Morton 0-2 St Johnstone: Saints Go Marching On in Greenock
Simo Valakari’s Saints extend their lead at the top with only eight games to play, in the hope of returning to the top flight. It was Greenock Morton who started the stronger, putting the St Johnstone backline under pressure in the opening few minutes of the match. However, in the 9th minute, a nice passage of play from St Johnstone saw Ruari Paton’s rocket effort tipped onto the crossbar by Morton’s Murray Johnson. Morton’s first opportunity of the match came from a set piece, when Fergus Owens’ effort sailed over the crossbar. Shortly after, Grant Gillespie’s ambitious volley effort from outside the box flew high into the stands. Saints’ striker Louis Lloyd found himself in a dangerous area inside Morton’s box. However, his slashed effort was saved easily by Johnson. The pressure was mounting from St Johnstone, when Matty Foulds found himself lurking at the back post; however, his chance was saved well by the Morton stopper. Morton then found themselves in a promising area when Owen Moffat lobbed Saints’ keeper Toby Steward just outside the box, but Jack Baird was covering to clear any home side danger. Morton then found some confidence, Nathan Shaw’s strike inside the box left Toby Steward rooted, but his effort cleared the post marginally. The Saints came flying out after the interval, putting Morton’s defence under serious pressure. Which then found Lloyd one-on-one with Johnson; his low-driven effort hit the post, but to his relief, the offside flag was raised. A mistake from Morton’s Fergus Owens then left Josh McPake one-on-one with Johnson, but an excellent recovery from the Morton defender, combined with brave goalkeeping from Johnson, saw McPake denied. The game then became scrappy, until a nasty foul from Fergus Owens in the 77th minute saw St Johnstone awarded a free-kick in a promising area. That free-kick was tucked away in fine form by Reece McAlear, looping over the wall and finding the bottom right corner of the Morton net. Giving Simo Valakari’s side the lead, which could be all so important for the league standings. St Johnstone finished the match off in style. An amazing run from centre-back Cheick Diabate found Liam Smith in space, which allowed Smith to take his time and find the bottom left corner of Johnson’s goal. This result puts St Johnstone in a great position, now eight points clear at the top, although Partick Thistle have a game in hand to play. For Greenock Morton, they remain in eighth place, but only six points separate fourth and eighth in the league. Greenock Morton: Johnson (7), Comrie (5), Owens (5), Moore (6), Delaney (5), Moffat (6), Wilson (6), Gillespie (5), MacPherson (5), Shaw (5), Garrity (4) Subs: Lyall (3), Longridge (2) St Johnstone: Steward (7), Smith (8), Baird (7), Diabate (7), Foulds (6), McAlear (8), Holt (6), Stanton (7), Paton (7), McPake (6), Lloyd (6) Subs: Agyeman (7), Fotheringham (6), Gullan (5), Fowler (6)
Livingston 2 Rangers 2: Rangers drop points in title race yet again
Rangers had to do it the hard way, as they came behind to gain a point in Livingston, in an enthralling last 20 minutes of the match Rangers started strong, creating numerous chances in the opening five minutes, the best coming from a Tuur Rommens free header which Jerome Prior tipped onto the post. Livingston opened the scoring in the 14th minute from a set-piece, which fell to Brooklyn Kabongolo as he hit a spectacular volley which flew into Jack Butland’s net. Shortly after the opener, Rangers were awarded a free kick in a dangerous area. Which James Tavernier’s effort from just outside the 18-yard box was parried away from Prior. Prior’s save then landed at Emmanuel Fernandez who was unable to sort his feet as his effort flew over the crossbar. The opening goal gave the home side and supporters lots of confidence, as they continued their pressure on the Rangers backline. On the half hour mark, Mikey Moore dribbled past the Livingston midfield with ease and released an effort which again was saved fantastically by Prior. The pressure from Rangers was slowly creeping back, James Tavernier with a strike that didn’t cause much trouble for Prior, but was more of a warning sign for Bartley’s squad. A messy situation in the Livingston box, saw effort after effort blocked away from the hosts, a real fight and desire from The Lions. After the interval, Rangers came out with real intensity. Bojan Miovski saw his tremendous effort tipped over the crossbar from Prior. The Frenchman Prior was active again just moments later, Tuur Rommens’ cross found Nico Raskin just yards from the hosts goal, but was yet again denied. Rangers’ afternoon went from bad to worse, on the 55th minute, Lewis Smith was found free inside the box, and his low driven effort left Butland