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      Fireworks set off during two-minute silence for Prince Philip as Celtic and Livingston players try to pay respects

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      CELTIC fans appear to have set off fireworks during a two-minute silence for Prince Philip.Football grounds across the United Kingdom fell silent on Saturday afternoon to pay tribute to the Prince of Edinburgh, who passed away at Windsor Castle on Friday morning at the age of 99.
      Celtic and Livingston’s players observe a minute’s silence for Prince Philip – but it was disturbed by fireworksCredit: The Sun
      Celtic were facing Livingston on Saturday afternoon as they got back to Premiership action with a thumping 6-0 win.
      However, the result was overshadowed by events before kick-off as fireworks could be heard being set off outside the Glasgow stadium, as players stood silent on the pitch.
      Several stars from both sides looked upwards to the skies.
      The noise of the fireworks going off were picked up on both the radio and Celtic TV’s coverage of the game.
      A commentator said: ‘I think that was some fireworks going off outside Celtic Park. Not sure what that was but some pretty loud bangs anyway.’ 
      It remains unclear exactly where or who it was that set them off during the silence.
      Prince Philip passed away yesterdayCredit: Alamy
      Meanwhile, Celtic interim boss John Kennedy admits he hasn’t spoken to club chiefs about his concerns over the SPFL’s inconsistencies in punishments.
      Nathan Patterson, Bongani Zungu, Calvin Bassey, Dapo Mebude and Brian Kinnear were handed six-game bans after breaching Covid-19 restrictions.
      However, Rangers have since appealed the verdicts and their case now won’t be heard until April 20.
      That frees the players up for next week’s Old firm clash with Celtic.
      Kennedy said: “I haven’t spoken to anyone at the club regarding that, I was asked for my opinion on it.

      “A lot of that was directed towards the SFA’s protocols in terms of how they deal with these matters.
      “I said what I had to say at the time.
      “I was asked for my opinion, I gave it and from now on, it’s up to them to deal with that and we’ll focus on our football.
      “It’s Rangers’ situation and the SFA’s. We just ask the question in terms of the consistency in those decisions.”
      Prince Philip honoured with 41 gun salute at Edinburgh Castle More

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      Rangers track Morecambe winger Carlos Mendes Gomes with ex-Atletico Madrid youth’s contract up in the summer

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      RANGERS are tracking Morecambe winger Carlos Mendes Gomes.The Senegal-born attacker, 22, has been watched a number of times this season and the Scottish champions have contacted the League Two side about a potential move.
      Morecambe winger Carlos Mendes Gomes, 22, is being tracked by RangersCredit: Getty
      SunSport also understands Rangers have done their due diligence on the ex-Atletico Madrid youth.
      Gomes is out of contract at the end of this season and could be available on a free if he doesn’t sign a new contract at Morecambe.
      The forward, who was born in Dakar and raised in Tenerife, moved to Manchester with his family when he was 15.
      He spent two years in the Atletico academy, but his first two years in English football were spent at non-league West Didsbury.
      He operates mainly on the right wing and has been with the Shrimps for three seasons.
      Meanwhile, Celtic have been in contact with the SFA demanding clarification over the Rangers Covid five delay.
      Hoops chiefs are seeking answers from Hampden after charges against the Ibrox rule-breakers – with an appeal still to be heard nearly two months on from the illegal incident.
      Nathan Patterson, Bongani Zungu, Calvin Bassey, Dapo Mebude and Brian Kinnear were caught up at a house gathering in February, in a clear breach of coronavirus protocol.
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      The Gers have been watching the Senegal-born attacker closelyCredit: Alamy

      The five players were each hit with with four-match bans, plus a further two games suspended.
      However, Rangers appealed this decision, therefore freeing up Patterson and the rest to play for their respective clubs in the mean time.
      The hearing will now be held on Saturday – with Patterson, Zungu and Bassey therefore free to face Celtic.
      The Hoops are unhappy as Hampden chiefs hit them with punishment for Boli Bolingoli’s breach within four days earlier this season, with the Hoops having games postponed that left them playing catch up in the league.
      And now, Celtic have met with Scottish football’s governing body to seek clarity on the Ibrox five situation.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Rangers star Glen Kamara breaks silence on Ondrej Kudela racism allegations as Uefa continue investigation More

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      West Ham fighting Dortmund for Jordan Larsson – son of Celtic hero Henrik – as 23-year-old impresses at Spartak Moscow

