“He watches forensically” – McInnes conversing with football icon amidst title challenge

Derek McInnes reveals conversations with Sir Alex Ferguson have provided “great pointers”, as Hearts prepare for another seismic Scottish Premiership clash at Ibrox. In an interview with the BBC, McInnes advised that Ferguson had contacted him in the lead up to the Edinburgh Derby. “He was on the phone on my way into the game, and he’s got great pointers, little nuggets of information. “He’s able to give you wee things you can maybe do and say, like how you deal with the press.” “He knows all my players. He talks as though he knows them intimately and I tell my players that, and they still can’t believe that he actually knows our game inside out,” adds McInnes. “He watches forensically. So I feel as if I’ve got a real supporter there.” McInnes will be aided by returning centre-back Craig Halkett, who missed Tuesday’s Edinburgh Derby through suspension. The defender accepts that his team may be in uncharted territory, but relishes the title challenge. “I’ve watched Scottish football all my life, and in my lifetime, certainly, it’s unusual for Hearts to be in this position at this time of the year. “I think the fact that the majority of the boys in the changing room haven’t been in this position before is a good thing. “We don’t have any past experience to fall back on or any worries about being in this position. We’ve not done it. Everyone’s just going with the flow and just doing the best that we can every single week. “I think it’s obviously a good thing that world football are looking at Hearts and seeing Hearts’ name out there and making the club known all across the world. That’s only a good thing. Holding position at the summit of the Scottish Premiership for 20 weeks may bring pressure, but Halkett insists his teammates aren’t feeling the pressure of their sensational season. “All the boys are buzzing coming in every day. We’ve been top of the league for a while now but I don’t think anyone’s really thinking or starting to worry that if we don’t win this game or we win that game, where are we going to be? “Personally, I’m not feeling too much pressure. It’s just the pressure to go and win the game at the weekend and then see where it takes us. “It’s been such a great season, you’re just so glad to be involved in it.” Hearts travel to Ibrox on Sunday afternoon, a victory would move the Jambos eight clear at the top of the league, potentially delivering the knockout blow for Rangers’ title credentials.

Falkirk 2-3 Dundee Utd: Visitors battle to crucial three points after late winner

Falkirk 2-3 Dundee Utd Broggio (17′) Lissah (53′)  Graham (25′)  Sibbald (55′)  Eskesen (83′) Dundee United came from behind twice to edge a five-goal thriller at the Falkirk Stadium, sneaking closer to a top six berth. Falkirk, fresh from their narrow home victory over Dundee, dominated possession in the first 10 minutes. But it was the visitors who created the earliest chances. Ross Graham headed over the game’s first effort, after Scott Bain tipped over the Scotsman’s back-post header from a whipped Kristijan Trapanovski free kick. Craig Sibbald flashed wide from the edge of the box from the resultant corner Avoiding defeat felt paramount for Jim Goodwin’s men, who have drifted from the top six pack. Liam Henderson cleared Ryan Strain’s dangerous low cross in the 15th minute as they continued to build into the game. Falkirk burst into life after 17 minutes. Ben Broggio’s first-time strike found the bottom left corner from the edge of the box after neat interplay. The Aston Villa loanee had enjoyed a positive start to his Scottish spell, registering his second goal in two starts for the Bairns. Just when the hosts looked set to seize control, United responded. Bain’s attempted punch fell kindly into the path of Graham, who had the simple task of rolling into an empty net in the 25th minute. The goalie would have been frustrated with his efforts, a gift for the visitors. Neilson’s header cannoned off the crossbar from behind after Miller’s inswinging free-kick shortly after, but as the halftime whistle blew, Goodwin would have been the happier manager. The hosts started positively in the second half and deservedly retook the lead. Leon McCann’s wicked left-footed cross to the back post was volleyed home by Filip Lissah in the 53rd minute. However, United would hit back instantly. Former Bairn Craig Sibbald stroked home a composed left-footed strike from the edge of the box to claw Goodwin’s men level. The sides’ previous encounter at the Falkirk Stadium served up a cracker, and today’s meeting delivered in a similar, frantic fashion. Lissah has become a standout for McGlynn’s side, and the Swansea loanee was a constant threat for the hosts. He marauded down the Falkirk right after dispossessing Zac Sapsford. A powerful strike from the edge of the box was brilliantly tipped over by Ashley Maynard-Brewer. Ryan Lee reduced Falkirk to ten men after Henderson hauled Max Watters to the floor. After consulting the VAR monitor, the defender’s yellow was upgraded to red, with Henderson the last man. Despite the disadvantage, the match remained even. Graham blazed over from close range after a Will Ferry corner in the 76th minute as United searched for the crucial third. United took the lead for the first time to break Falkirk hearts. Ferry flicked on Ryan Strain’s right-sided cross, which dropped kindly into the path of substitute Julius Eskesen. The Dane took one touch and smashed a right-footed strike across Bain, sending the away allocation behind the goal into frenzy. Falkirk battled till the final whistle to no avail as Goodwin’s men secured a priceless three points. They edge closer to the top six, ahead of a congested fixture schedule in the league, and Scottish Cup. Falkirk: Bain 4 Lissah 8 Neilson 6 Henderson 6 McCann 7 Spencer 6 Broggio 7 Tait 6 Miller 6 Marsh 7 Stewart 7 Substitutes: Wilson 6 Cartwright 6 Donaldson 6 Graham 3 Ross 3 Dundee United: Maynard-Brewer 6 Farrugia 6 Graham 7 Keresztes 7 Strain 6 Stephenson 5 Sibbald 6 Iovu 7 Sapsford 6 Trapanovski 7 Ferry 6 Substitutes: Watters 6 Sevelj 5 Eskesen 4 Dolcek 4

