Key Inclusions and Unfortunate Omissions from Steve Clarke’s Scotland Squad Announcement

A crucial three months await Steve Clarke’s Scotland, as they aim for a first World Cup appearance for 27 years. The first assignment – consecutive away trips to the Telia Parken and the ZTE Arena to face Denmark and Belarus. With the squad confirmed last week, let’s look at the key inclusions and omissions. Three Players to Watch Kieron Bowie The roar of Easter Road could be heard around Europe after Bowie’s 40-yard rocket against Partizan Belgrade. Hibs’ number 9 is powerful and dogged, with three goals already this season; he could be a valuable asset to help fire Scotland to the World Cup. Scott McTominay An obvious pick, but Napoli’s talisman arrives at camp with a Ballon d’Or nomination to his name. After firing Napoli to Serie A glory, the Scot is showing no signs of slowing down after an opening weekend goal against Sassuolo. Aaron Hickey The Brentford fullback made his long-awaited return in the opening Premier League weekend against Nottingham Forest. His minutes may be managed, but the prospect of a right-sided partnership with Ben Doak is mouthwatering. Three Unlucky Omissions Josh Mulligan The Hibs midfielder has been outstanding since his summer move from Dundee. Comfortable in midfield and wing back, his versatility could be effective for Steve Clarke. He also has two goals to his name, including a stunning 2nd for The Hibees against Livingston in the League Cup. Stuart Findlay Derek McInnes’ Hearts side was bolstered with eleven new additions, including the inclusion of Stuart Findlay. The former Kilmarnock defender has slotted seamlessly into the Hearts defence and scored three league goals in the process. Findlay hasn’t featured for Scotland in 2019 but could be a valuable addition for the qualifying games. Nicky Cadden A standout in Hibs’ run to 3rd place, Cadden offered plenty of attacking threat on the left-hand side. Scotland is spoilt for leftback choices, captain Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney are regular starters. However, Cadden’s consistent and dangerous delivery could be a useful tool off the bench if Clarke’s men are chasing a game. Scotland play Denmark on Friday, September 5th, with Belarus to follow on Monday, September 8th.

