Scottish Premiership

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.
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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.”
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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.

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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.

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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 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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