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    Nicola Sturgeon orders Rangers to tell ‘disgraceful’ fans to go home and says lockdown breakers make her ‘angry’

    NICOLA STURGEON has ordered Rangers to tell their “disgraceful” fans to head home after breaking lockdown rules this afternoon.
    Thousands of Gers fans descended on Glasgow’s George Square to celebrate their club’s title win. 

    Thousands of Rangers fans remain in George Square despite Nicola Sturgeon ordering the club to send them homeCredit: PA:Press Association

    Flares have been set off amid raucous title celebrationsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Cops warned fans to stay at home amid lockdown restrictionsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    I share folks’ anger at this. Everyone has made so many sacrifices in the past year & seeing a minority risk our progress is infuriating & disgraceful. It is deeply unfair to the entire country, and the police have a hard enough job already. Please ask fans to go home @RangersFC https://t.co/haH5DAzhIh
    — Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) March 7, 2021

    The Ibrox side were crowned champions today after Celtic’s goalless draw with Dundee United at Tannadice. 
    Footage shows jubilant fans waving flags and letting off smoke bombs as they celebrate clinching the league trophy.
    Fans also gathered at Ibrox for title celebrations – defying current lockdown restrictions – after the Hoops’ latest slip up sealed their fate. 
    Thousands of supporters were then escorted by police along the city’s Paisley Road West as they marched towards the city centre.

    It comes after warnings from cops and the government urging fans not to gather in large numbers to celebrate.
    As the night progresses, masses of fans remain on the streets in Glasgow and elsewhere – and the SNP chief has displayed her anger at the “infuriating” situation.
    She tweeted: “I share folks’ anger at this. Everyone has made so many sacrifices in the past year & seeing a minority risk our progress is infuriating & disgraceful.
    “It is deeply unfair to the entire country, and the police have a hard enough job already. Please ask fans to go home @RangersFC.”

    Fans have been on the streets since after Celtic’s drawCredit: PA:Press Association

    Smoke bombs have been let offCredit: Splash News

    Rangers have now won 55 league titlesCredit: Splash News
    Earlier in the day the FM warned: “I congratulate @RangersFC on the title win & recognise what a moment this is for fans. But gathering in crowds just now risks lives, and could delay exit from lockdown for everyone else.
    “If those gathering care at all about the safety of others & the country, they will go home.”
    It’s the second day of Rangers fans’ celebrations, as thousands welcomed the side ahead of the St Mirren game yesterday.
    Scotland is currently under lockdown restrictions and has been since Boxing Day in 2020.
    Light Blues fans also celebrated with the players at the club’s training ground as Steven Gerrard’s side were crowned champions of Scotland.
    Thousands of supporters descended to Auchenhowie, near Milngavie, as the Ibrox club celebrated their title triumph.
    Fans were crammed together outside the training ground gates as they waited to catch a glimpse of their heroes.

    And they weren’t left disappointed as the new title-winners cracked open the champagne and danced in front of the jubilant fans.
    Boss Gerrard – now an iconic figure at Ibrox – was mobbed as his car left the training base.
    The Liverpool legend pumped his fist out the window as he was driven safely away from the complex by a chauffeur.

    Charlie Miller hails Rangers for stopping Celtic winning title ‘9 and three quarters’ More

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    Rangers WIN TITLE live reaction as fans flock to Ibrox and George Square and Gerrard’s heroes celebrate

    RANGERS have WON their 55th league title after Celtic could only draw 0-0 at Dundee United.
    Thousands of fans have massed outside Ibrox and at George Square to celebrate with flags, banners and pyro.

    Stay up to date with all the reaction as the Ibrox club celebrates its first title in ten years.

    BARTON REACTS
    Joey Barton might not have had the most successful spell north of the border.
    But the former Rangers midfielder sent his congratulations to his old side.

