Rangers

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• Livingston have lost 21 of their last 23 meetings with Rangers in all competitions (D2) since a 1-0 league victory in September 2018.

• Rangers have won 10 of their last 11 visits to Livingston in all competitions, including their last seven in a row (all in the league) since a goalless draw in August 2020.

• Livingston are winless in their last 12 home league games (D4 L8), the longest run by any side within a single Scottish Premiership season since Hamilton in March 2016 (also 12), while the last to go longer within a single campaign were St Mirren from August to February 2015 (14).

• After winning just one of their opening eight league games of the season (D6 L1), Rangers have since won 14 of their 19 league fixtures under Danny Rohl (D4 L1). Indeed, since his first Scottish Premiership game in charge on October 26th, the Gers have earned 46 points, at least nine more than any other side in the competition (Celtic second with 37), and 11 more than league leaders Hearts (35).

• Rangers have won each of their last 11 league games against opponents starting the day bottom of the Scottish Premiership since a 1-1 draw with Hamilton in February 2021.

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

The Rangers v Hearts encounter was a top-of-the-table clash for the ages and Rangers' comeback ensured they very much remain in contention for the title.

It was a performance and result that simply could not have happened earlier in the season as Rangers showed a grit and determination along with a clinical edge that had been missing under Russell Martin.

That short-lived era has been gradually erased from the memories of the club's supporters who are now revelling in the possibility of a turnaround in their season most would not have deemed conceivable when Danny Rohl took over in late October.

But since then, Rangers have taken 11 points more than Hearts and nine more than Celtic (from one game more) to give themselves a fighting chance of reclaiming the Premiership title.

His January signings all made significant contributions to Sunday's victory. Tuur Rommens' energy and strength on the left flank, allied to good crossing ability, make him a force to be reckoned with. Tochi Chukwuani has also added a powerful edge to the midfield as well as an element of guile that had been lacking previously.

In attack, Andreas Skov Olsen is improving with every passing game and could have a huge role to play in Rangers' quest for a league and cup double, while Ryan Naderi - although not on the scoresheet against Hearts - showed terrific positional awareness and a desire to put himself about.

Questions remain over Rohl's team selection against Motherwell last midweek. Rommens and Skov Olsen might have made the difference and Rangers could be in an even better position but the manager has earned the right to make the calls he believes are best for the team and given what he has achieved so far, it's difficult to be too critical.

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Rangers have stepped up their interest in Dundee defender Luke Graham (Scottish Sun), external.

Rangers have been ordered to pay former star Alex Rae more than £12,000 after he claimed he was unfairly sacked by the club (Scottish Sun), external.

Rangers midfielder Lyall Cameron admits he expected some negativity around his move after he saw the 'No Old Firm loans' banner displayed at Pittodrie ahead of his Aberdeen debut (Press and Journal), external.

Jamie Currie
Fan writer

I said a few weeks ago that Youssef Chermiti was a weird player. Last week was the evidence.

Against Motherwell he misses a sitter at 1-0 up and between that and Danny Rohl's weird decisions we draw, and throw away two points.

Yet on Sunday Chermiti and the manager got everything spot on. The starting line-up and 4-2-4/4-4-2 shape worked.

I felt Chermiti and Naderi worked well as a front two. And that gave Hearts issues, so much so they changed to a back five at half time.

But you cannot fault Chermiti's performance in this game — three good goals and a good all-round performance. The challenge for him now is to find his scoring boots against everyone.

On Sunday against Livingston, I think Rohl has to pick the same team and go again.

Consistency of selection with just one game per week could be key come the split.

Youssef Chermiti was centre stage as Rangers claimed a big victory in the Scottish Premiership title race, with the striker scoring three goals in the 4-2 victory over league leaders Hearts.

The Sportscene panel discuss his goals and analyse his performance.

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Rangers head coach Danny Rohl said Ibrox finally lived up to its billing during Sunday's statement victory over league leaders Hearts.

The German boss praised the atmosphere during the win, which now has his side only two points behind Derek McInnes' men. When he took over in October, that gap was 13 points.

"Yes, it was the first time since I've been here that Ibrox was like Ibrox," Rohl said. "I felt what it means. I'm very positive. We want to have this atmosphere in the stadium.

"I can understand this [restlessness] sometimes, but sometimes it's difficult when you need the extra pass to prepare something.

