Rangers

A number of Championship clubs have joined Celtic and Rangers in the race to sign 20-year-old Huddersfield Town midfielder Cameron Ashia, who is a free agent in the summer. (Football Insider), external

Despite claims linking Jesse Lingard with Rangers, the idea was never advanced by either party and the 33-year-old former Manchester United and Nottingham Forest winger is poised to join Corinthians after leaving Seoul amid interest from Feyenoord. (Football Insider), external

Former Liverpool and Stoke City winger Jermaine Pennant admitted he would love to have played for Rangers after witnessing the atmosphere at Sunday's Old Firm derby draw at Ibrox. (Daily Record), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Watch the best of the action as Celtic come from two down at Rangers to earn a point in a gripping Old Firm draw.

MATCH REPORT: Rangers 2-2 Celtic

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Resurgent Celtic came from two goals down to salvage a dramatic point in the 91st minute against Rangers as both Old Firm sides remain detached from Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.

Read the full match report here.

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Rangers head coach Danny Rohl tells BBC Sportsound: "At the moment, the feeling is more disappointment because you dropped two points after a 2-0 lead.

"It's not about 50 minutes, it's about longer. We had high intensity, we played really nice football, we found our space. It was great.

"In the second half, we were not clinical in possession. We made some wrong decisions then we lose the ball, we give them a little bit of momentum then they score early in the second half and then you know it's 2-1 and they have nothing to lose.

"Finally, it's a draw. It's always a little bit lucky for a team to get a late pen. This is normal I would say it's the same when we get a pen late in the game. It's about the next game and we have to move on.

"We go again. We'll try next week in the cup game again a good performance and hopefully we can keep our performance over 90 minutes.

"There are still nine games to go, this is 27 points. All games now will be tough for all the teams. We believe until the end. This season, the decision making will be on the last match day."

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin insists the derby meeting with Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday is not "do or die" in the race for the Scottish Premiership title but admits it would be a "massive push" for the victor.

Danny Rohl's side lie two points clear of Celtic having played one game more and four adrift of leaders Hearts going into the weekend fixtures.

Rangers are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Celtic at Ibrox, albeit it three have been draws, with their last defeat coming in September 2023

"It's a massive game for the club," Raskin said.

"It's just an exciting fixture. It's a fixture you look ahead to when the calendar comes out. But again, it's three points, like the next one and the next one. So, it's just making sure we get the win and then we look forward to the next one."

"Obviously, if you win the game, you get a boost of confidence. I think the one that's going to win [the title] is the one that's going to be the more calm, whether it's in the squad or whether it's in the building because there are still 10 games to be played. Loads of things can happen.

"It's not going to be do or die tomorrow or Sunday. But obviously it's going to be a massive push for the one that wins."

Raskin, who was left out of the squad by former head coach Russell Martin the last time the teams met at Ibrox, admits it has been quite a transformation since the start of the campaign to now be in contention for the Scottish Premiership title.

"It was a big turnaround," he said. "I think the manager is a big part of this. He brought us freshness, calmness, stability and some confidence.

"It's really good to see where we came from to now but we need to make sure we keep going because there's no point in doing all this to just lose everything now.

"So, that's why we're now focused on the last ten games and we need to make sure we make it."

Raskin was keen to avoid adding additional pressure when asked to respond to comments made by Celtic midfielder Luke McCowan that no team in Scotland could touch the champions when they are on form.

"I don't need to respond to that," he said. "I just don't care. I can't lie. We just focus on ourselves..

"We go to the game, we know what we want to do. There's no need to put pressure on us saying we are the best.

"It's just about who's going to show it on the pitch and who's going to win that game. That's it.

"I think the last couple of games against them in the league shows that we've been quite consistent in those games.

"Obviously the momentum now is different than we had last season. So, we are quite confident to go into that game and we know what to do."