Title Deciders, Interims, and Champions League Winners: SPFL Breakdown Round 27

Another crucial weekend of Scottish Premiership football awaits. Ahead of the latest round, these are the main things to keep note of. Game of the Round – Rangers v Hearts Sunday’s showdown between the top two is set to have massive implications as the title race enters the home stretch. With Hearts currently holding a five-point lead over Rangers, a victory would stretch that gap to eight, marking only their second win at Ibrox since 2014. Derek McInnes’ side has occupied the top spot for nearly 20 weeks, and after Tomas Magnusson’s late Edinburgh Derby winner sparked further delirium in Gorgie, the Jambos continue to defy the odds. While Ibrox remains a daunting task for any visitor, a perfect record of five wins from five against the Old Firm this season means McInnes’ men will head west with the bit between their teeth. In the opposite dugout, Danny Rohl has significantly raised expectations since inheriting a Rangers side that trailed the leaders by 13 points. However, after hauling themselves back into contention with a nine-match unbeaten run, disjointed performances at Fir Park and Easter Road have left the Ibrox faithful questioning their title credentials. Rohl has conceded that Sunday’s meeting is “massive,” a result that could make or break their domestic season. For McInnes, the goal is simple, deliver a heavyweight blow that could finally knock Rangers out of the title race for good. Team Spotlight: Aberdeen Aberdeen have now spent 40 days in managerial limbo following Jimmy Thelin’s dismissal. With former assistant Tony Docherty arriving to bolster Peter Leven’s backroom staff, the Dons appear content to wait until the summer before confirming a permanent appointment. However, that patience is being tested on the pitch. Following consecutive postponements against Motherwell and Dundee United, Leven’s side has had a long two weeks to stew on their dismal 3-0 defeat at Rugby Park. Those cancellations, combined with Falkirk’s flying form, have left Aberdeen drifting, now 11 points adrift of the coveted top six. While Sunday’s trip to Fir Park looks daunting, time is rapidly running out to salvage their season. Before they resume their Scottish Cup defence next week, the question is, can Leven and Docherty galvanise this struggling squad and spark a late-season revival? Player to Watch: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain As Celtic toiled toward a disappointing draw against Livingston on Wednesday, Martin O’Neill scanned his bench for a spark of quality. He found it in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the former Champions League winner appeared to be the perfect option to break the deadlock. With Rangers leading against Motherwell, Celtic’s grip on the top two looked fragile. However, the former Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder wasted little time etching his name into Parkhead folklore. Picking up the ball on the edge of the area, he opened his body and whipped a devastating low strike past a rooted Jerome Prior, securing a vital three points and instant hero status. In such a tight title race, January reinforcements were always going to be the deciding factor for the frontrunners. While he may still be chasing match fitness and sharpness, Oxlade-Chamberlain could provide the catalyst Celtic need as they chase a fifth consecutive trophy. Next up, the champions face a revitalised Kilmarnock side. Having recently laboured to a narrow victory over Auchinleck Talbot on that same pitch, Celtic can expect a testing encounter. Whether starting or offering experience off the bench, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s ability to produce moments of individual brilliance could be the key cog that keeps this title challenge on track.