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

Late Kyziridis Winner Maintains Hearts Unbeaten League Start against Livingston

Livingston 1 – 2 Hearts L. Smith (26′)   C. Braga (47′) A. Kyziridis (90+1) Two second-half goals saw the Jambos come from behind to beat Livingston at The Set Fare Arena. Around 6,000 Hearts fans made the short journey west from Edinburgh, and after a frantic opening, their side settled better. Claudio Braga bagged two off the bench against Motherwell last Saturday. He latched onto a clipped Lawrence Shankland pass but dragged his shot across the goal for the game’s first chance. Livingston won their first league match at home three weeks ago, but struggled for clear-cut chances in the opening twenty minutes Hearts continued to grow into the game, Braga and Shankland linked again, but the Hearts captain could not direct his header on target. Livingston took the lead in the 26th minute, Lewis Smith marauded forward on the right, and his low drive beat Zander Clark at the front post. The goal was slightly against the run of play and silenced the large visiting support. The goal invigorated Livingston, who threatened the Hearts box again through Tete Yengi soon after. Hearts struggled to break down a drilled Livingston defence for the remainder of the first period, Blair Spittal’s blocked shot being their closest effort. Livingston had a chance to double their tally, but after stealing possession on the left, Robbie Muirhead’s fired cross had no takers. Yengi came close again on the stroke of halftime, rolling the ball onto his right foot but firing straight at Clark in goal. The halftime whistle blew to boos from the away support. This was the third straight league match that Hearts were behind at the break; Derek McInnes’ men had to improve. Alexandros Kyziridis replaced Craig Halkett at halftime and made an instant impact. Following a corner kick, the Greek winger fired a right-footed cross, which Braga glanced home to level the game. Livingston looked to hit back straight away, but Muirhead’s thunderous free-kick arrowed right of the goal. Kyziridis continued to energise the visitors’ attack as Hearts pressed for a second. He glided infield after 55 minutes, but after beating a yellow shirt, rolled a tame shot at Jerome Prior’s goal. Hearts now played with a conviction, something they lacked for much of the first half. Braga beat the offside trap soon after, but his low cross couldn’t find the feet of Shankland. Braga had another chance to score from the right-hand side of the box, but his shot grazed the side netting. Hearts’ newest signing, Eduardo Ageu Almeida Santos, came off the bench and added further presence in the forward areas. He linked with Cameron Devlin, but unleashed a 20-yard strike wide of Prior’s goal. Braga looked set to give Hearts the lead in the 80th minute. Prior had smothered Ageu’s poked strike, but the forward could only hit the post with the goal beckoning. The home side responded through Stevie May’s inviting free kick. Unfortunately for Livingston, the whipped ball had no takers and bobbled into the hands of Clark in goal. Hearts won the game in stoppage time. Kyziridis picked up the ball on the edge of the box and whipped a low strike around Prior, causing frenzy in the away end. The home side almost equalised in the final seconds, Connor McLennan rose freely in the box but could only divert his header wide. Livingston: Prior 7 Montgomery 6 McGowan 6 Wilson 6 Smith 6 Finlayson 6 Pittman 6 Sylla 6 Bokila 6 Muirhead 7 Yengi 5 Substitutes: Shinnie 6 Winter 6 McLennan 6 May 6 Hearts: Clark 6 Kent 6 Halkett 6 Spittal 6 Findlay 6 Milne 6 McEntee 6 Beningime 7 Devlin 6 Spittal 6 Braga 8 Shankland 6 Substitutes: Kyziridis 8 Ageu 7 Kerjota 6 Kabangu 5    

Euro adventure ends for Hibs after thrilling draw in Warsaw

Legia Warsaw 3 Hibernian 3 (After extra time, Legia win 5-4 on aggregate) An extra-time winner ensured Legia Warsaw’s progression to the Europa Conference League at the expense of Hibernian. David Gray’s side were beaten 2-1 in Leith last Thursday, but started the match well with Warren O’Hora managed the first shot on target in the opening minutes. Despite a settling start for the Hibees, Vahan Bichakhchyan’s powerful drive put Legia in front. The strike put clear daylight between the teams and was a gutting blow for the Edinburgh men. The goal helped the Poles grow into the game; further efforts from Rafal Augustyniak were both well saved by Jordan Smith, keeping the lead to one. Gray’s boys are a very different beast to the team that won just two of their opening 16 Scottish Premiership games at the start of last season. An outstanding second-half display highlighted the levels that Hibs have reached since that horror period. Rocky Bushiri sparked hopes five minutes into the second half, heading home Nicky Cadden’s in-swinging cross to equalise on the night. Then they levelled the tie in the 59th minute, after Martin Boyle powered home Bushiri’s clever setup. They incredibly added a third in the 61st minute, as substitute Miguel Chaiwa accelerated into the Legia and unleashed a brilliant finish across the goal. An outstanding 11-minute period saw the visitors flip the script on this tie. Scottish teams are not supposed to perform in this manner on the European stage; yet remarkably, they were just half an hour away from qualifying for the Europa Conference League. Hibs thought they were down to ten men after Junior Hoilett was dismissed. The referee rightly overturned the decision, offering further hope to the visitors. Warsaw looked dangerous, but the away team continued to carve out the better chances. Kacper Tobiasz denied Josh Mulligan, before a 40-yard volley bounced off the bar from Boyle. Seven minutes of additional time added further torture for the visiting support, somewhat heartbreakingly as Legia clawed their way back into the match. Juergen Elitim was left unmarked in the box; smashing home to make it 4-4 on aggregate, and ensure a further thirty minutes of extra time. The visitors were visibly exhausted as extra time began, and their hopes were dashed in the 98th minute when Mileta Rajovic lashed a high shot past  Smith, putting them behind again. Jan Ziolkowski picked up a second yellow to offer hope for Hibs, but they were unable to find their fourth goal of the evening. A gut-wrenching defeat for the visitors, who had produced a stunning second-half period to come roaring back into the tie. Legia Warsaw: Tobiasz Ziólkowski Jedrzejczyk (Shkurin 90′) Kapuadi Wszolek (Alfarela 79′) Kapustka (Rajović 67′) Augustyniak (Szymański 67′) Elitim Vinagre Bichakhchyan (Stojanović 79′) Nsame (Urbański 90′) Hibernian: Smith N. Cadden (Iredale 79′) O’Hora Bushiri Obita (Klidje 101′) C. Cadden (Hoilett 57′) Boyle (Megwa 90′) Mulligan Levitt (Youan 90′) McGrath (Chaiwa 57′) Bowie