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• Rangers are unbeaten in their past five league meetings with rivals Celtic (W3 D2), after having lost four of their previous five (D1). They have had four different managers in those five clashes (Philippe Clement, Barry Ferguson x 2, Russell Martin, Danny Rohl).

• Celtic have only won two of their past 12 away games at Rangers in all competitions (D4 L6), although the latest two have been drawn. Celtic last drew three successive trips to their Old Firm rivals in March 1996.

• Rangers have won their past 10 home games in all competitions by an aggregate score of 32-4. They last won 11 successive home matches in December 2013 under Ally McCoist (11), and last did so within a single season in April 2003 under Alex McLeish (18) – the 11th of which was against Celtic (3-2 in December 2002).

• Celtic have lost seven games in the Scottish Premiership this season, as many as they did in 2023-24 (three) and 2024-25 (four) combined. Celtic last suffered more defeats in a league campaign in 1999-00 (nine) – with their eighth defeat that season coming away to Rangers (4-0 in March 2000).

• After his side's 3-1 victory in January, Danny Rohl could become the first manager to win his first two league Old Firm derbies in charge of Rangers.

• This will be Martin O'Neill's first league Old Firm derby as Celtic boss since a 2-1 win at Ibrox in April 2005; the Northern Irishman has won eight of his past 10 league games against Rangers as Celtic boss (L2).

• Rangers' Mikey Moore, who scored at Celtic park in January, has five goals in the Premiership this season; the last player to score more while aged 18 or younger in a season in the competition was Ryan Gauld in 2013-14 (six), and the last non-Scottish player to do so in the top-flight was James McCarthy in 2008-09 (six).

• Despite playing 46% of his league minutes as a central midfielder, Celtic's Benjamin Nygren ranks joint top for goals (14, level with Tawanda Maswanhise), second for shots (67), second for shots on target (30), and third for expected goals (10.0).

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Rangers' duo Dujon Sterling and Ryan Naderi have returned to training and will be assessed. Connor Barron (knee) and Derek Cornelius (muscle) are still out.

Celtic defender Auston Trusty begins a three-match ban. Celtic are missing Arne Engels (leg), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles), Jota (knee), Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand (both hamstring).

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Rangers have set their sights on Huddersfield Town midfielder Cameron Ashia, with the 20-year-old out of contract in the summer. (Football Insider), external

Rangers forward Kyle Glasgow, who has played at youth level for Portugal and Scotland, has signed his first professional contract with the club amid strong interest from England. (The Herald - subscription required), external

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Rangers head coach Danny Rohl was "surprised" by Celtic's approach after taking an early lead in Stuttgart on Thursday night and says it will be "interesting" to see who Martin O'Neill starts in goal for Sunday's Old Firm derby at Ibrox.

O'Neill made eight changes - including back-up keeper Viljami Sinisalo in place of Kasper Schmeichel - for Thursday night's Europa League play-off second leg in Germany after Celtic were beaten 4-1 at Parkhead.

One of the stand-ins, Luke McCowan, fired Celtic in front after 30 seconds with what proved to be the only goal of the game as Celtic bowed out 4-2 on aggregate.

"I think when you see the line-up from yesterday, the starting line-up, then I expect some changes," Rohl said.

"It's normal, they try to use the full squad.

"I was a little bit surprised after 1-0 that they're not trying to win this game, 2-0, 3-0, to have a chance. They keep the result until the end."

Denmark international Schmeichel, 39, has come under fire from Celtic fans for sub-par performances and was even booed in last week's first leg at Parkhead.

Sinisalo kept a clean sheet in Stuttgart and made six saves as Celtic won on German soil for the first time.

"But yeah, it will be interesting as well, the goalkeeper position, what he will do now, let's see," added Rohl.

"But we are prepared, we're focused on ourselves, we also have some interesting decisions to make.

"I know if everyone is available, it's also not easy for me in some positions, because there are more than two or three players who are ready for this game.

"It's a good situation. I like this, my players showed that they are ready, I think this is crucial and let's see what it means on Sunday."

