United secure “depth and quality” in Neil Farrugia

Dundee United have announced the signing of fullback Neil Farrugia. The Irishman joins the Tannadice side on a deal until the summer of 2028. Farrugia spent last season at Barnsley in League One and has enjoyed the majority of his football in Ireland for Shamrock Rovers. He made 136 appearances for the Rovers, scoring 12 goals, and featured 11 times in the UEFA Conference League. Manager Jim Goodwin was pleased to welcome Farrugia to Tannadice, highlighting that he will fit United’s “tactical framework”. “He is comfortable operating on both sides of the pitch and offers real value in our progression phase. He carries the ball effectively from deep, understands when to hold width, when to attack inside, and delivers accurately from good areas.” “His ability to play off either foot also allows us to avoid becoming predictable, especially against teams who defend in a low block” “He also brings vast experience from different environments, having played almost 200 senior games back home in Ireland under the demands of consistent success, featured regularly in high-profile European competition and tested himself down south throughout the past year.” “At 26, he is at an age where he understands the game well but still has scope to improve within our structure. I’m delighted to have him at my disposal.” The deal is subject to international clearance; upon completion, Farrugia would be available for the Scottish Cup clash against Ayr United on Saturday afternoon.

Carrick set for caretaker role at Manchester United

Manchester United are close to appointing Michael Carrick as caretaker boss, with former England assistant Steve Holland set to join as his number two. Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion are also set to join Carrick’s staff. Carrick takes over from Ruben Amorim, who was sacked on January 5th, one day after drawing 1-1 with Leeds at Elland Road. The former United midfielder had a brief stint at the Old Trafford helm in 2021, managing three games after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal. A baptism of fire would await the 44-year-old, with United hosting city rivals Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, before travelling to the Emirates eight days later.

Scott Fry’s influence evident as Rangers flourish from set-piece plays

Rangers defeated Aberdeen 2-0 at Pittodrie yesterday, thanks to goals from Thelo Aasgaard and James Tavernier. However, in Rangers’ last meeting with Aberdeen before yesterday, they also defeated the Dons two goals to nothing; these goals came from well-worked set-piece moments, and Scott Fry’s work on the training ground is really paying off. A well-delivered corner from ex-Aberdeen star Connor Barron saw 6 ft 4 defender, Emmanuel Fernandez, rise to score his fifth of the season and give Rangers the lead. Shortly after, another well-crossed ball from Barron saw Nico Raskin, who is one of the smaller Rangers players, make a darting run across the box to head home and give the hosts a 2-0 advantage. The same applied for Rangers again yesterday, with their first goal coming from another well-worked play from a corner, which Jayden Meghoma delivered beautifully to see Norwegian international Thelo Aasgaard lurking in a dangerous position and slotting home confidently. Unfortunately for the Gers, Fernandez thought he had doubled the scoring after heading home a long ball, but after a VAR check, referee David Dickinson disallowed the goal for a foul on Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov. During Rohl’s press conference after the first meeting with Aberdeen, he spoke about how much of a difference Scott Fry has made. ‘Scott is doing a fantastic job, and that is the reason why he is here. We made a good choice. It is not just about the topics and the content; he is also a good human and a good addition to my coaching team. I am very happy.’ ‘You also see the players; we worked a lot on these things, and especially in these tight games, you need this. On the weekend, we scored three times after transition moments and good pressing moments. Today it was after set plays, and maybe next time in ball possession’. Fry joined the club from Lincoln City and played a vital role in their incredible 30 goals from set-plays, which was the most in the league. This has contrasted with this Rangers side, who haven’t been scoring as many goals from set-pieces compared to recent years. It has also been noted that there has been a variety of different takers from these plays; instead of always being the same output in James Tavernier, this includes Jayden Meghoma and Connor Barron before his injury. Now in modern football, set-piece coaches are massive figures and can provide the small margins that can decide matches and league titles. For example, Arsenal have made set-pieces a major weapon under Mikel Arteta, with them being one of the most dangerous in England. This can make a real difference in the race for a title. However, at Rangers, it is clear to see there is more structure in their dead-ball situations with the squad regularly creating good quality chances, and with the height they have in the team now, are Rangers now a threat from set plays?