"Then it's sometimes difficult for my players, especially when you play against a deep block and they wait for transition moments.

"Sometimes you need the extra pass. But let's speak not about this. Let's speak about how the atmosphere was after the game.

"Outstanding. I think they pushed us today in every situation. They deserved these three points."

The head coach was also keen to praise his players, insisting they showed character after coming from behind not once, but twice, during the 4-2 win.

"Big respect to my group, I think we showed today how big is the personality, how big is the character.

"Let's not speak until the end of the season about the mentality of this group, because we have a lot of mentality.

"We fully deserved over 90 minutes to win, we gave them two presents today.

"I cannot really remember that they had a more dangerous situation. We were in the game, we played even before the conceded goal with high intensity.

"Now it's about recovery, enjoy the evening and then we go again."

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He may be the man for the big occasion, but Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti still has work to do if he is to be considered a top striker, according to former Celtic full-back Jackie McNamara.

The much-maligned striker scored two goals in Rangers' Old Firm victory back in January, and added to his tally with a hat-trick in the crunch match over Hearts on Sunday.

The former Everton man still has just seven goals in his debut campaign, and now faces competition for a starting spot with new signing Ryan Naderi.

"The biggest thing is consistency," McNamara said. "Has he got attributes? Yeah, he can move, he's physical, he's good in the air.

"Technically, he's not brilliant, but he scores a hat-trick, and he looked world-class against Celtic in the second half.

"If you're going to lead the line for Rangers, you've got to have that every game."

However, Cyriel Dessers - a striker who was often criticised yet had an outstanding goal record for Rangers - only struck eight goals in his opening 19 league matches, a goal more than Chermiti after the same number of appearances.

"You've got have that consistency," the former Dundee United boss added. "You've got to be on the end of everything and be able to finish.

"What's his reaction to the hat-trick now? Again, strikers are all about confidence, but for him it has to be some kind of consistency there."

• Jackie McNamara was speaking on the Scottish football podcast, available here.

Two Celtic stars, duos from Dundee and Dundee United, and a pair from Motherwell. It's time for Jonathan Sutherland's team of the week, so let's take a look and see who impressed...

Raphael Sallinger - Hibernian

Not a vintage weekend for goalkeepers. Sallinger gets the nod for a couple of stops and a clean sheet. An overall impressive addition at Easter Road.

Julian Araujo - Celtic

What a big goal. Ended up in hospitality with his celebration, but it was a big moment.

Stephen Welsh - Motherwell

Outstanding again after his goalscoring heroics midweek. An assist for Just as well. Not sure what Celtic don't see in him.

Ross Graham - Dundee United

Goal and a doughty warrior at the back. His four touches in the opposition box was only bettered by teammate Kristijan Trapanovski, while he made more clearances than any other player.

Cameron Congreve - Dundee

A continuous threat down the right for the Dark Blues. What a good loan signing he has been by Steven Pressley. Took eight shots and created three chances.

Craig Sibbald - Dundee United

Pulled the strings in midfield and scored a vital goal. Set up four chances, the most of any United player, and won more duels than any of his teammates.

Elijah Just - Motherwell

For me, Elijah Just has to be in with a shout of player of the season. The New Zealand international has been consistently excellent, showing guile, creativity and goalscoring ability. On the scoresheet again this weekend, against Aberdeen. Ghosts around the pitch with elegance, class and endeavour.

Sebastian Tounekti - Celtic

Loves Rugby Park. Great on his debut there, scored there against Auchinleck Talbot and sparked Celtic's comeback on Sunday with a goal of the season contender.

Simon Murray - Dundee

Murray in a hurry at Dens Park. After a barren spell, the Dundee captain looked pumped for action with his quick fire double.

Youssef Chermiti - Rangers

Michael Stewart told me on Sportscene he doesn't think Chermiti has the potential to be a top striker. But he has scored six of his seven goals this season against Celtic and Hearts, including his hat-trick yesterday on what was a huge occasion.

The challenge for the 21-year-old is to start delivering this sort of performance more consistently against the other sides in the Premiership.

Tyreece John-Jules - Kilmarnock

The former Arsenal youth - and nephew of Red Dwarf star Danny John-Jules - was a force of nature for Kilmarnock against Celtic, following on from his midweek hat-trick.