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      WEST HAM and Borussia Dortmund are both reportedly keen on signing Spartak Moscow star Jordan Larsson – son of Celtic legend Henrik.The striker, 23, has been in excellent form in the Russian Premier League this season and has attracted attention from across Europe.
      West Ham and Borussia Dortmund could go head to head for Jordan LarssonCredit: Getty
      Henrik Larsson and son Jordan at his testimonial match between Celtic and Sevilla in 2004Credit: PA:Press Association
      West Ham are in desperate need of striker with injury prone Michail Antonio their only recognised front man on the books.
      And with Erling Haaland heavily linked with a move away from Dortmund at the end of this season, the Bundesliga side are in the market for a replacement.
      Larsson is on the radar of both teams, according to Goal.
      Spartak signed Larsson from Swedish side Norrkoping for £3.5million in August 2019.
      The Sweden international has bagged 12 goals for Spartak in 23 Russian Prem matches so far this season.
      He was also voted the club’s player of the month for March
      Jordan grew up in football circles with dad Henrik playing for Celtic, Barcelona and Manchester United since he was born in 1997.
      And in December, he revealed he would love to follow in his dad’s footsteps and play for the Bhoys in Green.
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      He said: “For me Celtic will always have a special place in my heart.
      “Not that I’ve played there in that sense, but it was the first place where I saw football as a young kid going with my mother to see games when my father was playing.
      “That’s where I have the biggest memories in my head.
      “‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ you have all the scarves before the games and everything so of course it will always have a special place in my heart.
      “But at the same time since my father is who he is at the club I think for me personally if I would ever have the chance to play there then I would like to establish myself even more, make my own name before I would play there if that chance would ever come up but of course it’s tempting.
      “Not that they are interested in that sense but If I think about it to be able to play there would be a dream in that sense.
      “For me my whole life has been about proving I’m a good player, that I’m my own person you know.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Man City and Leeds hold a two-minute silence for Duke of Edinburgh More

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      Eddie Howe plotting Josh King transfer move to Celtic from Everton ahead of being confirmed as boss this week

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      EDDIE HOWE wants Josh King to snub the Premier League and become one of his first Celtic signings.The incoming Hoops boss has identified the Norwegian hitman as a replacement for wantaway striker Odsonne Edouard.
      Eddie Howe wants Everton flop Joshua King should he be confirmed Celtic bossCredit: Ryan Browne – The Times
      King has struggled to impress at Everton after joining on a short-term deal from Bournemouth, but several English clubs are still keen on him.
      Howe will have to talk his former Cherries striker into taking a wage cut if they are to be reunited in Glasgow.
      King, 29 – understood to be earning £45,000 a week at Goodison – enjoyed the most prolific spell of his career when he worked under Howe.
      He has yet to start a match for Everton and looks certain to quit the club this summer.
      That could see Celtic land a player, linked with a big-money return to first club Manchester United two years ago, on a free.
      King’s 169 top-flight appearances in England have produced 48 goals. He is also capable of operating on either flank.
      He credits mentor Howe for his rise and would relish the chance to work under him again.
      Howe might not be confirmed as Neil Lennon’s successor until next week and may not take charge until the summer.
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      King played his best football under Howe at BournemouthCredit: Reuters

      But he’s working flat out behind the scenes in a bid to identify signings.
      SunSport revealed last Sunday that Bournemouth centre-back Steve Cook, 29, is another target.
      Howe faces a huge rebuild at Parkhead, with Scott Brown heading a list of players leaving.
      Moi Elyounoussi, Diego Laxalt, Jonjoe Kenny and Shane Duffy will all return to their parent clubs.
      And Edouard, Kristoffer Ajer and Ryan Christie could all be sold in big-money deals.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      A look at the career of Eddie Howe as Celtic pursue the former Bournemouth boss More

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      Leicester keen on Hibs star Josh Doig, 18, with Man City, Arsenal and Leeds also interested in £1.5m teenager

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      LEICESTER CITY have joined the growing list of clubs interested in £1.5million-rated Hibs kid Josh Doig.SunSport can reveal the high-flying Foxes had the young Hibees left-back watched in action during their Scottish Cup victory over Queen of the South on Monday night.
      Hibs starlet Josh Doig, 18, is being chased by a number of Premier League clubsCredit: The Sun
      Doig, 18, has had scouts flocking to see him play throughout his debut season at Easter Road.
      Manchester City, Leeds United and Arsenal have all been linked with the attacking full-back.
      Now Brendan Rodgers’ recruitment department at the King Power Stadium have started doing their own homework on the up-and-coming starlet.
      Doig strolled through the cup clash with Queens at Palmerston in his latest impressive display.
      Hibs have got Doig tied down on a long-term contract which runs until the summer of 2025.
      But they are realistic enough to know that big clubs are set to swoop this summer and make serious bids to lure him away from Edinburgh.
      Scotland Under-18 cap Doig has been at Hibs for only 14 months having been released by city rivals Hearts.
      The young defender was sent on loan to Queen’s Park for the remainder of last season.
      Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester are keen on the full-backCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Doig scores against Hamilton at Easter RoadCredit: The Sun

      But he has grabbed his chance in Jack Ross’ first team this time around and gone from strength to strength as Hibs look to seal third place in the Premiership.
      Hibs pal Darren McGregor last month told SunSport Hearts’ decision to let go of Doig was “incredible”.
      He added: “Josh is one of the best technically, he has a really bright future. He’s level-headed as well, which is half the battle.”
      Meanwhile, BBC Scotland will broadcast Forfar Athletic vs Dundee United in the Scottish Cup on Friday April 16, with a 7.45pm kick-off.
      Less than 24 hours, Hibernian’s 12.15pm clash in Stranraer will also be covered by the Beeb.
      Andy Murray says Lionel Messi is going to sign for Hibs after he submits transfer request at Barcelona More

