Postecoglou has promised that Celtic will end the season on a high and wrap up the title in swift fashion.
    He said: “I don’t know about unassailable but we are in a strong position.
    “We have three games to go, two of them at home.
    “We have been so strong at home all year, including today, we didn’t lose.
    “From our perspective it gives us a great opportunity to take advantage of the position we are in.
    “The thing with us, we don’t want to sort of just get there, we want to finish strong and we have three games to do that.”
    BEACH BALL JIBE
    Rangers legend Kris Boyd couldn’t resist having a dig at Celtic fans after beach balls were launched onto the Parkhead pitch.
    During the course of the game, referee John Beaton was seen removing one of the balls from the pitch.
    Kris Boyd, Sky Sports pundit
    And speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “In a match where you don’t usually see a lot of respect between both sets of fans, I’ve got to say it was fantastic from Celtic fans today.
    “They came out with beach balls and inflatables, wishing Rangers all the best in Seville.
    “Hopefully that is the case and fair play to them, it’s fantastic!”
    UGLY SCENES
    Celtic and Rangers fans were seen launching bottles at each other in the stadium after the final whistle.
    It wasn’t picked up by the Sky Sports cameras but it was reported live by Radio Scotland pundits.
    Richard Gordon, appointed this week as Cove Rangers’ new PR man, said: “Watching events off to our right, we can’t see everything.
    “But we can clearly see items being tossed both from the Rangers fans at the Celtic fans and from the Celtic fans into that section (with the Rangers fans).
    “The stewards were there, the police were there, and the area was well marshalled.
    “But something sparked one set of fans. And then you saw a rush from the Celtic fans towards them.
    “They can’t get anywhere near them as the stewards are making sure that’s the case.
    “And the Rangers fans can’t get out but something happened.”
    TITLE STILL OVER?
    By Derek McGregor
    Giovanni Van Bronckhorst is realistic over his side’s Premiership chances.
    Rangers had to beat Celtic to spark hopes of yet achieving two-in-a-row.
    And the Dutchman confessed: “I think only a win today would give us a chance to close the gap even more.
    “It’s still six points with the goal difference in favour of Celtic – so it will be more difficult after today.”As I said before the game, we needed a win to close the gap to three points.
    “We didn’t, we drew, but I couldn’t have asked for more from my players, what they have given.”Especially in the second half, we pushed really hard to come back into the game, which we did, and get good opportunities to win this game in the final 10 or 12 minutes.”
    PROVED THEMSELVES
    By Derek McGregor
    Giovanni van Bronckhorst insisted his Rangers side showed they’re strong enough to achieve Euro glory after their Celtic draw.
    Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst
    He said: “I think we showed how strong we are physically and also mentally to come back from 1-0 down and get back in the game – and created good chances to win.
    “I am really happy with our performance and it is the same that we need on Thursday.
    “It is a demanding week physically and also very demanding for every player and the whole staff.
    “But we keep on going – and Thursday is a big night.
    “We can reach the final in Seville, which is of course what we want.
    “That is why we work hard in the next coming days to be well prepared.”
    ‘DISAPPOINTED’
    By Derek McGregor
    Gutted Borna Barisic has conceded their Parkhead draw was ‘not enough’ for their hopes of retaining the Premiership title.
    The Croat was caught out badly for the second time in three months in the East End as Jota stole in ahead of him at the far post to give Celtic a 21st minute lead.
    Barisic said: “I felt we played much better second half and we created a couple of very good chances. We didn’t score.
    “Unfortunately we conceded that goal first half.
    “In the end it was 1-1 and we are very disappointed.
    “We needed that three points.
    “That was a chance for us to connect with them in the league table. We didn’t do that and we’re disappointed.
    “We gave everything second half. But at end 1-1 it was not enough.”
    GERS WANT IT MORE
    By Colin Duncan 
    Stiliyan Petrov reckons Rangers showed more desire than Celtic.
    The former Hoops midfielder insists the Ibrox men were the only team who wanted to win the final Old Firm clash of the season.  
    Petrov said: “Rangers took Celtic out of their comfort zone in the second half. 
    “Rangers were more aggressive. They were braver and took more risks.
    “They looked after the ball more and they just wanted it more.
    “Celtic wanted to finish the game as quickly as possible but it was the opposite for Rangers.”
    Petrov felt the Premiership leaders could have been out of sight by half-time if Daizen Maeda was more clinical. 