    Congratulations to @RangersFC on title number 55.Good to see the club back in its rightful position. #Champions 🇬🇧🇬🇧 #55
    — Joey Barton💙 (@Joey7Barton) March 7, 2021

    CARRA PRAISE
    Jamie Carragher has been loud and proud about his praise for former team-mate Steven Gerrard.
    Here’s what he said while commentating on the latest Liverpool home defeat.

    They must have been terrified for years that the record would have been beaten by Celtic.When Gerrard came in, that was the name of the game to stop Celtic achieving that.They’ve come a long way but they’ll be hoping the glory days are back.He’s done a brilliant job. They were so far behind Celtic when he first came in.I think the European campaigns have been the big boost – certainly financially to help him reinvest in the squad.
    Jamie Carragher

    FOOTBALL FRIENDS
    German companions Hamburg send their congratulations to Rangers.

    IBROX SCENES

    JER-MAIN MAN
    Jermain Defoe celebrates with his Gers teammates a short time ago.
    5+5 is the theme for this picture…

    DING-DING
    Pre-ordering has begun for the new ‘Champions 55’ home Rangers shirt

    SCENES ACROSS THE WEST
    LARKHALL
    Fireworks light up the sky above the South Lanarkshire town’s main street

    SCENES ACROSS THE WEST
    GEORGE SQUARE

    SCENES ACROSS THE WEST
    IBROX

    TRAINING GROUND SCENES
    Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara lapping up their first title wins.

    SPLIT PARTIES
    While thousands gather at the stadium, a separate crowd is gathering pace on George Square in the city centre of Glasgow.
    Larkhall Main Street also has quite the party ongoing…..

    IBROX SCENES
    It’s getting busy outside Ibrox now as fans begin gathering in their thousands.

    HALLIDAY REACTS
    Rangers fan favourite Andy Halliday hails Steven Gerrard for the impact he has made.

    When I signed for Rangers, the message even then was to stop ten in a row.Being second for Rangers is never good enough and, when we lost leagues, criticism came our way.But from the moment Steven Gerrard walked through the door, there was a feeling he was the man to take the club forward.You see progress they have made domestically and in Europe.The job he’s done in making players better has been outstanding.
    Andy Halliday

    REAL DEAL
    A congratulation message from breakfast TV host Piers Morgan.

    Congrats to Steven Gerrard on winning the League with Rangers in Scotland & ending a decade of Celtic dominance.He was the real deal as a player and looks the real deal as a manager too. 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/32NJGVa9ja
    — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 7, 2021

    COUNTING JOB
    That’s a lot of trophies…

    🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆#Champion55
    — Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) March 7, 2021

    HH? MORE LIKE HHH
    Even Triple H has congratulated Rangers for their success.
    There’s a childhood reminder!

    EAR-TO-EAR
    Kris Boyd reacts as Rangers are confirmed as Scottish Premiership champions earlier today.

    🗣”They have been outstanding from the get go”Kris Boyd’s reaction to Rangers winning the Scottish Premiership title pic.twitter.com/3r5NhUWqq1
    — Football Daily (@footballdaily) March 7, 2021

    CAN YOU?
    The quote of the day continues into the Rangers admin

    JOB DONE
    When he signed in the January of 2019, Jermain Defoe told former England team-mate Steven Gerrard he was there to bring the trophy home…..

    WRESTLED IT BACK
    Rangers-daft, two-time WWE champion Drew McIntyre shares his feelings at title No55.

    EARLIEST IN HISTORY
    Clinching the title at this time in the season is the quickest EVER in the top flight.
    Since the introduction of the 38-game format, no team has claimed the title at an earlier date.
    It surpasses the Celtic record of 2014 when they won it on March 26.
    Dominance.

    GOOD AS GOLD
    Connor Goldson enjoys a refreshment as the players celebrate a momentous day.
    Few sore heads from yesterday perhaps 👀

    BASSEY INSTAS
    Calvin Bassey has given a sneak peak into the Rangers celebrations as the players gathered to watch today’s draw at Tannadice.

    SUTTON REACTS
    Chris Sutton has congratulated Rangers on their title win.
    And almost got through it without a parting shot – not too sure the Gers support will care.

