Scottish Premiership

KYLE LAFFERTY paid an emotional tribute to his sister before breaking down in tears following Northern Ireland’s Euro 2020 play-off defeat.
The former Rangers, Norwich and Sunderland striker bravely featured against Slovakia just a week after the death of his sibling Sonia.

Lafferty paid tribute to his sister with a T-shirt featuring a picture of the two of them with the words ‘Sonia Amanda Lafferty 1978-2020’Credit: Pacemaker Press

Lafferty was heartbroken at full-time as Northern Ireland lost 2-1 (aet)Credit: PA:Press Association

Lafferty wore a T-shirt featuring a picture of himself along with his sister with the words ‘Sonia Amanda Lafferty 1978-2020’.
The 41-year-old passed away in Belfast Hospital after being in poor health for some time before her funeral was held on Saturday.
Juraj Kucka fired the away side into a lead at Windsor Park after just 17 minutes before a Milan Skriniar own-goal with just two minutes remaining sparked hope for Ian Baraclough’s side.
However, Michael Duris netted the winner to send Slovakia to next summer’s tournament in extra time, leading to heartbreak for Lafferty and his team-mates.

The Reggina forward broke down in tears following the result and had to be consoled by team-mates.
Lafferty’s international team-mate Stuart Dallas hailed the brave forward.
He said: “It sums itself up that Kyle is here. He is a big personality and a big character, and he is massive for us.
“Firstly, everyone here has supported him and we have rallied around him. Our thoughts right now are with Kyle and his family, and he is going through a difficult time.

Lafferty had to be consoled by team-mates and officials at full-time

“I am pretty close with him so I know what he is going through, but we have a good squad here and we support each other and we will support Kyle going forward.”
Northern Ireland boss Baraclough said: “It shows the magnitude of the guy who wants to do so well for his country.
“It was so tough for Kyle to make a decision to play for his country after such a sad loss, and his character is there for everyone to see.
“George Saville as well has had to deal with issues coming into the game, and Stuart Dallas might have done something to his arm but he just wouldn’t give up.”
Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths released a statement insisting he WASN’T mocking Lafferty over his sister’s death when he liked a tweet showing a picture of the Northern Ireland star distraught.
Speaking earlier in the week, Lafferty insisted his sister would have wanted him to play.
He said: “On Thursday night it will be the biggest game for Northern Ireland in recent years, and many people might think or ask questions should I be here so soon after the loss of my best friend, but if I missed this game, then I would be letting Sonia down.”
He added: “She was football-daft, and my biggest fan.
“I’m so happy she got to see me play for not only my dream club – Rangers – but also to wear the shirt of my country with pride every single time.”

Republic of Ireland fans fume as ITV subtitle national anthem with the words to ‘Ireland’s Call’ before England game More

THIS is the moment that Ryan Christie broke down CRYING after a penalty shootout win over Serbia sealed Scotland’s Euro 2020 dream.
The Celtic star fired Steve Clarke’s men into a 1-0 lead in the second half and looked certain to have sent the Scots to a first major tournament in 22-years.

Ryan Christie was visibly emotional after helping Scotland reach a major tournament for the first time in 22 years

The Celtic star couldn’t hold back his tears in an interview after the game

However, subbed off late, Luka Jovic netted a last-minute header for the Serbs, sending the game to extra time.
Scotland held on after enduring some big periods of pressure and David Marshall was yet again the penalty hero for the nation.
He palmed away Mitrovic’s spot kick to end a generation of failure, hurt and anguish.
The whole country are emotional – and the Scotland stars were no different.

And emotional goal hero Christie summed up the mood of Scotland perfectly.
A teary Christie said: “It’s just an amazing night. From the start we kind of believed. In the last couple of camps we’ve picked up so much belief in each other.
“Even the way the game went tonight, conceding that late equaliser, but still digging in and then penalties away from home.
“Big Marsh comes up again… amazing, unbelievable.

For 22 years the Tartan Army have watched some of the world’s best teams do battle at European Championships and World Cups.

Scotland go wild after reaching their first major finals since 1998Credit: Reuters

Scotland are up for the Euros, with David Marshall their hero keeperCredit: Reuters

It was agony for Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic as he misses the tenth and decisive shootout penalty to put Scotland into next summer’s Euros Credit: Reuters

“When you’re on the pitch you always feel like you can impact. But when you’re off you cant watch it – it’s horrible. That’s the worst I’ve ever been through.
“It’s just everything you know. For the whole nation, it’s been a horrible year for everyone. we knew that coming into the game – we could give a little something to the country and I hope everyone back home is having a party tonight because we deserve it.
“It’s a monkey off the back now and we’re just going to move on from here.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

Scotland fans celebrate in pub as Ryan Christie puts side 1-0 up against Serbia More

BACK in the early throes of March, David Moyo hit a famous winner for Hamilton to cap an excruciating four days for Rangers.
Dumped out of the Scottish Cup by Hearts on the Saturday, Steven Gerrard’s rudderless side hit rock bottom in a defeat which left them 13 points behind Celtic. 