    The Japanese striker passed up a glorious chance when he pulled out of a challenge with Gers keeper Allan McGregor. 
    Petrov said: “You have to convert your chances when you have control of the game.
    “You have to be brave and go and attack it.
    “The game would have been over if (Maeda) took both of his chances.”
    UNLUCKY GERS
    While Boyd reckons the result of the final Old Firm game didn’t matter for Rangers he believes they should have won it. 
    The Premiership’s record goalscorer is adamant Ryan Kent and Fashion Sakala should have converted golden chances. 
    Kris Boyd, Sky Sports pundit
    He said:  “Kent’s was an easier chance than the one Jota took to give Celtic the lead.
    “He has got to score. Anthony Ralston’s body shape is the exact same as Borna Barisic.
    “He has no clue that Kent is there. Kent gets ahead of him and has to score. 
    “It was a great second half for Rangers and they were the better team but Sakala had a great opportunity to win it.
    “His goal was excellently taken. It was a fantastic finish, but he was unlucky not to get a second. 
    “Rangers were very unlucky not to come away with a victory.”
    SUCCESS
    By Colin Duncan 
    Kris Boyd insisted avoiding defeat was all that mattered for Rangers ahead of their showdown with Red Bull Leipzig. 
    He said: “Thursday is a massive game and the title was over anyway for Rangers.
    “The most important thing was coming here and not getting beat.
    “It was vital to leave with no injuries and hopefully get Aaron Ramsey and Kemar Roofe back as that will give them a better opportunity of overturning that 1-0 first leg deficit. 
    “That little blip after Christmas  cost them the league – throwing away a two-goal lead to Motherwell and then losing to Celtic. “
    LEARNED LESSON
    James McFadden insists Borna Barisic should have learned his lesson by now. 
    The Rangers full-back was badly at fault when he allowed Jota to run across him for Celtic’s opening goal.
    It was almost a carbon copy of his blunder when Liel Abada ghosted in behind him to score at Parkhead in February. 
    Barisc was caught on his heels both times as he failed to deal with a cross from the right flank. 
    McFadden said: “It is something Celtic have done all season. 
    “You know when the ball comes into that area you have to open your body up.
    “You have to be aware of where Jota is. You have to make first contact or go and meet the ball then clear it. 
    “It is no surprise it has happened again to Barisic.”
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    Celtic vs Rangers LIVE REACTION: Pundits react to result, Van Bronckhorst and Postecoglou post-match, latest updates

    CELTIC are in a really strong position to win the Premiership title after sharing the points with Rangers at Parkhead. Jota had fired the home side into the lead before Fashion Sakala netted a second half equaliser.
    The Light Blues striker smashed a low effort off Joe Hart’s post as the away side pushed for the winner on derby day.
    But the gap remains at six points with three games left of the campaign as Ange Postecoglou’s men edge closer to title success.
    The big games keep coming for Rangers who will now turn their focus to their Europa League semi-final return with RB Leipzig on Thursday night.
    BEACH BALL JIBE
    Rangers legend Kris Boyd couldn’t resist having a dig at Celtic fans after beach balls were launched onto the Parkhead pitch.
    During the course of the game, referee John Beaton was seen removing one of the balls from the pitch.
    Kris Boyd, Sky Sports pundit
    And speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “In a match where you don’t usually see a lot of respect between both sets of fans, I’ve got to say it was fantastic from Celtic fans today.
    “They came out with beach balls and inflatables, wishing Rangers all the best in Seville.
    “Hopefully that is the case and fair play to them, it’s fantastic!”
    UGLY SCENES
    Celtic and Rangers fans were seen launching bottles at each other in the stadium after the final whistle.
    It wasn’t picked up by the Sky Sports cameras but it was reported live by Radio Scotland pundits.
    Richard Gordon, appointed this week as Cove Rangers’ new PR man, said: “Watching events off to our right, we can’t see everything.
    “But we can clearly see items being tossed both from the Rangers fans at the Celtic fans and from the Celtic fans into that section (with the Rangers fans).
    “The stewards were there, the police were there, and the area was well marshalled.
    “But something sparked one set of fans. And then you saw a rush from the Celtic fans towards them.
    “They can’t get anywhere near them as the stewards are making sure that’s the case.
    “And the Rangers fans can’t get out but something happened.”
    TITLE STILL OVER?
    By Derek McGregor
    Giovanni Van Bronckhorst is realistic over his side’s Premiership chances.