Askou Cites “Cynical” Rangers Performance in Fir Park draw

Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou was disappointed at Rangers’ approach during Wednesday’s dramatic draw, believing the Gers’ “cynical” performance was a “shame for the game”. Speaking to Sky Sports at full-time, Askou reckons his side “dominated the game in so many ways”. “I thought our intensity and speed of play was outstanding and it caused a tonne of problems for Rangers out there. They had to [concede] one free-kick after another to stop us. “I was surprised that they didn’t get more yellow cards in the first half and I don’t think it’s good enough. “It’s an absolutely top game, probably the best game you can get in Scottish football right now, and you get to play that cynical? “I think it’s a shame for the game, that’s the reason why there weren’t more goals in the game. “We didn’t let frustration take over, we stuck in it and adjusted a few things at half-time and knew there would be chances in the second half.” While Askou agreed with Lukas Fadinger’s second half dismissal, the Dane didn’t see a huge difference between that challenge and some on his own team. “Lukas gets sent off and it’s our first red card.” Askou added. “The intensity of the tackle was not worse than many of the other tackles we received. “He’s just a little bit unlucky that he catches him five inches off the ground.” Celtic loanee Stephen Welsh scored a crucial late equaliser to haunt Rangers; the draw preserves Motherwell’s long-standing home record, dating back to mid-October. Pushing for the title may be a bridge too far, but Askou’s side will have a major say in which of the top three side’s take home the title.

Motherwell 1-1 Rangers: Celtic loanee haunts Gers with late equaliser

Motherwell 1-1 Rangers Raskin (6′)  Welsh (89′) Stephen Welsh dented Rangers’ title charge with a deserved point at Fir Park, leaving Danny Rohl’s side five points behind leaders Hearts in the pulsating title race. Motherwell went close in the opening four minutes after Stephen O’Donnell’s cross found Emmanuel Longelo at the back post. The Englishman drilled past Jack Butland in August, but the goalkeeper parried his powerful strike from the left edge of the penalty box on this occasion. Rangers opened the scoring moments later. The hosts afforded Mohamed Diomande acres of space to drive towards Calum Ward’s goal. The midfielder’s cute pass split the Motherwell defence, allowing the onrushing Nico Raskin to sidefoot home from the penalty box. It was the dream start for Danny Rohl’s men, considering this was the first goal the hosts had conceded at Fir Park since mid-October. Jens Berthel Askou would have been disappointed with the cheapness of Rangers’ opener, but his side continued to settle. Despite enjoying large periods of possession in the opening 20 minutes, Elijah Just’s routine free kick was the only other test for Butland. Premiership top-goalscorer Tawanda Maswanhise has impressed throughout Motherwell’s standout season. He went close to equalising in the 27th minute, but after latching on to O’Donnell’s defence-splitting ball, his strike cannoned off the woodwork from a tight angle. Raskin produced a brilliant goal-line header to deny Stephen Welsh soon after, as the hosts continued to threaten. Rangers may have held the lead, but Askou’s side looked likely to find the equaliser. Youssef Chermiti had a golden chance to double Rangers’ advantage near the break. Welsh’s misjudged header found its way to the striker in the box, but he showed little composure with his slashed effort. January signing Ryan Naderi, sitting on the bench, may have fancied his chances. Chances were rare for both sides in the opening twenty minutes of the second period, as Rangers stemmed the home side’s dominance in the second half.  Just stung the palms of Butland in the 66th minute as they looked to force a crucial equaliser. Motherwell’s task got harder after Stephen McLean gave Lukas Fadinger his marching orders. The midfielder’s lunge caught the calf of Mikey Moore, and after reviewing the VAR monitor, the referee rightly sent the Austrian off. Eythor Bjørgolfsson’s close-range header forced Butland into a save, but Motherwell forced an equaliser courtesy of their Celtic loanee moments later. Rangers’ lead evaporated in the 89th minute when Bjørgolfsson’s cushioned header found Welsh, who clinically fired home from inside the area. It was a hauntingly familiar scene for the visitors; having conceded a late leveller at Fir Park back in August, they were forced to endure the same late-game heartbreak all over again. Neither side could find a winner in the closing minutes, as Stephen McLean called a halt to proceedings on a remarkable night. The draw leaves Rangers five points behind Hearts before Sunday’s meeting with the league leaders at Ibrox. Motherwell remain fourth, and host Aberdeen this weekend. Motherwell: Ward 7 O’Donnell 7 McGinn 7 Welsh 8 Longelo 7 Fadinger 5 Watt 6 Slattery 6 Just 6 Said 6 Maswanhise 7 Substitutes: Priestman 6 Bjorgolfsson 5 Sparrow 5 Charles-Cook 3 Nicholson 3 Rangers: Butland 7 Tavernier 6 Souttar 7 Djiga 6 Meghoma 6 Chukwuani 6 Raskin 7 Diomande 6 Gassama 6 Moore 7 Chermiti 6 Substitutes: Naderi 6 Fernandez 4 Aasgaard 3 Miovski 3 Sterling 3