Club Brugge humiliate Rangers to Champions League playoff defeat

Club Brugge 6 – 0 Rangers Club Brugge win 9-1 on aggregate A rampant Club Brugge side hit Rangers for six in a humiliating performance, relegating the visitors to the Europa League and piling further pressure on Russell Martin. Martin made two changes from Sunday’s draw with St Mirren with Nasser Djida and Danilo replacing Emmanuel Fernandez and Nicolas Raskin and looking to overturn a 3-1 deficit from the first leg at Ibrox eight days ago. But their hopes were shattered within the opening five minutes as Nicolo Tresoldi directed Joaquin Seys cross past Jack Butland. Things went from bad to worse when Max Aarons was sent off minutes later. The fullback pulled Christos Tzolis to the ground after the Greek attacker had raced clear, leaving Felix Zwayer no choice but to reach for his red card.  From here, Rangers’ misery continued. The home side doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark as Hans Vanaken’s powerful header from Tzolis’ corner kick put further daylight between the two sides. Then they rounded off the first half in ruthless fashion, scoring three goals in seven minutes, starting with Seys netting the third on 41 minutes, sidefooting his rebounded strike following Kyriani Sabbe’s cross. The same player made it four shortly after, before Aleksandar Stankovic’s headed home Vanaken’s cross in added time. The half time whistle blew on an atrocious first half for the visitors. Martin had already been forced into a change, bringing James Tavernier on following Aaron’s red card, but made three more substitutes at halftime; Mohamed Diomande, Raskin and Finlay Curtis replacing Theo Aasgaard, Joe Rothwell and Djeidi Gassama. Nicky Hayen’s side continued to dominate, and Greek talent Tzolis, who will surely be involved against Scotland during the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, gathered Tresoldi’s audacious flick to roll past Butland. Brugge continued to dominate proceedings but could not add to their lead. Their victory secures passage to the Champions League draw, which takes place tomorrow evening. Rangers must pick themselves up quickly as Celtic visit Ibrox on Sunday. The humiliating result leaves Russell Martin with just three wins in ten competitive games in the Ibrox hot seat. Club Brugge: Mignolet, Seys (Siquet 58′) Mechele, Spileers, Sabbe (Audoor 72′), Onyedika. Stankovic, Tzolis (Nilsson 58′), Vanaken, Forbs (Diakhon 46′), Tresoldi (Furo 68′) Rangers: Butland, Aarons, Souttar, Djiga, Meghoma, Rothwell (Raskin 46′), Cameron, Aasgaard (Diomandé 46′), Antman (Tavernier 12′) Danilo (Barron 59′), Gassama (Curtis 46′)