    Rangers had to beat Celtic to spark hopes of yet achieving two-in-a-row.
    And the Dutchman confessed: “I think only a win today would give us a chance to close the gap even more.
    “It’s still six points with the goal difference in favour of Celtic – so it will be more difficult after today.”As I said before the game, we needed a win to close the gap to three points.
    “We didn’t, we drew, but I couldn’t have asked for more from my players, what they have given.”Especially in the second half, we pushed really hard to come back into the game, which we did, and get good opportunities to win this game in the final 10 or 12 minutes.”
    PROVED THEMSELVES
    By Derek McGregor
    Giovanni van Bronckhorst insisted his Rangers side showed they’re strong enough to achieve Euro glory after their Celtic draw.
    Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst
    He said: “I think we showed how strong we are physically and also mentally to come back from 1-0 down and get back in the game – and created good chances to win.
    “I am really happy with our performance and it is the same that we need on Thursday.
    “It is a demanding week physically and also very demanding for every player and the whole staff.
    “But we keep on going – and Thursday is a big night.
    “We can reach the final in Seville, which is of course what we want.
    “That is why we work hard in the next coming days to be well prepared.”
    ‘DISAPPOINTED’
    By Derek McGregor
    Gutted Borna Barisic has conceded their Parkhead draw was ‘not enough’ for their hopes of retaining the Premiership title.
    The Croat was caught out badly for the second time in three months in the East End as Jota stole in ahead of him at the far post to give Celtic a 21st minute lead.
    Barisic said: “I felt we played much better second half and we created a couple of very good chances. We didn’t score.
    “Unfortunately we conceded that goal first half.
    “In the end it was 1-1 and we are very disappointed.
    “We needed that three points.
    “That was a chance for us to connect with them in the league table. We didn’t do that and we’re disappointed.
    “We gave everything second half. But at end 1-1 it was not enough.”
    GERS WANT IT MORE
    By Colin Duncan 
    Stiliyan Petrov reckons Rangers showed more desire than Celtic.
    The former Hoops midfielder insists the Ibrox men were the only team who wanted to win the final Old Firm clash of the season.  
    Petrov said: “Rangers took Celtic out of their comfort zone in the second half. 
    “Rangers were more aggressive. They were braver and took more risks.
    “They looked after the ball more and they just wanted it more.
    “Celtic wanted to finish the game as quickly as possible but it was the opposite for Rangers.”
    Petrov felt the Premiership leaders could have been out of sight by half-time if Daizen Maeda was more clinical. 
    The Japanese striker passed up a glorious chance when he pulled out of a challenge with Gers keeper Allan McGregor. 
    Petrov said: “You have to convert your chances when you have control of the game.
    “You have to be brave and go and attack it.
    “The game would have been over if (Maeda) took both of his chances.”
    UNLUCKY GERS
    While Boyd reckons the result of the final Old Firm game didn’t matter for Rangers he believes they should have won it. 
    The Premiership’s record goalscorer is adamant Ryan Kent and Fashion Sakala should have converted golden chances. 
    Kris Boyd, Sky Sports pundit
    He said:  “Kent’s was an easier chance than the one Jota took to give Celtic the lead.
    “He has got to score. Anthony Ralston’s body shape is the exact same as Borna Barisic.
    “He has no clue that Kent is there. Kent gets ahead of him and has to score. 
    “It was a great second half for Rangers and they were the better team but Sakala had a great opportunity to win it.
    “His goal was excellently taken. It was a fantastic finish, but he was unlucky not to get a second. 
    “Rangers were very unlucky not to come away with a victory.”
    SUCCESS
    By Colin Duncan 
    Kris Boyd insisted avoiding defeat was all that mattered for Rangers ahead of their showdown with Red Bull Leipzig. 
    He said: “Thursday is a massive game and the title was over anyway for Rangers.
    “The most important thing was coming here and not getting beat.
    “It was vital to leave with no injuries and hopefully get Aaron Ramsey and Kemar Roofe back as that will give them a better opportunity of overturning that 1-0 first leg deficit. 
    “That little blip after Christmas  cost them the league – throwing away a two-goal lead to Motherwell and then losing to Celtic. “
    LEARNED LESSON
    James McFadden insists Borna Barisic should have learned his lesson by now. 
    The Rangers full-back was badly at fault when he allowed Jota to run across him for Celtic’s opening goal.