“Tynecastle was a beautiful sight” – McInnes Revels in Derby Delight

Hearts boss Derek McInnes highlighted his side’s “desire” as they delivered another late derby victory at Tynecastle over fierce rivals Hibernian. Tomas Magnusson connected with Harry Milne’s driven cross to sidefoot Hearts into a six-point lead at the summit of the Scottish Premiership. The manager believes it was another “brilliant moment” for the Jambos. “On a tight pitch with a greasy surface, players need to concentrate on that first touch and I thought the game was so scrappy at times. “Both teams played the derby in the manner it should be played but you’re looking for bits of quality, bits of calmness. You’re waiting for the game to settle and it didn’t for the full game. “Hibs caused us more anxiety in the first half. When we went full press, they had more of a threat at the top end. They had a couple scary moments, the long throws were causing us an issue. Their best chances came from that type of football.” McInnes admitted that Hibs were slightly better in the first period, but pointed to a second half switch which helped alter proceedings. “We changed the shape, put two wingers at wing back and went to a back three and allowed a wee bit more calmness with our work. It nullified their threat better and gave us more of a foothold. “We recognise we can play a lot better and there’s games coming up where we need to play a lot better. Derby games aren’t always about the best team, the best players, the best passages of play. It’s about way more than that, what’s under the bonnet. “What we’ve got in abundance is a desire to make the game go our way. Harry Milne’s desire to get the ball to the byeline, Tomas Magnusson’s desire to get on the end of it. That’s what I’m talking about. “For all it was scrappy and untidy, that’s the way derbies are. There have been a million of them are. Without the experience we’ve got missing in the team, a lot of our boys were playing that type of game for the first time. “I always feel we’ve got a goal in us. It’s very rarely we don’t score. What a brilliant moment for us. Tynecastle was such a beautiful sight.” After bouncing back from a dismal defeat in Paisley last Tuesday, the Jambos head to Ibrox next. As momentum continues to build within the maroon side of Edinburgh, the question remains, how far can McInnes’ team go this season.