    Well done to Steven Gerrard and Rangers on a brilliant season and one in a row👏👏
    — Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) March 7, 2021

    JOHN KENNEDY REACTS
    Speaking after his side’s draw with Dundee United, John Kennedy admits Rangers deserved to win the title this season.

    Our objective at the start of the season was to get the ten and that hasn’t happened for a number of reasons.Ultimately, Rangers have been better than us throughout the course of the season, it’s as simple as that.They deserve to have won it this year and we need to accept that and get on with it.
    John Kennedy

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    Rangers are Scottish champions as Celtic slip up seals title No55 for Steven Gerrard’s heroes

    RANGERS are Scottish champions after Celtic’s slip-up at Dundee United sealed their 55th title.
    The Ibrox club have had to wait 10 long years to win another top flight honour.

    Celtic’s 0-0 draw at Dundee United sealed the title for RangersCredit: PA:Press Association

    Rangers fans flew a gloating banner overhead during Celtic’s game in DundeeCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

    And Steven Gerrard’s men can now, at long last, look forward to getting their hands on the trophy at the end of the season.
    Celtic’s 0-0 draw with Dundee United confirmed they will NOT be able to catch up with their Old Firm rivals in the table.
    Gloating Rangers fans flew a banner overhead at Tannadice Park to celebrate title No 55.
    The Light Blues did their part yesterday by beating St Mirren 3-0 at Ibrox.

    Fans gathered outside Ibrox hours in advance of that win and lit flares and smoke bombs to get into the party spirit.
    Gerrard and his players were seen dancing in their dressing room after beating St Mirren to move to the brink of the title.
    It brings an end to a tough decade which started with Rangers having to fight their way back up through the lower leagues to the top flight.

    Rangers have had to endure a long wait without a titleCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Rangers fans outside Ibrox after their title win was confirmedCredit: PA:Press Association

    For some supporters it was their first taste of a title victoryCredit: PA:Press Association

    Gers finally secure title number 55 after nine year waitCredit: AFP or licensors

    ‘We’re back’ – Rangers are the dominant force in Scotland once againCredit: PA:Press Association

    Rangers fans gathered for the first time this season on the eve of being crowned champions

    Gers fans will now hope they avoid defeat in the last six games to become invicibles

    Congratulations to @RangersFC on winning the title. And well played Steven Gerrard on a fabulous achievement.
    — Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) March 7, 2021

    They then had to endure four seasons without a major trophy that featured some heavy defeats to Celtic in the earlier campaigns.

    But since his appointment as manager in 2018, Gerrard has instilled a belief in the players and supporters that better times were coming.
    This season, his side have been hugely impressive in that they have clinched the title without losing a single game on the way.
    That has included two Old Firm wins over Celtic, an 8-0 demolition of Hamilton, late victories like the recent one against Livingston and more.
    And that has all now culminated in today’s triumph.

    Supporters gathered outside Ibrox yesterday hours before the 3-0 win over St MirrenCredit: Tom Farmer – Commissioned by The Sun Glasgow

    Thousands of supporters were outside Rangers’ stadium on SaturdayCredit: Tom Farmer – Commissioned by The Sun Glasgow
    It also represents a massive personal achievement for Gerrard, winning a league title for the first time in his career as a player and manager.
    The Liverpool legend won everything he possibly could with the Anfield giants other than the Premier League.
    So this will undoubtedly rank as one of the best days of his career now that he can look forward to finally getting his own league winner’s medal.
    James Tavernier too has come a long way at Ibrox since first joining the club back in 2015.
    After helping the club win promotion back to the Premiership in 2016, he was part of the sides that struggled in the first few years in the top flight.
    However, he battled against adversity and eventually was handed the captain’s armband.

    And now, Tavernier will undoubtedly go down as a club legend as part of the team that ended the long wait for the title.
    Rangers now have two weeks off from Premiership action.
    But they can look forward to heading to Celtic Park on Sunday, March 21, as champions for the ultimate title party.
    The big question now will be whether fallen champs Celtic will give the new top dogs a guard of honour before kick-off.