    It was almost a carbon copy of his blunder when Liel Abada ghosted in behind him to score at Parkhead in February. 
    Barisc was caught on his heels both times as he failed to deal with a cross from the right flank. 
    McFadden said: “It is something Celtic have done all season. 
    “You know when the ball comes into that area you have to open your body up.
    “You have to be aware of where Jota is. You have to make first contact or go and meet the ball then clear it. 
    “It is no surprise it has happened again to Barisic.”
    PROUD GIO
    Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has admitted his disappointment at dropping points but says he is proud of his team’s performance.
    He reckons their missed chances late on cost them the three points.
    Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst
    Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “We needed a win to close the gap to three points.
    “We drew, I think we did everything, I couldn’t have asked more from my players what they’ve given today, especially in the second half.
    “We pushed really hard to come back into the game, which we did, good opportunities to win this game in the final 10 or 12 minutes.
    “We did everything we could to win this game, but in the end, we are two points short.
    “I think after 60, 65 minutes we were getting stronger and stronger, I think we did really well in those moments, created great chances.
    “We hit the post, Fashion was one vs one with Hart, what can you ask for more?
    “The only thing is we didn’t score the big chances we had.”
    TOUGH GAME
    Jota is disappointed Celtic didn’t come away with three points today but has admitted it was a tough game against their rivals.
    “It’s always a tough game against Rangers so I think we did our best. We fought for the win but unfortunately we couldn’t do it so we go again next week.”
    Jota says that his goal came from the training ground as he revealed that it’s something the club has been working on.
    He said: “It’s something that we work a lot, which is the cross to the back post to score.
    “It’s something we’ve been doing for the whole season and getting it today was great.”
    ANGE SPEAKS
    Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou admits he’s happy with a point after a tough Old Firm contest.
    He hailed goalkeeper Joe Hart for his performance between the sticks.
    He told Sky Sports: “It was a cracking game, you know, it was intense and both teams had chances to get more goals.
    “Ultimately though it was a good contest between two good team and I’m pleased that we got a draw out of it.
    “We had the chances to get the second and the third but they stayed in it and they have nothing to lose so they’re going to throw men forward and put us under pressure – which we expected if we were going to be ahead.
    “We dealt with it but it was difficult at times.
    “Joe Hart hasn’t had to make many saves all season but he was outstanding today and it’s why we brought him to this football club.”
    SAKALA REACTS
    Rangers striker Fashion Sakala is proud of his side’s performance to draw at Parkhead, but admits they should have scored more.
    He told Sky Sports: “We know how important this game was for us so it was difficult coming to play here, but I think we did really well and we tried especially in the second half.
    “It was very important (to get the equaliser) and at half-time we talked about it and it was just disappointing about the other chances we had but we tried our best.”
    The striker was delighted to get his goal but he’s still disappointed that he didn’t manage to bag a second.
    He said: “It was a very special goal and very important for the team but I think In could have done better with the second chance I had, but as I said, I just tried my best.”
    FULL-TIME STATS
    The stats from full-time, taken from Google.

    FULL-TIME: CELTIC 1-1 RANGERS
    The match ended as a draw at Celtic Park and that means the league isn’t over – just yet!
    The hosts should have blown Rangers away in the first half after having several chances in front of goal.
    Fashion Sakala striking the equalising goal
    But it was Fashion Sakala who clawed a goal back in the second half and could have added a couple more to his tally.
    Celtic will be frustrated that they haven’t all-but clinched the title but a point still keeps them in the driving seat.
    Reaction to follow.
    FULL-TIME: CELTIC 1-1 RANGERS
    CELTIC 1 RANGERS 1
    91′ Goldson picks up a YELLOW CARD for dissent.
    TWO MINUTES ADDED ON!!
    CELTIC 1 RANGERS 1
    86′ Diallo receives a YELLOW CARD just a minute after coming on after a late ditch challenge on Abada.
    The winger would have been through on goal if it wasn’t for the challenge.
    CELTIC 1 RANGERS 1
    86′ Rangers make a change.

    OFF – Arfield
    ON – Diallo

    CELTIC 1 RANGERS 1
    85′ Sakala was one-on-one with Hart and he beat the goalkeeper but couldn’t keep his effort on target as he smashes his effort off the post.
    RANGERS HIT THE POST!!
    CELTIC 1 RANGERS 1
    Huge save from Hart!
    Wright crosses the ball in to Arfield who takes a first time shot but it was parried by Hart.