English FA Cup Fourth Round Draw

The FA Cup fourth round draw has taken place today, and has produced a range of interesting ties. The third round had some high-scoring games, such as Manchester City vs Exeter, which finished 10-1. But it also had a major cup upset, last year’s winners, Crystal Palace, being knocked out by Macclesfield. But here’s how the next set of fixtures looks. Arsenal will face Wigan at home. Aston Villa have drawn fellow Premier League side Newcastle United. Birmingham City will take on Leeds, and Burnley will face League One side Mansfield Town. Another League One vs Premier League side draw in Burton vs West Ham. League Two side Grimsby will host Wolves at Blundell Park, and Hull will be up against Chelsea, where Liam Rosenior will face his 2nd cup fixture as Chelsea manager. Liverpool face Barnsley in the Monday night fixture, and the winner of that game will host Brighton. Shock winners Macclesfield will face another Premier League test as they take on Brentford. Manchester City’s convincing performance against Exeter books their place in the fourth round, and they will face the winner of Salford City vs Swindon Town, which was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. Norwich City face West Brom, Oxford United travel to Sunderland, and Bristol City will make the journey to Port Vale. The last three games to be played are Southampton vs. Leicester, Stoke vs. Fulham, and, finally, Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham side will face Ipswich. A total of 16 games to be played over the weekend of the 13th to 15/16th of February.

Celtic recall Welsh from Motherwell loan

Celtic have boosted their defensive options by recalling Stephen Welsh from his loan at Motherwell. The 25-year-old signed a season-long loan deal on Deadline Day and made 17 appearances for the Fir Park side. He impressed in Jens Berthel Askou’s defence, helping them to 4th place, and achieving 9 clean sheets. Motherwell confirmed the recall on their website earlier today, stating, ‘We want to thank Stephen for his hard work during his time at Motherwell and wish him the very best for the future.’ Welsh becomes Celtic’s second January move, after completing a loan deal for Bournemouth right back Julián Araujo. Martin O’Neill is still without the stalwart defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, so both could become key cogs for the Scottish champions. O’Neill’s latest interim reign got off to the perfect start, with a commanding 4-0 home victory over Dundee United. They return to league action against Falkirk on Wednesday.