Derbies, Clean Sheets, and Wonderkids: SPFL Breakdown Round 26

With key games at the top and the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, these are the main things to watch out for across the latest round fixtures. Game of the Round – Motherwell v Rangers The focus may be on Tynecastle for the third Edinburgh Derby of the season, but Wednesday’s showdown between Motherwell and Rangers is an equally enticing prospect. Jens Berthel Askou has transformed the Steelmen this campaign, and their outstanding home form has been central to that resurgence. With just one defeat at Fir Park, eight consecutive home clean sheets, and only five goals conceded on their own ground, it’s clear why Danny Rohl’s Rangers must approach this fixture with caution. Rangers, alongside Hearts and Celtic, have shaped much of the title conversation this season. While Motherwell may struggle to keep pace with the top three over the long haul, Askou’s revitalised side remain difficult to dismiss. Rohl’s men arrive in formidable form, unbeaten in eight league matches and buoyed by 13 goals across their last two outings. The contrast between the current Rangers side and the one that laboured to a 1–1 draw at Fir Park under Russell Martin in August highlights the significant impact the German has made at Ibrox. Whether Motherwell can extend their remarkable home run, or Rangers continue their push toward the top of the Premiership, Wednesday night promises a gripping encounter. Team Spotlight – Hearts Derek McInnes’ side may have stumbled to a disappointing 1–0 defeat in Paisley last Tuesday, but derbies are often the perfect platform to reset and respond. With a table-topping showdown against Rangers looming on Sunday, McInnes will be desperate for his players to maintain their slender three‑point lead at the summit by overcoming their bitter Edinburgh rivals. Questions remain, however, over the Gorgie side’s discipline and depth. Hearts have received a red card in three of their last four matches, and they will once again be without key figures: Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin, and the suspended Craig Halkett. Yet McInnes has instilled remarkable resilience in this group. They have led the title race for more than four months, remain unbeaten at home in the league, and have gone five matches without defeat against the Old Firm. Can they continue to channel this toughness once more on Tuesday, and keep their title push firmly on track ahead of a pivotal week? Player to Watch – Cameron Congreve The Dundee winger has repeatedly injected life into his side this season, contributing six assists and posing a constant threat, most recently during their gut‑wrenching League Cup defeat at Parkhead. Despite sitting 10th, Steven Pressley’s men have grown steadily in confidence, and with a game in hand over the two sides below them, their prospects of survival remain strong. As the campaign enters its decisive phase, the Swansea loanee is set to play a crucial role in Dundee’s fortunes. With key fixtures against Falkirk, Aberdeen, and Livingston on the horizon, his attacking influence will be pivotal in navigating the remaining five months of the season.

Askou praises “defensive platform” ahead of Rangers clash

Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou believes his side’s balance is a key component to their defensive stability this season in the Scottish Premiership. Speaking ahead of their home clash with Rangers on Wednesday evening, Askou was full of praise for his “disciplined” side. “First of all, as long as we have the ball, it’s difficult for the opposition to score unless we put it in the back of the net ourselves, which we haven’t done,” “The other thing is, if we have the ball a lot, they spend a lot of energy on chasing it and defending against us. If we then pose a threat at the same time, then they spend even more energy on trying to make sure we don’t create chances and score goals. “The lift in our attacking side of the game has made the opposition spend even more energy. And sometimes, they change things up from what they usually do, both in terms of approach but also formation, which makes it more difficult to perform at their best.” With high praise for his side’s attack and defence, the Dane pointed out goalkeeper Calum Ward, who continues to enhance his game behind the forward flair. “We’ve also got a goalie who’s just gotten better and better, showing a really high level with his passing under pressure from day one,” Askou said. “He’s also improved fantastically with his normal goalkeeping skills in terms of stopping the opposition from scoring, making saves, and getting out of the box.” “It’s about balance between having the ball, being good in attack and then being defensively solid, aggressive, intense, well-structured, disciplined at the same time. “That is something we have been working on every day since we started, and it’s given us a very stable defensive platform, especially here.” The statistics behind the Steelmen’s rise highlight Askou’s imprint on this galvanised squad, holding the most Premiership clean sheets in the league with 13, and conceding just 5 goals at Fir Park all season. Their home dominance is amplified considering Falkirk were the last visiting team to score a goal against them, on October 18th 2025. That match against the Bairns was also the only home defeat of the season. The likes of Celtic, Hibs, Dundee United, and Aberdeen have all failed to pick up points at Fir Park. December’s 2-0 over Nancy’s Celtic caught the attention of the entire country, as Askou’s men bullied and toyed with the dismal visiting side. It remains to be seen how far this reinvigorated team can go, but with top goalscorer Tawanda Maswanhise still in the ranks, and defensive stalwart Stephen Welsh returning on loan, the remaining five months of the season could yet turn out memorable at Motherwell. They remain in the Scottish Cup mix, and their red-hot domestic form may encourage fans to dream of lifting silverware for the first time since 1991.