Celtic out of Champions League on penalties after spirited Almaty display

Kairat Almaty (0) 0 – 0 (0) Celtic Kairat Almaty win 3-2 on penalties Temirlan Anarbekov saved two penalties as Kairat Almaty beat Celtic to progress to the Champions League, relegating the Scottish Champions to the Europa League. Celtic made two changes from the first leg six days ago. Anthony Ralston replaced the injured Alistair Johnston, with Adam Idah dropping to the bench for Yang Hyun-Jun. The home side frustrated Celtic for much of the opening leg, and this continued for the first half of the second leg although James Forrest had the game’s first big chance in the 22nd minute as the winger met Reo Hatate’s cross but headed straight at Anarbekov. Kairat’s high press was suffocating Celtic; there was no room for the likes of Benjamin Nygren, Callum McGregor, and Hatate to dominate, but there were positive signs down the left-hand side as Kieran Tierney and Yang had both picked up attacking areas, but lacked the final pass. Almaty were awarded an indirect free kick after Kasper Schmeichel handled Callum McGregor’s looping back pass. A wall of Celtic players held firm to deflect Jorginho’s strike, but it was a warning for Brendan Rodgers’ side. The home side continued to grow in confidence as Valery Gromyko surged forward soon after, but Cameron Carter-Vickers blocked his shot. As the game entered its final 15 minutes, neither team looked likely to open the scoring. Substitutes Adam Idah and Arne Engels linked well, but Engels blazed over from 25 yards. Then Celtic had a golden chance to win the game when Daizen Maeda was released onto Anarbekov in goal. The Japanese striker raced clear of the Kairat defence but blazed his shot over the bar, the first clear-cut chance of the game and a golden opportunity wasted for the visitors. Schmeichel had to be alert to tip minutes later to tip Ofri Arad’s header round the post as the game reached its climax. The match trundled into extra time and Celtic had another opening when Idah found the onrushing Hatate after a clever channel run. A yellow jersey blocked the resultant shot to keep the scores level. Callum McGregor and Gromyko traded shots from 25 yards before Anarbekov saved a powerful Nygren strike. Luke McCowan had the first chance of the second extra time period, but his deflected strike was palmed off the line by Anarbekov with Colby Donovan pouncing on a loose ball and pulled back for Nygren, but the Swede’s close-range strike was stopped again by home keeper. Kairat Almtay held their nerve in the resultant penalty shootout, scoring four of their five to progress to the Champions League. Anarbekov was the hero once again, saving from McCowan and Idah as Celtic’s two lacklustre displays see them head for the Europa League for the first time in four seasons. PLAYER RATINGS Kairat: Anarbekov 9 Luis Mata 7 Jorginho 8 Martynovich 8 Arad 7 D Glazer 7 Tapalov 8 Mrynskiy 8 Gromyko 8 Sorokin 7 Ricardinho 8 Celtic: Schmeichel 6 Ralston 5 Carter-Vickers 6 Scales 6 Tierney 6 McGregor 5 Hatate 5 Nygren 6 Forrest 6 Maeda 5 Yang 5