    Rangers fans fly ‘Can you see us 55 titles’ banner over Tannadice as Celtic play Dundee United More

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    Gloating Rangers fans mock rivals Celtic by flying ‘Can you see us now? 55 titles’ banner over match at Dundee

    CHEEKY Rangers fans have taunted rivals Celtic by hiring a plane to fly over Dundee stadium Tannadice.
    Gers were crowned Scottish champions after the Hoops were held to a 0-0 draw.

    The message read: “Can you see us now?! #55 titles”Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

    Celtic were held to a 0-0 draw at Tannadice Park which handed Rangers the titleCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    And just minutes after the noon kick off at Tannadice, a plane appeared over the stadium with the message: “Can you see us now?! #55 titles.”
    Hoops supporters have poked fun at their Old Firm rivals over the years after racking up nine-in-a-row and a historic quadruple Treble.
    But Steven Gerrard has destroyed the Parkhead club’s dreams of an historic ten-in-a-row after a near-perfect season.
    Yesterday thousands of Rangers fans descended on Ibrox as they kicked off the early title celebrations.

    Boss Gerrard and star striker Morelos’ cars were mobbed by supporters as police paved a way for their cars to get into the carpark.
    Fans chanted ‘Here we go, ten in a row’ and ‘One Shane Duffy’ outside the stadium, as well as letting off flares.
    Gerrard and his title winners hung out of the Ibrox dressing room window to celebrate with fans after meeting them at the gates.
    Liverpool legend Gerrard was pictured pumping his fist in the air as he looked out of the window at the supporters.

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    While Colombian favourite Morelos could also be seen waving around what appeared to be a bottle of beer as he also celebrated at the open window.
    Footage later emerged of Gerrard dancing with his players in the dressing room.
    While another hilarious video captured the Gers boss sliding across the changing room floor.

    Watch as Rangers boss Steven Gerrard SLIDES across Ibrox dressing room floor More

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    Celtic ‘closing in on Kyle Joseph transfer with Scots set to beat Tottenham to 19-year-old Wigan youngster’

    CELTIC are closing in on a deal to sign Kyle Joseph from Wigan, reports say.
    The Scotland Under-19 international’s contract expires in June and he has plenty of clubs interested in signing him on a free.

    Celtic are closing in on a deal to sign Kyle Joseph from WiganCredit: Rex Features

    As a result, he has not extended his contract, instead choosing to explore his options.
    According to the Daily Mail, Celtic are set to conclude a pre-contract which will bring the forward to Scotland.
    Tottenham and Arsenal were among those linked with the teen, who has five goals in 16 games so far this season.
    Joseph has made a huge impact for Wigan since making his debut for the club in October.

    He grabbed his first for the Latics in the win at Sunderland in December.
    And he impressed the ever-increasing number of scouts by firing a hat-trick against Burton shortly afterwards.
    If Joseph decides to move, the Latics will be entitled to compensation for the striker.
    Rangers – on the verge of a first league title since 2011 – were also said to be in for the youngster.

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    The Ibrox side are now 21 points clear of the Hoops in the Premiership table.
    And with Celtic only having 21 total points left to play for, anything less than a win over Dundee United would end the title race.
    Already Rangers fans have started the party while Rangers players were filmed dancing in their dressing room.

    Watch Steven Gerrard dance with his Rangers players as they celebrate closing in on title More

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    Rangers star Alfredo Morelos and team-mates celebrate with fans outside Ibrox with team near-certain to win title

    ALFREDO MORELOS joined some Rangers fans for a party after their win against St Mirren.
    The Gers frontman wasted no time in greeting supporters outside Ibrox post-match, and struck a pose holding up ten fingers.