St Mirren 0-2 Falkirk: Impressive Bairns secure all three points in Paisley

St Mirren 0-2 Falkirk Yeats 55’, Miller 61’ Falkirk earned a second successive victory in a comfortable performance over struggling St Mirren at the SMISA Stadium. The home side made two changes to the team that lost to Motherwell last week, as Liam Donnelly and Fraser Taylor replaced the suspended Alex Gogic and Jayden Richardson. Falkirk made one change to the side that beat Aberdeen last Saturday as Henry Cartwright replaced Kyrell Wilson. Despite chances for both sides in the opening period of the game, neither possessed the cutting edge to take advantage, as Dylan Tait’s deflected effort clipped the Saints’ crossbar to give Falkirk the best chance of the half. Liam Donnelly’s place in the starting eleven was cut short as he was substituted for Richardson after only 28 minutes due to a suspected shoulder injury. St Mirren faced more injury concerns as Killian Philips and Declan John were also unable to. They continued and were replaced by Scott Tanser at halftime and new signing Allan Campbell. The Bairns broke the deadlock only 10 minutes into the second half as Finn Yeats’ stunning 35-yard finish looped over the onrushing Shamal George into the St Mirren net as the Falkirk away support celebrated behind the goal. This was Yeats’ first goal of the season. They did not have to wait long for the second goal as only six minutes later, Calvin Miller picked up the ball from the edge of the box and slammed a powerful right-footed shot past George to give Falkirk a two-goal advantage only 16 minutes into the second half. This was Miller’s sixth goal in what has been an impressive season for the 28-year-old. The hosts struggled to gain any control in the last half hour of the match as Falkirk expertly saw the game out for a comfortable 2-0 victory. Following this result, St Mirren are without a win in their last four games and remain in tenth place, only four points above Kilmarnock in the relegation playoff spot. They next face a difficult trip to the capital as they face league leaders Hearts on a Wednesday night kick-off. Falkirk secured back-to-back wins for only the second time this season as they sit in the crucial sixth-placed spot in the league table, five points above Dundee United in seventh. They host Celtic on Wednesday, 7:45 kick-off, as the visitors look to restart their title charge in Martin O’Neill’s second interim spell in charge.   St Mirren: George (4), Fraser (5), King (4), Freckleton (5), McMenamin (4), Philips (6), Donnelly (5), Taylor (4), John (4), N’Lundulu (4), Mandron (5) Subs: Richardson (5), Campbell (5), Tanser (4), Mullen (5), Dijksteel (5) Falkirk: Bain (8), Lissah (8), Allan (8), Henderson (8), McCann (8), Spencer (8), Cartwright (7), Tait (7), Yeats (9), Miller (9), Stewart (7) Subs: Williams (6), Ross (6), Parkinson (6), Wilson (6), Donaldson (N/A)

Hibernian 1-1 Motherwell: Close range Bowie strike earns point for Hibees

Hibernian 1-1 Motherwell Bowie (69′)  Maswanhise (52′) Motherwell remained two points clear of Hibernian in 4th place, after an entertaining 1-1 draw at Easter Road. The hosts started on the front foot, eager to add a fourth straight league victory and leapfrog Motherwell into fourth place. Kieron Bowie had the game’s first chance. He stretched to meet Jordan Obita’s cross after neat interplay with Jamie McGrath, but could not steer his header goal from the back post. Obita delivered another teasing delivery on the 15-minute mark, but alertness from Emmanuel Longelo nullified the threat of the big striker. The visitors have impressed with their free-flowing football across the opening 21 games, but chances were few and far between in the opening 20 minutes. Jens Berthel Askou would have been further displeased to see Stephen O’Donnell hobble off during their quiet spell. Obita lashed over the bar after a penalty box stramash as they continued to press towards the opening goal. David Gray’s side had established a grip on proceedings at Easter Road. Josh Mulligan then rolled Elie Youan through on Ward’s goal in the 25th minute. The striker managed two goals at Rugby Park last Saturday, but got the ball stuck under his feet, and the danger was cleared. Motherwell looked like a threat in the final 15 minutes of the first half. Tom Sparrow jinxed past several green bodies in the box, but Raphael Sallinger was alert to tip his curling left-footed strike away from goal. The Austrian gathered a 20-yard Elijah Just freekick minutes later, as the visitors began to build openings. Askou will be pleased to reclaim the services of Tawanda Maswanhise from AFCON. The striker has nine league goals this campaign, and showed electric pace to work a dangerous opening in the 38th minute. After leaving a Hibs defender on the floor, his strike from the right-hand side of the box was tipped away by Sallinger. The visitors opened the scoring seven minutes into the second half. Elijah Just broke towards the Hibs defence, picking out the onrushing Maswanshise on the right-hand side. The Zimbabwean striker was afforded too much time by the hosts, and lashed a low right-footed strike across Sallinger’s goal and into the bottom corner, to send the sell-out away end into frenzy. Gray and Hibs would have been especially frustrated to lose the goal after Bowie had missed a headed chance seconds before. But HIbs and Bowie roared back with 20 minutes to play. Obita latched onto a stray Tom Sparrow diagonal ball. He picked out the Hibs number 9 in the box, who powered home from close range to equalise, and set up a thrilling finale Motherwell had established better control in the second period, and despite the setback, continued to look the most likely to find a winner. Ibrahim Said almost reclaimed the visitors’ lead after heading Calum Slattery’s cross wide at the near post, before Maswanhise’s strike was deflected over with ten minutes to play. Sallinger produced a brilliant save in additional time to deny Longelo. After Maswanhise’s mishit, the ball broke to Longelo on the left-hand side of the box, but the Austrian goalkeeper got down low to smother the right-footed strike and maintain the level scores. Hibernian: Sallinger 8 O’Hora 7 Hanley 7 Iredale 7 Megwa 6 Mulligan 6 Barlaser 8 McGrath 7 Obita 6 Youan 7 Bowie 7 Substitutes: Hoilett 6 Cadden 5 Klidje 5 Levitt 3 Newell 3 Motherwell: Ward 7 O’Donnell 6 Welsh 7 McGinn 7 Longelo 7 Priestman 7 Fadinger 7 Sparrow 6 Just 8 Said 7 Maswanhise 8 Substitutes: Koutroumbis 5 Slattery 5 McGhee 3  Gordon 3