Hearts stun Motherwell with three-goal fightback

Hearts 3 – 3 Motherwell Substitute hero Claudio Braga scored two second-half goals as Hearts drew with Motherwell in a sizzling six goal thriller Derek McInnes made three changes from last Saturday’s defeat to St Mirren, looking to build on their unbeaten home start. Motherwell made one change from last weekend’s dramatic extra-time League Cup victory over St Johnstone, Kofi Balmer replacing Ibrahim Said. A sold-out Tynecastle endured a quiet opening 15 minutes. Pierre Landry Kabore came closest for the hosts, cutting in from the right but dragging wide. The visitors took the lead in the 20th minute. A corner kick routine saw the Elliot Watt set up Callum Slattery on the edge of the box, his strike took a wicked deflection, wrong-footing Zander Clark, and sending the sold-out away allocation into frenzy. Slattery had scored the winning goal for Motherwell during their last Tynecastle victory, a positive sign for the away team. Hearts looked to hit back through Stuart Findlay, who met Harry Milne’s back-post cross, but the header lacked power. Derek McInnes’ side had enjoyed an unbeaten start at Tynecastle, but a lack of end product was frustrating the home faithful. 📺 WATCH NOW: Derek McInnes’ post match press conference Jens Berthel Askou’s team were growing into the team, their midfield trio of Elijah Just, Watt, and Slattery were picking up effective spaces, and creating positive openings. Their next chance came just after the half-hour mark. Tawanda Maswanhise’s inswinging cross was powered towards goal by Apostolos Stamatelopoulos. Zander Clark did well to tip away from his bottom corner. The homeside created an opening on the stroke of halftime. Lawrence Shankland found Kabore in the box, but Calum Ward palmed away his directed strike. The halftime whistle blew to a chorus of boos, and Derek McInnes’ men had plenty of work to do to maintain their unbeaten home record. Askou applauded his side’s efforts for much of the first half; a similar second half would secure their first league victory of the season. Motherwell doubled their lead minutes into the second half. Just found Maswanhise on the edge of the box, who unleashed a low strike past the outstretched Clark. An excellent finish, but created superbly by Just Hearts looked to respond instantly, but Claudio Braga’s low cross had no takers across the six-yard box. 📺 WATCH NOW: Well boss Jens Berthel Askou talks to the media at Tynecastle post game The away side continued to pose a threat and added a third in the 62nd minute when Just beat the offside trap to split the Jambos’ backline open. He unselfishly set up Emmanuel Longelo, who fired into the open net from close range. Some of the Hearts faithful had seen enough, opting for an early exit. However, Milne’s arrowing left-foot strike offered some hope to those who stayed. Braga scored Hearts’ second in the 72nd minute; his low strike was deemed to be onside after a lengthy VAR check. Hearts miraculously equalised in the 83rd minute. Harry Milne unleashed another powerful strike, which Ward palmed into the path of Braga, who needed no invitation to slam home from close range to set up a dramatic last seven minutes. Both teams traded blows as the game reached its climax. Braga came the closest to winning the game in the third minute of additional time, but his strike came agonisingly off the post. Six goals, plenty of drama, and a sensational advert for Scottish football. PLAYER RATINGS Hearts: Clark 5 Steinwender 5 Halkett 6 Findlay 5 Milne 6 Kabore 5 McEntee 5 Devlin 6 Forrest 6 Shankland 6 Wilson 5 Subs: Braga 7* Baningime 7* Spittal 5 Kent 5 Kyziridis 5 Motherwell: Ward 6 O’Donnell 6 McGinn 6 Balmer 6 Longelo 6 Fadinger 7 Watt 7 Slattery 8* Maswanhise 7 Just 8* Stamatelopoulos 6 Subs: Said 5 Hendry 5 Osong 5 Halliday