Rangers hit EIGHT in an emphatic Ibrox win over Hamilton Credit: Willie Vass – The Sun

The boos that rang round Ibrox stadium that night said it all.
Rangers were a shambles. 
Lacking in direction and leadership, some even questioned whether Gerrard had the stomach for the fight.
Fast forward eight months and the landscape has changed entirely.

No one is doubting Gers now.

Joe Aribo bagged a double for RangersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Having absolutely humiliated Hamilton, Gerrad’s side are now a staggering 20 games unbeaten across all competitions for the season.
They have not lost domestically since that humbling defeat to Accies on March 4.
And they head into the international break nine points clear of Celtic at the top of the league.

The Verdict

RANGERS: McLaughlin 7, Tavenier 8, Goldson 8, Balogun 7, Barisic 6, Arfield 7, Jack 6, Aribo 8, Kent 7, Roofe 7; Defoe 7. 
SUBS: Bassey 5 (Barisic 46), Zungu 5 (Jack 46) Barker 5 (Kent 58) Hagi 3 (Aribo 69) Itten 3 (Arfield 74).
HAMILTON: Fulton 5, Hodson 4, Odoffin 4, Easton 4, McMann 4, Hughes 4, Callachan 4, Stirling 4, Collar 5, Moyo 4, Ogkmpoe 4.
SUBS: Winter 2 (Ogkmpoe 54) Hughes 2 (L Smith 54) Mimnaugh 3 (Callachan 73)

In this kind of form they will take some stopping.
This was Rangers’ biggest ever win under Gerrard – the hammering they have been threatening to dish out for some time.
A stunning victory which was every bit as impressive as the emphatic scoreline suggests.
Following Gers’ 3-3 draw in Lisbon on Thursday, Gerrard made five changes to his starting line-up.
Jon McLaughlin started ahead of Allan McGregor in goal while Jermain Defoe, Roofe, Arfield and Leon Balogun were all reinstated.

Kemar Roofe also scored two for Rangers in thumping win over Accies Credit: Willie Vass – The Sun
That meant no place for Filip Helander after his horror show against Benfica.
Rangers had the points sewn up inside the opening 20 minutes.
Their attacking play was too hot for Hamilton to handle with Gers scoring three goals inside three devastating first half minutes.
Aribo got his second and Gers’ fourth before half-time rescued hapless Hamilton.
Three decent chances had come and gone with Connor Goldson, Ryan Kent and James Tavernier all testing Accies keeper Ryan Fulton before the floodgates opened on 16 minutes.

Arfield opened the scoring for the Premiership leaders Credit: Getty Images – Getty
It was a disaster for the Hamilton defence with Hakeem Odoffin and Ben Stirling bumping into one another, allowing Defoe to send Kent clear into space.
The winger cut into the box before looking up and picking out Arfield. The Gers midfielder took it first time, side footing the ball into the net.
He made it look easy, it was anything but.
Two minutes later and Rangers had another. 
Tavernier did superbly on the right hand side, whipping in a fantastic cross which Roofe rose to meet ahead of Stirling.

Roofe fires home from close-range for RangersCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
Keeper Fulton had no chance. A minute later and Aribo got his name on the scoresheet after yet more pulsating attacking play by the home side.
Kent and Arfield combined to pick out Aribo who cut inside onto his left foot before firing beyond Fulton.
Roofe came close to his second just past the half hour mark and he was involved again three minutes later, this time turning provider for Aribo.
Tavernier’s initial cross caused all the problems with the Hamilton defence once again at sixes and sevens.
Roofe did well to retrieve it, feeding Aribio whose shot, just like his first, took a slight deflection off Will Collar before finding its way into the back of the Accies net.

Bongani Zungu on for his Rangers debut Credit: Willie Vass – The Sun
Brian Rice couldn’t believe what he was watching. Rangers had ruthlessly ripped his side apart.
Some of their movement had been a joy to watch. But Gerrard STILL wanted more.
Urging his players to get forward in numbers, he also had the luxury of making two changes at the break with Calvin Bassey replacing Borna Barisic and Bongani Zungu coming on for his debut in place of Ryan Jack.
Gers simply picked up from where they’d left off, stretching the Hamilton defence at every opportunity.
Tavernier forced Fulton into a smart save at his near post with the second half just two minutes old.
Rangers were finding space and pockets all over the park. Despite their first half chasing, Hamilton had learned nothing.

