Points Shared between Rangers and Celtic in Dull Derby
Rangers 0-0 Celtic The opening Old Firm ended in a dismal goalless draw as Rangers and Celtic returned to league action. Russell Martin made five changes from their bruising Club Brugge defeat, including a first start for new striker Bojan Miovski, formerly of Aberdeen. Brendan Rodgers also included a new signing in his starting team. Michel-Ange Balikwisha started in a front three beside Benjamin Nygren and Daizen Maeda, after arriving from Royal Antwerp on Thursday. In a frantic start, Rangers looked to wrestle control in a sizzling Ibrox atmosphere. Despite several corner kicks and long throws in the opening exchanges, they could not trouble Kasper Schmeichel in goal. Shortly after, the home support’s penalty protests were waved off by Don Robertson, despite a collision between Miovski and Liam Scales in the box. The home side looked far more structured after their abysmal visit to Belgium. Connor Barron started all four derbies last season and looked an assured presence in midfield. Celtic’s attack was ineffective in the first half. They failed to trouble Jack Butland, with only crosses from Arne Engels and Anthony Ralston coming close to posing a threat Rangers had the next opening after 28 minutes.- Barron lifted the ball forward to Tavernier, but his stabbed cross was put behind for a corner before reaching Miovski. Rangers had the ball in the net four minutes later. John Souttar bravely met Tavernier’s free kick to head past Schmeichel. However, the home side’s celebration was cut short with the Scottish defender fractionally offside. Despite the offside goal, Martin would have been pleased with the solidity of his team. There was a drive about Rangers; their physical nature disrupted Celtic and stopped Callum McGregor from dictating derby day. Rangers looked to build on their encouraging first half. Mikey Moore blazed over for the first second-half chance. Gassama beat Tierney for pace soon after, but Scales blocked his flashed cross. Celtic registered a shot on target at the hour mark. Hatate picked up the ball on the edge of the box but drove his strike straight at Butland to keep the score level. Jack Butland gathered an acrobatic effort after a free kick after 66 minutes, before a double substitution for the away side. Engels and Balikwisha offered little threat and were withdrawn for Shin Yamada and James Forrest. A mix-up in midfield between Gassama and Barron left Yamada through on goal, but Butland was quick to smother the Japanese forward. As the match approached its conclusion, Celtic’s attack sharpened, and a tense atmosphere fell over Ibrox. Neither side was able to force an opener as the game finished goalless. The result means it is four straight draws for Russell Martin’s Rangers. The draw leaves Celtic level on points with Hearts as the first international break beckons. Rangers: Butland 7 Tavernier 7 Djida 6 Souttar 7 Meghoma 6 Barron 7 Diomande 6 Aasgaard 6 Gassama 6 Moore 6 Miovski 6 Substitutes: Antman 6 Dessers 6 Bajrami 5 Celtic: Schmeichel 6 Ralston 6 Carter-Vickers 6 Scales 6 Tierney 5 McGregor 6 Engels 5 Hatate 6 Nygren 5 Balikwisha 5 Maeda 5 Substitutes: Yamada 6 Forrest 6 Saracchi 6
Steve Clarke Names His Squad As Scotland Kick Off Their World Cup Qualifying Campaign
With another qualification campaign around the corner, Steve Clarke has named his squad for the first set of World Cup qualifiers against Denmark and Belarus. The goalkeeping department was a major issue in June’s friendlies against Iceland and Lichtenstein. Steve Clarke however, has a full roster available this time round. Angus Gunn, Zander Clark and Liam Kelly the chosen three after returning from injuries. It does remain to be seen who will take the number one shirt with Gunn and Kelly back-ups at their respective clubs meanwhile, Zander Clark has endured a difficult few weeks between the sticks at club level. Aaron Hickey returns to the squad for the first time since 2023 when he played in a 2-0 defeat away to Spain. Andy Robertson, John Souttar, Grant Hanley and Scott McKenna remain ever present in the defensive selections. There’s also a place for Max Johnston who has went from strength to strength since switching Motherwell for Austria. He’s just made a move to the English Championship with Derby County. Balon D’Or nominee Scott McTominay who is the go to man for the big occasions has been called up in midfield alongside John McGinn, Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson, and Ryan Christie. Fresh from a move to Italian side Udinese Lennon Miller also retains his place after an impressive first showing in a Scotland jersey in June. Ben Gannon Doak has returned from injury and makes the squad his electric pace and ability to take players on will be much welcome boost for the tartan army faithful. The youngster impressed on loan at Middlesbrough last season i and will be looking to take his impressive form in pre-season from club to country. Lyndon Dykes is another returnee from injury who has made the squad. He will be looking to reignite his partnership with Torino forward Che Adams. George Hirst who picked up his first Scotland goal against Lichenstein returns to the squad for the qualifiers. However, the most notable inclusion is that of Hibernian striker Kieron Bowie. The 22 year old has made a fast start to the season with 3 goals in 7 appearances including a goal of the season contender against Partizan Belgrade . It marks his first inclusion in the senior squad. He will be hoping for a chance to stake his claim for a jersey. He last scored in a Scotland jersey back in 2023 for the under-21 side. Scotland take on Denmark on the 5th September before travelling to take on Belarus 3 days later. Squad Goalkeepers: Angus Gunn, Zander Clark, Liam Kelly Defenders: Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Dom Hyam, Max Johnston, Scott McKenna, Anthony Ralston Andy Robertson, John Souttar, Kieran Tierney Midfielders: Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, Ben Gannon Doak, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay, Lennon Miller Forwards: Ché Adams, Kieron Bowie, Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst 💬 Have Your Say What do you think? Let us know in the comments or on social media @SNNsports.