Sokler Header Leaves European Play-off in the Balance for Aberdeen

Aberdeen 2 – 2 FCSB Polvara (61′) Sokler (89′)   Birligea (32′) Olaru (46′) Aberdeen came from 2-0 down to draw their Europa League first leg against the 10 men of FCSB. Aberdeen enjoyed a comfortable League Cup Victory against Morton on Saturday, and started brightly. Alexander Jensen found space on the right within the opening minutes, but his cross was flicked away before reaching Kusini Yengi in the box. Nicolas Milanovic and Adil Aouchiche have settled well at Pittodrie and linked well on the edge of the box. Milanovic’s resultant strike was blocked, a common theme for Aberdeen’s attacking efforts. For the first 25 minutes, Aberdeen dominated possession and territory, but struggled to translate their control into clear chances. Despite their domestic pedigree, FCSB seemed content to absorb pressure, slowing the game down at every opportunity. Their patience paid off in the 32nd minute when they scored against the run of play. Goalkeeper Stefan Tarnovanu’s long ball found David Miculescu, who released the star man, Daniel Birligea. The forward finished coolly past goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov, giving the visitors a surprising lead. The goal was a blow to Jimmy Thelin’s squad after an encouraging start. The home crowd’s frustrations were further compounded by FCSB’s decision to celebrate as a team rather than quickly returning to the centre circle. Just as FCSB looked to grow into the game, Juri Cisotti was shown a straight red card for a rash challenge on Milanovic. While the tackle was certainly worthy of a booking, the decision felt harsh, reducing the Romanian side to ten men. Aberdeen attempted to capitalise on their numerical advantage, but continued to lack a cutting edge. Palaversa had a golden opportunity after latching onto a loose ball in the box, but his low shot was saved comfortably. On the left, Topi Keskinen, who had a quiet first half, finally found space to maraud forward, but his cross couldn’t find a teammate. The first half ended with a familiar story for the Dons – plenty of effort but no reward. Things went from bad to worse just seconds into the 2nd half. Miscommunication from Gavin Molloy and Mats Knoester allowed Birligea space to bear down on goal. FCSB’s number 9 turned from scorer to provider, sliding the ball across the goal for Darius Olaru to tap home. Deflation for Aberdeen, who had made three positive changes at halftime. Bucharest almost added to their lead moments later, but Mitov was alert to tip Miculescu’s fierce volley past the post. The Romanians may have been a man down, but they relished the prospect of enduring 45 minutes with a man spare. Aberdeen regained their composure and forced themselves back into the game after 61 minutes. Substitute Dante Polvara spun in the box and unleashed a powerful strike off the post and past Tarnovanu. The introduction of Polvara and Graeme Shinnie injected energy into the home side’s play. Polvara delivered a teasing cross for Ester Sokler moments later, who directed his header past the left-hand post. Sokler had another opening on 72 minutes, Palaversa’s flick on dropped to the Slovenian in the box, but his strike lacked conviction and trickled into the goalkeeper’s grasp. Aberdeen carved out another opening as the game entered the final five minutes. Palaversa’s incisive pass to Jensen was cut back for Keskinen, the Finnish winger’ strike was blocked by the solid Romanian backline. The home side levelled the tie in the 88th minute, Keskinen’s outswinging cross was met by the substitute striker, who made no mistake to head past Tarnovanu. The equaliser warranted Aberdeen’s persistent pressure in the 2nd half, grinding down a persistent and sturdy defence. While they could not force home the winning goal, a spirited comeback leaves the tie in the balance as Aberdeen head to Bucharest next Thursday. Aberdeen: Mitov, Jensen, Dorrington (Knoester 46’) Milne, Molloy (Shinnie 59’), Palaversa, Heltne Nilsen (Clarkston 46’), Milanovic (Polvara 58’), Aouchiche, Keskinen, Yengi (Sokler 46’) Bookings: Milanovic 22’ Palaversa 75’ FCSB: Tarnovanu, Cretu, Graovac, M Popescu, Pantea, Sut (Lixandru 72’), Chiriches (Edjouma 46’), Miculescu, F Tanase (Olaru 46’), Cisotti, Birligea. Bookings: Tanase 12’ Crete 39’ Cisotti (Sent Off 38’)