World Cup Hopefuls, Relegation Scraps, and Returning Managers: SPFL Matchday 21 Breakdown

Another massive weekend of Scottish Premiership football awaits. Here are the main talking points ahead of the stacked card. Game of the Round – Livingston v Kilmarnock Neil McCann’s first match as Kilmarnock manager sees his side travel to West Lothian to face fellow strugglers Livingston. This relegation clash could have huge implications, with Killie aiming to move seven points clear of bottom spot and begin an ascent towards the automatic safety spots. In his first interview with Kilmarnock TV, McCann said he aims to “unite the fans with the players again”, as they look to record their first league victory for 14 games. They face bottom side Livingston, who have also struggled for wins, their sole victory of the campaign coming against Falkirk in early August. At the time, the 3-1 result moved Davie Martindale’s side to the summit of the Premiership, but after an 18-game winless run, and the worst defence in the league, survival is beginning to look bleak for the Lions. Victory for either side could be the catalyst for a pivotal run-in; a relegation six-pointer awaits fans at the Set Fare Arena this Saturday. Player to Watch – Grant Hanley In the wake of Motherwell’s 2-0 November victory over Hibs, manager Jens Berthel Askou addressed the post-match media with an intriguing line. ‘We cut out the supply from their midfielder, leaving (Grant) Hanley to bring the ball forward. It set up the running duel with JT (Tawanda Maswanhise) and Hanley up top when we had the ball.’ Choosing to single out an opposing player is rare for a manager, and the comment was even highlighted as “disrespectful” by BBC pundit Ian McCall. As if Easter Road’s mouthwatering clash between 4th and 5th was not enough, Askou’s comments should add an interesting edge: how will David Gray’s side, particularly Hanley, respond to the challenge on Saturday afternoon? The Scottish international will be gearing up for a potential career-defining year, aiming to secure his seat on the plane to America as part of Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad, representing the national side on the biggest stage for the first time since 1998. Team in the Spotlight – Celtic 38 days after overseeing a 1-0 home triumph against Dundee, Martin O’Neill returns to the Celtic hotseat for his third spell in charge of the Scottish champions. His interim tenure was a success, achieving an unbeaten domestic streak, tying Hearts at the summit of the table, and securing a stunning away European victory in Feyenoord. But after closing the chaotic chapter of Wilfried Nancy, Celtic have turned back to the club hero, trusting that his experience, alongside Shaun Maloney, can help shift their fortunes and push towards a fifth straight league title. The visitors will also be keen to bounce back from recent troubles, as Jim Goodwin’s side lost the second Dundee Derby of the season at Tannadice last weekend. The defeat at Tannadice dropped the Tangerines into the bottom six, and they will be eager to bounce back from the result as soon as possible