    Hart was then called into action again a few seconds later but he caught the chance.
    CELTIC 1 RANGERS 1
    82′ Starfelt puts Hart under pressure with a dangerous pass.
    The goalkeeper manages to clear but nearly slips on the ball as Kent and Sakala chase.
    CELTIC 1 RANGERS 1
    77′ Celtic make a change as Maeda makes way.

    OFF – Maeda
    ON – Abada

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    Celtic 1 Rangers 1: Hoops miss chance to all but wrap up title as Light Blues fight back to Old Firm draw

    CELTIC could still win the title next week but Rangers made sure they didn’t celebrate too much as they left Parkhead with a point.Ange Postecoglou’s side could have effectively wrapped up the league with victory in the final Old Firm clash of the campaign.
    Jota celebrates with his Celtic team-mates after scoring against RangersCredit: Getty

    Victory here would have sent them nine points clear with just three games to go and a superior goal difference.
    While Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men knew nothing less than a win would do if they were to have any hope of defending their title.
    And so while they may not have surrendered the Old Firm bragging rights, Rangers will have been left disappointed by the result.
    Jota’s first-half strike sent Celtic fans into ecstasy but Fashion Sakala’s equaliser was enough to ensure the game ended in a draw.
    Rangers made a bright start to the game and did well at restricting Celtic’s possession to their own half.
    Ryan Kent looked briefly as if he would be able to break into the box but the danger was quickly cleared.
    John Lundstram was soon able to take advantage of Reo Hatate’s ball-watching to intercept a pass as well.
    He sprinted down the right-hand side but his cross into the box was dealt with by Celtic’s defence.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in 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#dcdddd;background-color:#ffffff;}.css-14dqn90{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(4px/2);margin-right:calc(4px/2);}.css-12an5ma{font-family:The Sun;font-size:20px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;padding:1px 0px;}.css-12an5ma::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.261875em + -1px);}.css-12an5ma::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:calc(-0.25em + -1.3px);}.css-1tob514{color:rgba(32,134,98,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;margin-right:4px;}.css-1tob514:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}WATCH ME GO .css-1efa55o{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1efa55o:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}I played for Man Utd with Ronaldo, but now sell luxury watches in Mayfair shop
    Celtic grew into the game though and were soon able to create some opportunities of their own.
    Greg Taylor was able to set up a promising counter-attack after breaking away from Sakala.
    However, the Hoops were ultimately forced to settle for a corner that amounted to nothing.
    Up the other end, Kent had a great chance to open the scoring when he got on the end of James Tavernier’s cross into the box.
    The winger got past Tony Ralston with ease but turned the ball wide of the post.
    But it was the Hoops who opened the scoring after finally making a good move through the middle of the park.
    Taylor passed the ball into Daizen Maeda who was able to beat both Tavernier and Connor Goldson into the box.
    The Japanese international then played the ball across the face of goal where Borna Barisic, in a repeat of the last Old Firm clash at Celtic Park, switched off and allowed Jota to come inside him to fire the ball into the back of the net.
    That was just the inspiration the fans in attendance needed as Parkhead became a cauldron of noise in a bid to inspire the players to score a second.
    Postecoglou’s men certainly didn’t need any incentive as they penned Rangers back into their own defensive third.
    Midway through the half, Jota was able to take the ball down the left wing and into the box.
    But Tavernier was able to make the stop on this occasion to stop the Portuguese from getting a shot off at goal.
    Minutes later, Kyogo Furuhashi played a brilliant cross into the path of the oncoming Jota in the box, but his header went over the bar.
    Rangers were able to put Celtic under some pressure with 10 minutes to go into the half.
    Maeda was forced to come all the way back into his own box to stop Kent.
    While the Light Blues were also able to threaten from a series of corners.
    But the Hoops were ultimately able to deal with the danger each time to keep the score at 1-0.
    Maeda had a great chance to double Celtic’s lead just minutes before half-time.
    A defensive mistake from the visitors led to the ball being crossed into the box by Jota.
    However, the Japanese international appeared to pull back from making the header at the very last second as Allan McGregor came out towards him.
    And fortunately for Van Bronkchorst’s men, that left them just a goal down at the break.
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS AND FREE BETS
    After coming back out for the second half, Rangers wasted no time in trying to get back on level terms.
    From a corner, a rebounded Sakala header fell into the path of Goldson but he was unable to get his shot on target.