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      England strikers coach takes Aberdeen job but will stick with Three Lions until 2022 World Cup

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      ALLAN RUSSELL is the former Hamilton, St Mirren and Forest Green forward who is the England squad’s striker coach.The self-styled ‘world’s No 1 striker-specific coach’ from Scotland was once again working with Gareth Southgate’s squad during last month’s three World Cup qualifiers.
      Allan Russell has just accepted a job as assistant first-team coach at AberdeenCredit: Getty
      Since March 2017 he has been employed by the FA to improve the team’s goal threat, particularly from set-pieces — though it helps when you have Harry Kane in the side.
      But Russell, 40, has just accepted a job as assistant first-team coach at Aberdeen following the appointment of former Newcastle and Watford defender Stephen Glass as Pittodrie boss.
      England manager Southgate and the FA have no problems with Russell splitting his roles.
      He looks certain to continue through this summer’s Euro 2020 and on to the World Cup in Qatar in winter 2022.
      He is also running his consultancy business called Superior Striker, which his official website claims is a “game changer at the highest level.”
      And ironically Russell will be hoping to get one over his fellow countrymen when England play Scotland in the Euro group stages at Wembley.
      Russell knew he would be fine working for Aberdeen as there is a precedent of Southgate’s backroom team being employed elsewhere.
      England’s Welsh goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson also works for Swansea while former Charlton defender Chris Powell, who helps coach the Three Lions senior team, is now head of coaching at Tottenham’s academy.
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      Kyril has place in the Sun
      SWISS billionaire Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is getting his feet under the table at Sunderland.
      The Black Cats owner, whose takeover was ratified in February, is the 23-year-old son of the late Swiss-French businessman Robert Louis-Dreyfus who was Marseille’s majority shareholder.
      Louis-Dreyfus, who lives with Russian fiancee Alexandra Nowikovsky, has homes in Geneva and the sun-kissed south of France.
      But he has moved into a modest bungalow on the grounds of Sunderland’s Academy of Light training ground in Cleadon, to gain a good understanding of the club 24 hours a day.
      He is already doing things the right way and sees the important role now played by data analysts.
      Louis-Dreyfus is relaxed about whether the promotion chasers get out of League One and will not feel it is a crisis if they miss out.He sees Sunderland as a big rebuilding job.
      Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is getting his feet under the table at SunderlandCredit: Iam Burn/News Images
      No more cash to burn
      PREMEMBER the times when all Premier League clubs lost the plot over summer and spent shedloads of cash?
      Well, it won’t be happening this summer. Expect another quiet transfer window like January.
      Teams such as Manchester City and Chelsea will spend big while Manchester United and Liverpool have money to strengthen but it will be nothing like some fans hope.
      As for the others, some clubs are already admitting to agents they have “zero budget” for the summer. This means one player leaving before another comes in.
      Even the top six are looking to move high earners out on loan. One of the bigger clubs has a player budget of just £8million.
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      Celtic to confirm Eddie Howe as manager THIS WEEK but ex-Bournemouth gaffer may not start until summer

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      CELTIC hope to name Eddie Howe as their new boss this week – but he may not take charge until the summer.Talks are continuing over a deal to appoint the former Bournemouth gaffer as Neil Lennon’s successor.
      Eddie Howe has verbally agreed to take over as Celtic and could be confirmed this weekCredit: PA
      SunSport understands an official announcement is NOT expected in the next 24 hours with both parties reluctant to rush negotiations.
      Howe, 43, has verbally agreed in principle to accept the job offer from Celtic.
      But, crucially, he wants certain assurances, as well as being allowed to take his trusted ally Richard Hughes with him.
      Celtic are looking to name a new director of football as well as a head of recruitment – and Howe is pushing for Hughes to be lured away from his role at Bournemouth.
      The Hoops hierarchy are believed to be open to the idea, but it would mean ripping up plans they were already putting in place.
      Manchester City’s Fergal Harkin was one of the names in the frame.
      Howe’s desire to work with Hughes has complicated the talks.
      But Celtic are still confident a deal can be struck to land their top target.
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      Eddie Howe wants to have Richard Hughes as his No2, complicating his talks with CelticCredit: PA

      They even could be prepared to let Howe wait until the start of June before officially making the move to Scotland.
      After leaving the Cherries last August it’s understood Howe planned to take a full year out of football, to spend time with his family, before making any return to the game.
      He could start work on identifying signing targets while leaving caretaker boss John Kennedy in charge for the rest of the season.
      But Howe could opt to wait until pre-season to start with a clean slate before beginning the huge rebuilding job.
      It’s still possible he could take over immediately, but Celtic are so eager to seal a deal they are prepared to be flexible.
      Meanwhile, the club will formally announce the arrival of new chief executive Dominic McKay on Tuesday.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Celtic next manager – Odds slashed on Eddie Howe being appointed Hoops boss as Roy Keane weakens, Trpisovsky enters frame More