‘I’m extremely happy to be here’ – Jens Berthel Askou

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou insists his side is embracing the ‘good attention’ from the media, following recent speculation linking the Dane with a move away from the club. Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s clash against Hibernian, Askou understands the speculation following his side’s impressive league start. “I think for everyone who is involved in football, and in a football club that is performing really well, and also better than people would have expected, it is natural that the players and staff get linked with other jobs.” Motherwell sit fourth in the Scottish Premiership, and recently achieved a statement home victory over Celtic. The 2-0 win was the latest example of the manager’s tactical astuteness, after his side dominated the Scottish champions. ‘It is not the first time, and it’s not going to be the last time, sometimes you get linked with getting sacked if you are not winning enough games, then that’s the story in the media.’ ‘It is hard for us to control what somebody puts in a tweet, and then suddenly it’s a story, and suddenly it’s the truth.’ ‘We take all the good attention that comes from us doing well, and then we try to use that as positive energy; it puts a smile on our face when we wake up in the morning.’ Askou’s only focus is to improve his talented Motherwell side, who can move five points clear in fourth place with a victory at Easter Road on Saturday afternoon. ‘The main thing that is important for us is that we can see and feel that we are getting better, and that we are getting closer to the goal that we have within this building’ ‘I’m like everyone else here, really enjoying what we’re doing and want to see how far we can take it’ Hibernian v Motherwell Easter Road Jan 10 3pm

Burnley 2-2 Man Utd: Fletcher’s interim spell begins with thrilling draw

Burnley 2-2 Manchester United Heaven (13′ og) Anthony (66′)  Sesko (50′, 60′) A stunning Jaidon Anthony strike secured struggling Burnley a point against Manchester United, who had momentarily taken the lead through a Benjamin Sesko double. The visitors created numerous chances in the first period, but Burnley took the lead with a stroke of luck. Bashir Humphreys escaped from Casemiro down the Burnley left. After aiming his left-footed cross towards the penalty box, the ball took a massive deflection off United youngster Ayden Heaven. The defender’s meek effort to block the cross looped over the helpless Senne Lammens and into his own net. Despite the setback, Fletcher’s side improved and had the ball in the net on the half-hour mark. Lisandro Martinez fired past Martin Dubravka in a busy penalty box, but was adjudged to have handled Kyle Walker in the penalty box, pushing the former Man City defender to the ground. Brilliant Burnley defending kept the hosts’ slender lead at the break, with Bashir Humphreys and Maxime Esteve desperately clearing two efforts off the line. The latter was United’s best chance of the half, Bruno Fernandes released Patrick Dorgu into the Burnley box, but after chipping over the onrushing Martin Dubravka, Esteve delivered a vital clearance. Fletcher’s halftime words created an immediate impact, as they levelled in the 50th minute. Fernandes picked up a dangerous pocket on the right edge of the Burnley box. The Portuguese midfielder showed tremendous vision to roll Sesko through on goal, whose right-footed strike rippled Dubravka’s bottom corner, delighting the large travelling support. The Slovenian added his second of the game on the hour mark. He showed confidence to side-foot Dorgu’s pinpoint cross from the left past Dubravka from 12 yards. The goal was a moment of great quality, from the accuracy of the ball to the crispness of Sesko’s volley. Despite turning the game in their favour, United were made to pay for more dismal defending. Substitute Anthony easily moved away from Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez in the box, before unleashing a darting left-footed strike into the top corner. The draw leaves Burnley eight points from safety, whilst Fletcher’s United side remain in sixth. Burnley: Dubravka, Laurent, Esteve, Humphreys, Walker, Ugochukwu, Florentino, Pires, Edwards (Sonne 92′) Mejbri (Anthony 58′) Broja (Foster 76′) Manchester United: Lammens, Dalot, Heaven (Yoro 61′) Martínez, Shaw, Ugarte (Lacey 84′) Casemiro (Mainoo 74′) Cunha (Zirkzee 74′) Fernandes (Mount 61′) Dorgu, Sesko