James Tavernier converted his first from the afternoon from the penalty spotCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
And on 54 minutes, Gers got a fifth. Kent did well again wide left, floating a ball to the back post which Defoe was quickest to react to.
His effort came back off the post and as the Accies defence continued to stand around and watch, Roofe moved in to slam home the rebound.
It was another gift gratefully received by Rangers.
They were embarrassing Hamilton now. Hamilton were embarrassing themselves.
With 61 minutes gone, Barker got a sixth for Gers with his first touch of the match.
Bassey did superbly, crossing for Defoe who held the ball up before teasing it into the patch of the Rangers sub.
Barker took it in his stride, Fulton again with no chance.
Things just went from bad to worse for the visitors with Odoffin giving away a penalty after a foul on Defoe.
Tavernier stepped up from the spot to make it seven – five minutes later the Gers skipper made it EIGHT.

Sub Barker also got in on the scoring act for Rangers at IbroxCredit: PA:Press Association

By now Hamilton had chucked it – the defence in total disarray. Roofe was allowed to cut in on the angle, with Fulton saving well.
Again, however, no one in red and white moved with Tav gleefully smashing home the rebound.
Defoe then hit the post as Rangers went in search of a ninth.
Not many managers survive an eight goal thrashing and Rice is now a man under serious pressure.

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ALAN BRAZIL scored a goal against the Poles en route to winning the Uefa Cup.
He expects Rangers to do one — if not the other — as they prepare to tackle Lech Poznan on Thursday night.

Celtic-daft Alan Brazil with good pal and Rangers legend Ally McCoistCredit: Dan Jones – The Sun

Going all the way in the Europa League looks a step too far for either half of the Old Firm.
Lifelong Hoops fan Brazil will be back on talkSPORT with Gers legend Ally McCoist on Thursday morning for the first time since the Old Firm derby.
And he fears losing the bragging rights to his sidekick after Gers’ splendid start to the season at home and abroad.
Brazil told SunSport: “Ally’s not gloating yet but I think the time might come.

“I felt the game at Parkhead at New Year showed how much Rangers had improved — but then they fizzled out after the winter break.
“They are definitely better again this season. They are stronger and they’ll have grown in self-belief after putting Celtic to the sword last weekend.
“They must be favourites for the title now. And Steven will be on their shoulders every step of the way to make sure they don’t slip up again.”
Brazil was a Uefa Cup winner with Ipswich Town in 1981, while Gerrard lifted it 20 years later with Liverpool.

Kemar Roofe scored a cracker for Rangers against Standard Liege Credit: PA:Press Association
The former Scotland striker knows a playing pedigree counts for nothing when you hang up your boots and step into the dugout.
But he feels Gerrard is learning lessons after two barren seasons at Ibrox.
He added: “What a player Steven was. He is now dealing with players who are not as good as he was — and he has to be careful what he expects from them.
“It’s a different job. I remember listening to Frank Lampard say he couldn’t believe how hard it was to take over as a boss.
“The likes of Graeme Souness and Kenny Dalglish will be helping Steven a lot. And he’s definitely warming to the job.
“You can hear the way he talks that he’s going to be a top manager. His mental attitude as a player was magnificent and it’s the same as a boss.

Brazil feels Gerrard is learning lessons after first two seasons at RangersCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
“Did Rangers take a chance when they appointed him? You can say they probably did in going for a rookie — but it looks to be paying off now. Steven was never an angel as a player — but he had discipline.
“You can’t mess around at Liverpool or give 80 per cent — it’s impossible. He has brought those same values to Rangers.
“Celtic will have a fight on their hands now to win ten-in-a-row.”
Gers face Lech Poznan at Ibrox on Thursday night after starting their Europa League group campaign with a 2-0 win at Standard Liege.
Kemar Roofe struck an incredible stoppage-time clincher from his own half — and Brazil believes it was symptomatic of the self-belief in the Ibrox dressing room right now.
He said: “I fancied Rangers to win over there so the result was no surprise to me — but the goal was a cracker.
“When your confidence is sky-high, like the Rangers players’ right now, you don’t worry about anything.
“They wouldn’t have worried about playing Celtic, they won’t worry about who they face next, they’ll just be buzzing with confidence. When you feel like that, you try things not everyone would try. Flair players like Roofe try things like that and it was some goal.”

Roofe’s strike from his own half in Rangers’ win over Standard LiegeCredit: BT Sport
Brazil won a European trophy with the likes of George Burley, John Wark and ex-Gers captain Terry Butcher at his side.
It still irks him that his goal against Widzew Lodz was his only one in the Uefa Cup run that season.