Ibrox Rematch, Top Goalscorers, and Local Rivals: Scottish Cup 5th Round Breakdown

Sixteen teams remain in the Scottish Cup; here are the main points to watch out for this weekend. Game of the Round – Stenhousemuir v Falkirk Stenhousemuir face Falkirk on Sunday evening in a compelling meeting between two in‑form sides. Stenhousemuir sit joint‑top of League One and have lost only once in their last nine league matches, strengthened by their emphatic four‑goal win over Morton in the previous round that secured their place in the last 16. Matthew Aitken remains a key threat, having scored seven league goals, including a decisive double against Morton. The Ochilview outfit even lifted their first league title under Gary Naysmith’s guidance. Falkirk enter the fixture enjoying an equally impressive season. In their first top‑flight campaign in 15 years, they have established themselves comfortably in the top six and earned praise for their expansive style of play. Their penalty shootout victory over league leaders Hearts in the last round further highlighted their progress. Both teams approach the match with confidence, setting the stage for either a potential upset or another step forward for the Premiership side. Team Spotlight – Queens Park Scottish football is never short of drama, and Queen’s Park’s 4th Round journey delivered a similar shock. Stranraer originally thought they’d struck gold, defeating the Spiders on penalties to secure a massive 5th Round tie at Ibrox. However, the celebrations were short-lived; it emerged that stand-in keeper Lyndon Tas was ineligible, resulting in Stranraer’s disqualification. Now, Queen’s Park head to Ibrox for a 5th round rematch. Rangers fans may be nervous, and for good reason. Just 12 months ago, Philippe Clement’s side put in an abject performance as Seb Drozd’s 69th-minute winner etched his name into Scottish Cup folklore. Can the Spiders capitalise on this second chance and deliver another historic upset? Player to Watch – Tawanda Maswanhise Motherwell continue to fly under Jens Berthel Askou, sitting pretty in 4th and playing arguably the most attractive football in the country. With the Steelmen in peak form, fans are starting to dream of a first Scottish Cup triumph since 1991. Standing in their way of the quarter-finals is a managerless Aberdeen side. Askou has already tasted success against the Dons this season, knocking them out of the League Cup, and he’ll be leaning on the league’s top marksman to do it again. Tawanda Maswanhise is coming off a clinical brace against Livingston, and Saturday night under the lights is the perfect stage for the Zimbabwean to cement further his status as the league’s most dangerous man.

I think it flatters Rangers – Neil McCann on Ibrox Defeat

Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann has “zero criticism” from his side’s 5-1 defeat to Rangers, after battling for 86 minutes with a man down at Ibrox. Dom Thompson’s early red card was compounded by James Tavernier’s clinical penalty, presenting the Ayrshire side with a mountain to climb. Despite the setbacks, McCann believes his team were the “better side” in the first half. ‘I’m so disappointed, we lost a man so early in the match, and I’ve got my thoughts on that, but you have to suck it up.’ ‘You have to continue to trust the players and what the game plan is, your game plan is sort of up in the smokes, and we’re a man down.’ ‘The instruction wasn’t any different, in terms of, we still wanted them to be brave, we still wanted them to get into the game, we still wanted them to pass, and be everything we want them to be moving forward.’ ‘I felt that we were the better side in the first half, and then it is just natural that we gassed in the second half, then you succumb to what looks like a heavy defeat.’ McCann believed Tavernier should have been dismissed in the second period, after colliding with striker Tyrece John-Jules. ‘I think that should be evened up in the second period, there is clear contact on our striker John-Jules, it’s James Tavernier who is just caught on the opposite side, and when he turns, there’s complete contact, on a player that is on the turn, and he falls over.’ ‘There’s no reason for him to go down, and I’m told that there is not enough contact. I can’t understand that. There’s either contact on a player who is in on goal, or there’s not.’ ‘Not enough contact is not a good enough explanation’ Kilmarnock ended a barren, 17-game winless run on Saturday, after dispatching Aberdeen at BBSP Rugby Park. Sitting six points behind their next opponents, St Mirren, pivotal games await McCann’s side. ‘I’ve got zero criticism of my boys tonight because when you go down to 10 men so early in a match, sometimes it can have an effect, particularly when we were just off that real bad run on Saturday. My goodness, I thought they were brilliant tonight.’