    Rangers star Alfredo Morelos celebrates with fans outside Ibrox

    Rangers stars greet fans outside Ibrox

    And later the Rangers fans were joined by Connor Goldson, Glen Kamara, Joe Aribo, Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey for another round of chanting.
    Video footage shows the Columbian in his flip-flops joining in with the chants of the Rangers faithful, some of whom had been outside Ibrox for hours, in spite of lockdown rules.
    As fireworks, flares and smoke bombs were being let off around him the striker cheered and celebrated, still wearing his Rangers jersey.
    Despite the police presence the celebrations continued as Goldson, Aribo, Kamara, Balogun and Bassey emerged and began dancing and filming the ecstatic fans.

    Morelos had earlier scored the second goal in Rangers’ 3-0 win against the Buddies.
    And he used his celebration to have a cheeky dig at Celtic, striking the same ten-finger pose as he did when greeting the Gers fans after the match.
    That win moved Rangers ever closer to the league title, and their fans knew it.
    Supporters congregated in Govan in the morning, lining the streets and preparing to welcome the team as they drove into the stadium.

    Alfredo Morelos netted another goal of a prolific season

    There were raucous scenes as Rangers fans partied

    The gaffer Steve Gerrard showed his delight through a window

    Scottish Police Federation chairman David Hamilton voiced his disappointment at the scenes.
    He blasted fans for giving police no option but to have to engage with “unvaccinated” crowds and putting police and the public at risk.
    Mr Hamilton said:  “It’s really disappointing. They are putting the public and officers at risk.
    “We do not have an option over whether we attend these types of incidents. Most of those attending will have been unvaccinated.”

    “The scenes from outside Ibrox were concerning and beggar belief.
    “Cheering on your team is not more important that then safety of officers and the wider public.”
    Celtic need to beat Dundee United tomorrow or else Rangers will be declared the league winners.
    If the Hoops do pick up three points at Tannadice they face the prospect of having to beat their rivals in the Old Firm derby to avoid seeing them crowned champions on their own turf.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Rangers stars run to Ibrox gates to celebrate with fans after moving one step closer to title More

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    Rangers boss Steven Gerrard DANCES with players in dressing room celebrations after closing in on title

    STEVEN GERRARD joined in on the celebrations as he DANCED with his Rangers stars in the dressing room at Ibrox.
    The Light Blues can finally clinch their 55th top-flight title tomorrow if results go their way.

    Rangers boss Steven Gerrard dances in the dressing room at Ibrox

    Rangers’ players celebrate in the dressing room at Ibrox

    They did their part this afternoon by picking up all three points in a comfortable 3-0 victory over St Mirren at Ibrox.
    Thousands of Rangers fans had already gathered outside Ibrox earlier today to greet team on their arrival.
    And the players and staff ran to the stadium gates following the full-time whistle to celebrate with those still in the area.
    But the team took their party back to the dressing room as they looked forward to clinching the title.

    And in some brilliant videos that have emerged on social media, Gerrard can be seen dancing with his players in the centre of the room.
    As they all dance in a circle, the Rangers stars can be heard singing I’m Feeling It (In the Air) together.
    While in other footage from the celebrations, the likes of Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack can all be seen with their team-mates chanting Alfredo Morelos’ name.
    The players can also be seen with what appears to be bottles of beer as they dance around the room.

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    The gaffer Steve Gerrard showed his delight through a window

    Manager Steven Gerrard was mobbed as he drove up to the stadium

    Meanwhile, speaking after the game, Gerrard called for understanding in regards to the fans gathering at Ibrox despite lockdown restrictions.
    He said: “I’ve got to get my words right here – we are still experiencing and are involved in a pandemic. 
    “It’s important fans try to stay humble and safe.
    “That’s the priority – fans’ safety and people’s safety. I totally understand that.