    However, it was Maeda who had the best chance in the opening stages of the second half.
    Picking up the ball outside the box, Hatate played it into the feet of Matt O’Riley who quickly laid it on to Maeda.
    But the Japanese star couldn’t take advantage of another golden opportunity as he blazed his shot over the bar.
    Postecoglou made changes on the hour-mark as Giorgos Giakoumakis was sent on in Furuhashi’s place.
    While Tom Rogic replaced Hatate and Nir Bitton came on for O’Riley.
    Van Bronckhorst also changed things up with Ryan Jack and Scott Wright being sent on as replacements for Davis and Joe Aribo respectively.
    Rogic nearly made an instant impact when Jota’s pass found him in the box.
    But the midfielder caught the ball under his own feet and the visitors managed to get rid of it.
    However, Rangers were back on level terms just minutes later when Sakala was able to finish off a great passage of play.
    With the visitors playing passes around in the middle of the pitch, it was ultimately played into the path of the Zambian international.
    And after taking it into the box, he was able to fire a shot past Joe Hart at his near post to bring the score level.
    Sakala then nearly had a second when he was able to beat Cameron Carter-Vickers at the back.
    This time however, Hart was able to make the save.
    It was just the inspiration Rangers needed though as they continued to harry Celtic deep in their own half.
    The Hoops did eventually regain their composure though and as the game moved into the final 10 minutes, both sides were battling for a winner.
    Hart was forced into a big save towards the end when Scott Arfield tried a shot from close range, before then immediately denying Jack on the rebound.
    Sakala then had another massive chance to double Rangers’ lead when he ran through on goal.
    But fortunately for Celtic, his shot came back off the post and the Hoops were able to clear the danger.
    Following the resulting corner, Liel Abada was able to break away on the counter-attack before being brought down by Amad Diallo.
    But that was ultimately it as far as the result was concerned with John Beaton eventually bringing a close to the final Old Firm clash of the season.
    And so, while Rangers may mathematically still have a chance in the title race, Celtic can now wrap up the league as early as next week if results go their way.

    Fashion Sakala celebrates after equalising for RangersCredit: Getty
    Celtic star Matt O’Riley tackles Rangers ace Steven DavisCredit: Kenny Ramsay
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    Roy Keane ready to LEAVE Sky Sports and take Hibs job as representatives make contact with Scottish Premiership club

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend wants a return to management with Scottish side Hibernian.SunSport understands reps of the Sky Sports pundit, 50, have made contact with Easter Road chiefs to confirm his interest.
    Roy Keane is ready to give up his gig at Sky Sports for the Hibs jobCredit: Sky Sports
    The former United skipper hasn’t worked in top-level management in more than a decade – when he was sacked as Ipswich Town boss in January 2011.
    But he is ready to leave his TV duties behind to replace ex-Celtic team-mate Shaun Maloney.
    Hibs owner Ron Gordon has said he’s likely to go with a more experienced gaffer after rookie Maloney lasted only 120 days.
    Keane, who bossed Sunderland to the Premiership in 2007, has been assistant to Martin O’Neill with the Republic of Ireland and Nottingham Forest, and was Paul Lambert’s No2 at Aston Villa.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.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;}WRIGHT TIME .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;}Keane told Wright he wasn’t Utd material as he was TWO MINUTES late for lunch
    He was also interviewed for the vacant Sunderland job this year before talks broke down and Alex Neil was given the gig.
    David Gray and Eddie May will remain in charge of the team until the end of the season.
    Gordon admitted in the wake of Maloney’s sacking that he knew appointing the former Belgium no2 would be a risk.
    He now says he will avoid making a similar mistake when selecting the next man to fill the hot seat at Easter Road.
    US-based Gordon says he takes his share of the blame for the mess, having also axed Jack Ross in December, as he detailed the direction of the club’s search for a new boss.
    He said: “I don’t know if we can take that risk again (of appointing an inexperienced manager).
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    “We need to take risks from time to time but that one was a little too ambitious on our part.
    “It could have gone the other way. Shaun could have done a fantastic job and we could be celebrating a terrific season.
    “It didn’t pan out, that’s the beauty and challenge of football. How much risk do we want to take? I don’t know.
    “We’ll cast our net wider in terms of recruitment of coaches and players and the kind of football we want to play.
    “We don’t want to limit ourselves. We have a list of potentials which has a little bit of everything, but many are from the UK.” More