Scored a great goal, clipped the crossbar from a free-kick and just generally showed star potential. Such a shame he limped off with what looked like a thigh muscle strain.

We asked you Rangers fans for your views on the 4-2 win over Hearts at Ibrox. Here's a taste of what you had to say...

Elaine: At last! A team with some fight about them. Brilliant to see big Youssef Chermitti getting his hat-trick. Now we can believe we are in a title race. If we hadn't gifted Hearts two goals, they never looked like scoring. Now we hunt!

David: Maybe not for the purist, but a great game to watch. Our best performance of the season. We played with amazing energy, pace, heart and passion and deserved the win. The real Rangers turned up today. Need this level of intensity and determination in every game.

Steven: While the performance and score midweek was poor, had we turned up then like we did today, we would be top of the pile. This result and large parts of the performance have to be catalyst for the rest of the season now. Nothing else will do. Nice to see Chermiti on the scoresheet but he simply has to be more consistent and our defence need to tighten up.

Alan: Never in doubt. Even at 0-1 and 1-2, we looked in control and like we would out-score the opposition. Chermiti is a bit of an enimgma. I've always said there's a player in there somewhere. Hopefully the big man kicks on from here.

Harry: Rangers may have finally had a very good transfer window and the goals are beginning to flow. Still a bit shakey at the back but much improved and they are a much better watch now than under Russell Martin. Just need faster ball going forward and less passing across the back four.

Derek: Chermiti continues to split the support. There's no denying he scored three excellent goals today, but you can't play him and Ryan Naderi in the same team - they are too similar. Still too many basic mistakes in defence. If we continue to play like we did, Danny Rohl will get his wish from us. It was the best atmosphere of the season. Long may it continue.

Robert: A big statement win. We need to cut out the daft defensive mistakes though. If only Chermiti could have show that composure in front of goal more often we could have been top of the league by now. Massive games in two weeks' time although we need to take care of the Livingston game first.

Rangers overcome leaders Hearts in a thrilling Scottish Premiership encounter (UK users only).

Youssef Chermiti scored an incredible hat-trick as Rangers beat Hearts for the first time this season to move to within two points of the Scottish Premiership leaders in a rousing contest at Ibrox.

MATCH REPORT

HAVE YOUR SAY

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Rangers head coach Danny Rohl: "We showed big personality to come back two times. We gave them two presents. Except from these two conceded goals, we nearly played a perfect game. Over 90 minutes, we were the better team, we fully deserved this win.

"Since I'm here, best atmosphere in the stadium. If we are doing this again with my group, with the fans, it will be a good, good season. We had so much energy in the stadium, on the field.

"I'm very happy for my group. We should not speak again this season about mentality. We should keep this momentum. Next week, we have to deliver again.

"The gap is just the two points now. I think it's now a race with three teams. It will be a great finish in this league and we are in the race. A few months ago, nobody thought about this and we showed our development.

"We have a big opportunity. We are middle in the race, this is what we want, this is what we tried since I'm here to have a small chance and now we are in the middle of this exciting race and let's see what we can do.

"[Youssef Chermiti scored] three goals, he worked hard for the group. I always believe in him. My job is now to keep him hungry and he will be hungry because he'll want to score more but big games are for big players and today he showed how big he is."

Rangers and Celtic are both eyeing respective summer moves for highly-rated 22-year-old Dundee centre-half Luke Graham. (Football Insider), external

Rangers are likely to delay contract talks with 34-year-old captain and right-back James Tavernier until the end of the Scottish Premiership season so they can focus on beating Heart of Midlothian and Celtic to the title. (Football Insider), external

Danilo was "incredibly relieved" to seal a loan move to Nijmegen at the end of the January transfer window after he first had to wait until Rangers' last-minute deal to sign fellow striker Ryan Naderi. (Gelderlander.nl. via The National), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Goalkeeper Jack Butland is urging his Rangers team-mates to embrace the noise around Sunday's top-of-the-table clash against leaders Hearts.

Derek McInnes' men have already beaten Rangers home and away this season as they prepare for the trip to Glasgow's southside.

For Danny Rohl's men, Sunday is an opportunity to bounce back from the midweek draw with Motherwell and cut the gap at the top to two points.

"Embrace it," Butland said of the noise and hype around the fixture.