Alan Brazil’s book: Only Here For A Visit
But he’d love to see the Old Firm progress beyond the group stages again — even if winning the trophy may be beyond them.
He added: “Zbigniew Boniek, the great Pole, was in the Lodz team when I scored the goal at Portman Road.
“We played against some great players that season. Antonin Panenka was in the Bohemians Prague team was defeated.
“Michel Platini and Johnny Rep played for St Etienne and we beat a Cologne team including Toni Schumacher,  Rainer Bonhof, Pierre Littbarski and Tony Woodcock.
“The goal against the Poles was the only one I scored in Europe that season and I was so p***ed off.

Alan Brazil in action during his Ipswich playing daysCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“I got 28 for the season and only one in Europe — it was ridiculous.
 “Kevin Keegan pipped me for the Golden Boot and he scored seven penalties. I should have had 33 or 34 that season.
“I’d love to see the Scottish sides go far this season. I think Rangers can go through again but I’m not so sure about Celtic.

“That said, I didn’t see Rangers making it to the final in Manchester or Celtic reaching Seville for that epic game against Jose Mourinho’s Porto.
“But another of my old clubs, Spurs, have got Harry Kane, Gareth Bale and Heung-min Son. Imagine what they’d do to the Old Firm defences? It’s not worth thinking about.
“I would like to see Rangers and Celtic get through to boost the coefficient even higher, and you just never know.
“It would be great if they could progress as far as possible. But at the moment I fancy Rangers more than Celtic.”
Only Here For A Visit: A Life Lived to the Full – from Sporting Glories to Wild Stories
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

Steven Gerrard reveals wife Alex wants him to quit as Rangers boss and escape pressure for family life More

FAMILY MAN Steven Gerrard admits his wife Alex would love to see him quit football management and escape its pressures.
Gerrard, 40, took over at Rangers more than two years ago but is building a team capable of winning the Scottish Premiership.

Gerrard with his wife Alex and his three daughtersCredit: Getty Images – Getty

The Gers are six points clear of Celtic, albeit with a match in hand, in the race to deny their Old Firm rivals an unprecedented tenth successive title.
Gerrard, who had glittering success as a player with Liverpool, accepts that he pays an all-consuming, obsessive price for being the No.1 man in the dugout.
But in an emotional insight, he acknowledges his family are not receiving all of his time and energy at this stage of his life.
Gerrard, a father of four, told the High Performance Podcast: “There are times when it dominates your life and you can’t control that. That’s what it is.

“But there will be a stage in my life where I have to give it up, for the sake of my family and for myself. To cut it, and live life with a bit of peace.
“There’s got to be a stage of your life where you have calm and peace, but at the moment I don’t feel ready for it.
“I do still feel full of energy. I do think I can help players. I do see opportunities to have more highs, and buzzes, and adrenaline rushes.
“For Alex and the kids, at some stage, I’m going to have to give me self to them, 100%. When that will be, who knows?

Gerrard has Rangers sitting pretty at the top of the SPL with a six point advantageCredit: PA:Press Association
“Alex would take it tomorrow. She’d take it tomorrow.”
Gerrard and Alex Curran married in June 2007 and she has been a rock by his side during his Liverpool highs and lows and then two seasons in the MLS with LA Galaxy.
He added: “Alex is the one who brings me down, when I’ve come in, and think I’m fantastic. If I’ve scored a goal, or we’ve won a game, she pipes me down.
“And when you’re on the floor, and you’re staring at the wall, she’s the one who helps pick you up.

“You know, she is going through the journey as well, so at some point, and the kids, the kids see it.
“You know, you do your best, to keep it away from them. You try and not bring it home.
“But any manager or any player that says, ‘Yeah, I don’t take it home, I leave it in the car’, are telling you lies.” More

CELTIC are looking to bounce back after a deeply disappointing week in their SPL game at Aberdeen.
The Scottish champions lost the Old Firm against Rangers before being beaten comfortably by AC Milan in the Europa League.

Neil Lennon’s Celtic trail Rangers by four points Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

Meanwhile, Aberdeen are on a four game unbeaten run and will look to take advantage of Neil Lennon’s vulnerable side.
What time does Aberdeen vs Celtic kick off?
Aberdeen vs Celtic takes place on Sunday, October 25.
Kick-off is at 12pm UK time.
It will be held behind closed doors at Pittodrie.
Is Aberdeen vs Celtic on TV and can I live stream it?
Aberdeen vs Celtic is live on Sky Sports football and Sky Sports Main Event.
Coverage begins at 11am.
The game can be watched on Sky Go if you are a subscriber and you can purchase a Now TV pass to watch the game.
Team News
Goalkeeper Tomas Cerny and left-back Greg Leigh will both be out with injuries for the home side.
Mikey Johnston and James Forrest are injured and will be missing for Celtic.
Meanwhile there are doubts over Hatem Abd Elhamed, Nir Bitton, Odsonne Edouard, with the latter still gaining back fitness after self-isolating with Covid-19

Latest odds
Aberdeen 19/4
Draw 27/10
Celtic 8/13 More