    Smoke flares and bombs go off as Rangers fans celebrate their upcoming title

    Rangers supporters set off smoke bombs in celebration outside Ibrox
    “But at the same time, if you’ve got anything inside you or any part of your heart can understand what the fans have been through, you can totally understand what’s gone on outside this stadium.
    “It’s my job to try and control that. Safety is paramount at the moment but it’s tough because it has been an emotional three years for me. 
    “The fans have been here for much longer than that and have been through a lot in ten years. So you can certainly understand it.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    The view from inside the Ibrox dressing room as thousands of Rangers fans chant and cheer More

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    Rangers 3 St Mirren 0: Steven Gerrard’s men on brink of title after thumping win at Ibrox

    RANGERS were rampant as they put St Mirren to the sword and charged even closer towards the league title.
    Steven Gerrard’s men will be crowned champions and end Celtic’s domestic dominance if the Hoops fail to beat Dundee United on Sunday.

    Ryan Kent’s fine opener set Rangers on their wayCredit: PA:Press Association

    Ryan Kent’s left-footed goal put Rangers in frontCredit: PA:Press Association

    Ryan Kent put the home side in front with a left-footed strike from outside the area before Alfredo Morelos followed up moments later to coolly double the lead.
    Moments after the restart Ianis Hagi put the icing on the cake.
    The win puts Rangers on the brink of their first league championship in the top tier since 2011, and would also be the first of manager Steven Gerrard’s reign.
    Gerrard himself had to watch from the stands as he served a one-match touchline ban after being sent to the stand during the win against Livingston on Wednesday, and he made one change to the side that started that night as Hagi replaced Scott Arfield.

    Rangers fans from congregated outside Ibrox before the game, flouting lockdown rules to greet the squad, set off pyro and chant as a pre-title party took place.
    The players themselves then set about having a party on the field, with two fine goals in the opening 20 minutes.
    Kent’s opener was a fantastic strike. The winger found space on the edge of the box to receive the ball, faked one way and then the other before unleashing a terrific left-footed effort that arrowed into the bottom corner.
    That goal came after 15 minutes and Rangers continued in rampant fashion.

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    Alfredo Morelos scored his tenth Scottish Premiership goal of the season to make it 2-0Credit: Willie Vass – The Sun
    Glen Kamara slid a ball through for Morelos who’d peeled off Joe Shaughnessy and he superbly slotted the ball across the St Mirren goal and into the far corner from a tight angle.
    The Light Blues’ midfield was pulling all the strings with Kamara and Davis impressing in particular. Those two combined to set up Joe Aribo for another pop at goal but former Gers keeper Alnwick was able to put his body in the way of the shot from 25 yards out.
    Connor Goldson then went close from Borna Barisic’s deep free kick, his header bouncing inches wide of Alnwick’s far post.
    Hagi gave Rangers the perfect start to the second half, controlling and finishing well as Kent turned provider.

    Steven Gerrard has Rangers on the brink of domestic gloryCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun

    Rangers fans gathered outside Ibrox hours before the game to set of flares and smoke bombsCredit: Tom Farmer – Commissioned by The Sun Glasgow

    Gerrard was mobbed as he drove to Ibrox for the St Mirren clashCredit: Alan MacGregor Ewing – The Sun Glasgow
    Kent almost added his second of the afternoon ten minutes later but Alnwick proved a worthy adversary.
    At the other end Allan McGregor continued to show why he’s been so important to the Ibrox club this season, pulling off a wonderful save from Jonathan Obika’s close-range volley on 68 minutes.
    In truth Rangers seemed happy to play the patient game as the clock ticked on.
    A series of substitutions also stifled the game as the home side introduced Arfield, Leon Balogun, Jermain Defoe and Scott Wright.
    Former England international Defoe looked dangerous within minutes of coming on and raced through on goal only for the offside flag to go up.

    Then Arfield tried his best to add a fourth but Alnwick tipped the ball over the bar with five minutes remaining.
    For St Mirren, they are still in the top six but face a challenge from in-form St Johnstone and face Hamilton next week.
    If Celtic do beat Dundee United, it will only add extra fire to the Old Firm derby in two weeks’ time because Rangers could be crowned league winners at the home of their rivals.

    Rangers boss Steven Gerrard’s car mobbed by fans as team arrive at Ibrox ahead of St Mirren clash More