"You can't get away from it. We spoke about it a lot. Good, bad, and ugly, so you're going to hear about it at some point, so you just have to embrace it.

"Embrace what it means to be a part of this club, embrace what it means to be in a great position still with a fantastic game coming on the weekend."

When Rohl took over Rangers were 13 points behind the league leaders but Butland insists their impressive comeback means nothing if they don't kick on.

"What the season started like is irrelevant now because we're now in a position where things can be really good," he added.

"So, the expectations have changed, the energies change, and now we're in a positive place again.

"When you get there, the expectation is that you just kick on and just keep flying. It's not as easy as that but we're in a great position.

"There's going be plenty of twists and turns, but everything is still very much in our hands and whoever wants to grasp it will have the best opportunity to win it in the end.

"For us, we certainly have that opportunity still and a great opportunity at home in front of all our fans on the weekend to really keep that going.

"There's still 12 games to go. The focus is winning the game. That's what we're setting out to do in every game.

"There's a long, long way to go, still, but it is hugely important.

"We're focused on trying to win every game. But one step at a time and that starts on Sunday."

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Rangers head coach Danny Rohl was keeping his team news cards close to his chest when he spoke to the media on Friday.

Right-back Max Aarons missed the draw with Motherwell, while long-term injured Connor Barron and Derek Cornelius are still out.

Hearts centre-half Craig Halkett returns from suspension, but fellow defender Stephen Kingsley has suffered a fresh injury setback.

Cammy Devlin, Lawrence Shankland, Calem Nieuwenhof and Finlay Pollock remain sidelined.

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• Since the start of last season, no player has more goal involvements for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership than Nicolas Raskin (22 – seven goals, 15 assists), the midfielder scoring their goal in the midweek 1-1 draw with Motherwell.

• Hearts have kept more clean sheets (five) in the Premiership in 2026 so far than any side, while only Motherwell (two) have conceded fewer goals in the competition than Hearts' three in this calendar year.

• Rangers have won their past nine home games in all competitions by an aggregate score of 28-2, beating Queen's Park 8-0 last time out – their largest home winning margin since beating Hamilton Academical 8-0 in the league in November 2020.

• Hearts have won both of their away league games at Celtic and Rangers this season; in Scottish league history, the only occasions of any team beating the two Old Firm clubs three times away from home in a single season are Aberdeen in 1979-80 and in 1982-83.

• Rangers have lost their past two league meetings with Hearts, last losing three in a row in March 1986 under Jock Wallace. 1985-86 is the only season the Ibrox side have ever lost three times to Hearts within a single league campaign.

Rangers captain James Tavernier's age is the biggest sticking point when it comes to whether the 34-year-old right-back will sign a new contract at Ibrox before this summer. (Football Insider), external

Rangers have a fresh chance to sign £6-rated long-term target Silas Andersen after Hacken rejected a January bid from Cologne for the 21-year-old midfielder who is expected to leave this summer. (Daily Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Danny Rohl insists struggling striker Youssef Chermiti has his full "belief and trust" despite a difficult debut season with Rangers.

The 21-year-old Portuguese joined from Everton in the summer - when Russell Martin was Ibrox boss - for a reported fee of £8m, but has scored just four goals in 28 appearances.

Having netted a double in Rangers' 3-1 derby win at Celtic Park in early January, Chermiti has drawn a blank in the following six matches, missing a golden chance to put his side two up at Motherwell in midweek before they shipped a late leveller.

But boss Rohl takes confidence from the striker's performance in the Old Firm game and feels it's only a matter of time before he starts hitting form.

Rohl, whose side host Premiership leaders Hearts on Sunday, was asked at his Friday news conference how to get the best out of the struggling striker.

"You give him belief and trust," the German said.

"You can imagine for Youssef, it's tough for him. Not about the reaction [from fans], it's more about how he feels.

"He knows he wants to score. He wants a lot for the group. He comes in a good situation. I wish that the next time he takes an extra touch and then he looks for the corner, he makes it.

"But it will come, I totally believe, because I see a lot of things in him.

"It's again the small moments and it comes not just when you think 'should I shoot or not?' No, it's about hard working again, trying your best, coming again in situations, and then we celebrate him.

"It was the Celtic game when he scored, he turned the game with fantastic goals, and he can do this again. I believe, totally."