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Former Rangers sporting director Kevin Thelwell has been appointed as the English FA's elite coach developer.

It's the 52-year-old's first job since he was sacked by Rangers in November after just six months at the club.

Thelwell will work under former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth to support the progression of homegrown coaches in both the men's and women's games.

"I'm delighted to be joining the FA at such an exciting time," Thelwell said.

"And to get the chance to help take coaching excellence in this country to the next level. I know there is a real desire at St George's Park to step up the support for homegrown coaches at all levels and to give them the tools they need to complement their day-to-day roles.

"Succession planning and elite coach development will be an essential part of my remit, and it is vital that we also work with the talented coaches within our own pathway.

"I hope to build on my strong relationships across the game, and work with clubs and all our key partners for everyone's benefit."

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Rangers head coach Danny Rohl has been speaking with the media before the derby visit of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

Here are the key points:

• On Celtic midfielder Luke McCowan's claim following their win over Stuttgart that "no team in that league touches us" if they are on form, Rohl says: "I think at the moment we are in the second position. They are behind us. I think they have at the moment seven or eight defeats. I think in general it makes no sense to speak too much about the other side. We have to focus on ourselves. We want to win this game. I see my team is ready to take points and then we will see on Sunday."

• Rohl is relishing his first Old Firm fixture in charge at Ibrox having seen his side come from a goal down to win 3-1 at Celtic Park in January in what proved Wilfried Nancy's last match in charge.

• He says: "For me that was one of the biggest moments so far. When you are a manager and you have the chance to play at home this kind of games, then you are also on fire. We are on fire. I feel the belief. We are ready."

• Rangers remain unbeaten domestically this year under Rohl, who insists no matter the outcome, neither team will be out of the title race: "It's a crucial game, but no team will be out after this game because there are still 27 points you can take."

• He concedes this could be the biggest game of his managerial career given the stakes: "It's a crucial one because when you come closer and closer to the end of the season then you know every game is important."

• The German pointed to Rangers' ability to come from behind in big games having done so at Celtic Park and in the recent win at home to leaders Hearts when they twice levelled before winning 4-2.

• Rohl adds: "I think do it with a hot heart and a smart mind. If we do this then we have a big chance, we have a clear idea of what we want to do. We have also some different solutions, how we can hurt them. You have to believe. I think this game is not about the legs, it's about the mind, the brain, how ready you are in these moments and if you do this, then let's see."

• Rohl says he is interested to see what Celtic do with the goalkeeping position after Viljami Sinisalo impressed against Stuttgart in Kasper Schmeichel's absence.

• On the idea of looking to retain on loan Tottenham winger Mikey Moore next season, Moore says: "I think he made a fantastic development since I'm here. He showed his quality. He's still a young player. He took a lot of good experience now in this year. I'm happy with him. And of course, let's see what we can do. I think this is the following week's topic."

• Dujon Sterling and Ryan Naderi are both training with a decision to be made if they are to be in the squad.

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The latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show has dropped on BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer.

Rooney takes us on a trip through his most memorable European away nights, explaining what Rangers' and Celtic's grounds mean to him, and shares his surreal encounter with Diego Maradona.

Listen to Friday's episode here

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

Youssef Chermiti has produced his best performances this season on major occasions - and they don't much bigger than Sunday's Old Firm derby.

The striker has prompted plenty of criticism and fan frustration as he toils to live up to a hefty price tag, mustering just seven goals in 30 appearances.

But six of those have come against title rivals Hearts and Celtic, providing tantalising glimpses of what he is capable of.

Chermiti scored in injury time at Tynecastle in December when Rangers lost 2-1 to Hearts then netted a brilliant hat-trick as Danny Rohl's side twice came from behind to beat the Gorgie side 4-2 at Ibrox earlier this month.

The 21-year-old Portuguese hadn't joined Rangers in time for the opening league meeting with Celtic - the 0-0 Ibrox draw in August - but emerged as the matchwinner at Celtic Park in early January.