Ruthless Brugge Stun Rangers in Champions League Play-off

Rangers 1 – 3 Club Brugge Danilo (50′)                     Vermant (3′) Spileers (7′) Mechele (20′) A ruthless first-half display saw Club Brugge take a huge step towards back-to-back Champions League Qualification against Rangers. Russell Martin made seven changes from Saturday’s 4-2 League Cup victory over Alloa Athletic, including a debut for Brentford loanee Jayden Meghoma. But it was the visitors who enjoyed a dream start after just three minutes as a hopeful forward ball was misjudged by Nasser Djiga, allowing Romeo Vermant to latch on and burst clean through. Bearing down on Jack Butland, he delivered a clever, chipped finish that silenced the home crowd at Ibrox. The lead was doubled shortly after when Christos Tzolis delivered a floated corner for the unmarked Jorne Spileers. The Belgian defender had the freedom of Ibrox to side-foot past Butland. The nightmare for Russell Martin’s side continued after losing a third goal in the 20th minute. Brandon Mechele stepped onto a loose ball on the edge of the box and fired a low, rasping strike past Butland. The disastrous opening period saw some home fans opting for an early exit. Chances for Rangers were few and far between throughout the first half. Joe Rothwell’s free-kick kissed the post, and a dragged shot from Djeidi Gassama was the closest the hosts came to putting a dent in the away side’s lead. Carlos Forbs almost added a fourth close to halftime, but his strike from the edge of the box was tipped wide by a strong Butland hand. The half time whistle brought a chorus of boos, marking an extraordinary first half. The Belgian giants had showcased a ruthless attacking display, leaving the home side with a mountain to climb. Rangers reacted well after the break scoring five minutes into the second half. Gassama and Meghoma linked well on the left, and the latter whipped a dangerous low cross into the path of Danilo, who made no mistake with a close-range finish. Having been the sole bright spot in a dismal first half, Gassama continued to be a constant threat for the home side. He carved out another opportunity for himself, firing a right-footed strike from the edge of the box that whistled just past Simon Mignolet’s post. Despite Rangers’ improved performance, Brugge still looked dangerous on the counter. Aleksandar Stankovic found too much space in a forward area, and only a last-ditch challenge from John Souttar prevented Nicolo Tresoldi from getting an easy tap-in. Shortly after, Butland did well to smother another jabbed strike from Tresoldi. The home side thought they had a second goal on the 80th minute when Gassama poked home from close range. However, the celebrations were cut short as the goal was disallowed, with the referee ruling that Mignolet had full control of the ball prior to the winger’s touch, ending a miserable night in Govan for Martin’s men. Rangers: Butland, Aarons, Souttar, Djiga, Meghoma (Tavernier 70’), Diomande (Aasgaard 61’), Raskin, Rothwell (Cameron 86’) Antman (Moore 70’) Gassama, Danilo (Igamane 61’) Bookings: Souttar 74’ Aarons 75’ Aasgaard 90+2’ Club Brugge: Mignolet, Sabbe (Meijer 73’) Spileers, Mechele, Seys, Onyedika (Diakhon 89’) Forbs (Vetlesen 73’) Tzolis, Stankovic (Reis 85’) Vanaken, Vermant (Tresoldi 46’) Bookings: Sabbe 52’

Kilmarnock Progress to League Cup Quarters Against Injury-Stricken Dundee United

Kilmarnock 2-1 Dundee United Dackers (6′) Lyons (69′)       Stirton (25′) A goal in each half was enough for Kilmarnock to beat Dundee United in the Premier Sports Cup 2nd Round. Kilmarnock got off to the best possible start after six minutes. Marcus Dackers latched on to a through ball and coolly dispatched past Yevhen Kucherenko to open the scoring. Dundee United endured an agonising penalty shootout defeat to Rapid Vienna in the Conference League 3rd round three days ago. Jim Goodwin’s side have struggled with persistent injuries, and this continued with Owen Stirton replacing Max Watters after just 17 minutes. Stirten proved to be a worthy substitute soon after, he found space and finished past Max Stryjek in the Kilmarnock goal to equalise for the away side. Stuart Kettlewell’s team delivered the decisive blow in the 68th minute. Brad Lyons connected with Lewis Mayo’s knockdown to volley under Kuckerenko and restore his side’s lead. Kilmarnock’s victory means they will welcome St Mirren to BBSP Rugby Park in the quarter final. The game is scheduled to take place on the weekend of September 20th-21st. Dundee United return to league action in two weeks’ time, making the short journey to Dens Park for the opening Dundee derby of the season. Kilmarnock: Stryjek, Brandon, Mayo, Schilte-Brown, Deas, Brannan, Polworth, Lyons, Watson, Daniels, Dackers Dundee United: Kucherenko, Esselink, Iovu, Sevelj, Ferry, Sibbald, Fatah, Dolcek, Stephenson, Keresztes, Watters