Rangers were fortunate to only be one down at half-time as Celtic - who were then helmed by Wilfied Nancy - spurned countless chances. Yet Chermiti soon changed the game, netting two in nine minutes to put Rangers ahead before the hour on their way to a 3-1 win.

Not only has he stepped up with goals in these games, he has also been sharper in attack.

Against Hearts this season Chermiti has managed eight shots (the most he has taken against any opponent) compared to just one against the likes of Dundee and Kilmarnock.

He has scored four big chances against Hearts and is averaging a goal every 39.5 minutes against the league leaders. Against Celtic he scored both of his big chances.

Contrast that with last weekend's frustrating draw with rock-bottom Livingston, where Chermiti attempted four shots and put only one target in a frustrating 90 minutes.

Consistency has eluded him but if Chermiti can continue his run of goals in big games he could be the key to a Rangers derby win on Sunday.

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

As Sunday's mouthwatering Old Firm derby approaches, part of me is still wondering how much Rangers will end up ruing the dropped points at Livingston at the weekend.

With the greatest of respect to Livi, who were excellent to be fair, no team with designs on the league title should be failing to win against the bottom side.

Rangers have done brilliantly under Danny Rohl to haul themselves back into contention at the top of the table, but three consecutive away draws have damaged their ambitions of overtaking Hearts and the room for error is becoming increasingly minute.

Which brings us to Sunday's game. Defeat for either side is not an option and could be fatal to their respective hopes of reeling Hearts in with so few games remaining.

Despite a less-than-clinical performance against Livingston, Rangers probably come into the game as favourites. Their form since Rohl's arrival has been better than the champions, who of course have to play Stuttgart on Thursday night.

From Rangers' perspective only a win will do, particularly as they will have to go to both Celtic Park and Tynecastle after the split, so they need to make home advantage count on Sunday.

Andreas Skov Olsen was withdrawn at half-time at Almondvale and Rohl desperately needs his statement January signing to start producing the goods more regularly.

I suspect he will start the Dane and it will be interesting to see if he starts Ryan Naderi up front along with Youssef Chermiti, a move that worked well against Hearts.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Rohl name the same team that played against Hearts minus the injured Dujon Sterling as he looks for a massive victory on a huge day in the title race.

Hearts are considering a move for Rangers centre-back Leon King, with the 22-year-old currently on loan at Ayr United before his Ibrox contract expires in the summer. (Record subscription required), external

Thursday's Scottish gossip

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Barry Ferguson has praised Rangers head coach Danny Rohl, saying he would never have believed the German could have steered the team back into the title race this season.

Former Ibrox captain Ferguson, who worked as interim boss at Rangers in the second half of last season, admits it wasn't pleasant watching from afar as Russell Martin's tenure ended in disaster but he has admired how Rohl has turned things around.

"I never enjoyed the start of the season," he told BBC Scotland. "Since Danny Rohl has come in in October, I think he's really drove the team forward .

"If you had asked me back in October, if Rangers would be in a title fight, I would have looked at you in a strange way. I'm really positive about what's happened in the last four months and I'm looking forward to the business end of the season starting.

"I'm very impressed with how he carries himself and how he comes across in his press conferences.

"I also like what he's doing on the field. He's very flexible in terms of formations. I like the business he did in January in the transfer window too.

"Am I impressed? 100%. I admire what he's done because this club needs silverware and he's got us to a stage where we are really in the mix now."

Ferguson also thinks the Rangers support are playing their part in the revival, and can help the team in the crucial league run-in and Scottish Cup push.

"They are always so important," he said. "I was at the Hearts game and the place was electric, the best I have heard in a long time.

"I think the fans understand where the team are at the moment because four months ago I think we were sitting second bottom of the league.

"The fans will always get behind the team if they give 100% and I think the energy they bring certainly helps the boys that are on the pitch."