with no chance. Giving The Lions a 2-0 lead with only 35 minutes to play. Just moments after the second goal of the match, Cristian Montano saw red for denying a goal scoring opportunity. Djeidi Gassama was played in behind the Livingston defence as Montano fouled him from behind gaining none of the ball. The Livingston defence were at it again, Daniel Finlayson somehow denied Ryan Naderi, as the Germans effort was cleared off the line. On the 75th minute, Danny Rohl threw everything at it, but it just didn’t seem to be Rangers’ day, struggling to complete three or four passes in a row, it looked to be a day to forget for Rohl’s side. On the 81st minute, Emmanuel Fernandez found space inside the danger area, which allowed him to fire an effort past Prior, giving Rangers a hope that they can keep their title challenge hopes alive. Rangers found an equaliser late into the match, Mikey Moore’s header from Tavernier’s cross slicked along the surface into Prior’s net, sending the away crowd into a frenzy. Mikey Moore was then one on one with Prior late into the match, when Cammy Kerr came sliding in taking Moore and the ball out. After a long VAR check, referee Ryan Lee cleared any penalty claims. It wasn’t to be for Rangers this afternoon, but credit to Livingston for their guts and desire throughout the full match. For Rangers, it’s a double header with rivals Celtic, as they look to put this one behind them and get back to winning ways. For Marvin Bartley’s Livi, they host St Mirren, in a must win match to keep their survival hopes alive. Prior (8), Kabongolo (8), Smith (7), Wilson (7), Montaño (5), McGowan (7), Tait (7), Finlayson (7), Muirhead (7), Danso (6), Pittman (5), Sub Nouble (5), Kerr (6), Fati (4), Sylla (4), May (3) Butland (4), Tavernier (5), Souttar (4), Fernandez (7), Rommens (7), Chukwuani (5), Raskin (5), Skov Olsen (3), Moore (7), Gassama (4), Chermiti (5) Sub Miovski (3), Naderi (3), Aasgaard (4), Bajrami (5)
SNN Journalist’s Scottish Premiership Predictions
With the Scottish Premiership coming to a crucial point at the top of the table, our team made predictions for who they think will lift the trophy come May League Winners Rhys Livingstone: Rangers This has been the most exciting season in Scotland for as long as I can remember, but I do feel Rangers just have that extra bit about them in comparison to Celtic and Hearts. If Röhl keeps playing two strikers and the Ibrox crowd continue to get behind the team, I feel like that could be the difference maker for the title. However, domestically Celtic keep finding a way, and with the experience of Martin O’ Neill and new arrival Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, you can never disregard the current champions. Craig Baigrie: Rangers It’s a difficult one because there’s strong, genuine arguments for all three. However, Rangers’ performances of late have been stronger than Hearts and Celtic, Hearts are just waiting for Devlin and Shankland to return but I think they might drop too many before then. Then Celtic have really struggled to in recent weeks scraping wins in last minute. Just Martin O’Neill being there makes Celtic stronger but in higher pressure games I fear for them, and they have a packed schedule with Europe and the Cup. Cameron Caldwell: Celtic An unprecedented three‑horse title race will demand experience, and with four consecutive league titles behind them, Celtic may hold a slight edge. Martin O’Neill knows exactly what it takes to win in Scotland, and his January business has already injected fresh energy into the squad. The arrivals of Julian Araujo, Tomas Cvancara, Junior Adamu, and Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain have each contributed to a surge of late goals. There is no question that Celtic still need to improve, but I believe they have the resilience to outlast McInnes’ spirited Hearts side and Danny Röhl’s resurgent Rangers. Liam Smith: Rangers I think Rangers will end up winning the league in this incredible title race as I don’t think Hearts will keep it up and manage to hold on until the end of the season and for Celtic, they haven’t done a great as we may have expected and Rangers are doing quite well to grind out results and have played quite well as of late after their really poor league start as well as getting big wins like they did against Hearts. It’ll be close but I see Rangers just edging it this season. Difference Maker Rhys Livingstone: January Signings I think the January signings on a whole has been a success for Rangers, and although it’s early days, the new boys have shown pieces of their qualities in recent matches. Rangers have spent a good bit of money in January, and it may be a key factor if they go on to win this title. But if I had to pick one player in general, I would choose Ryan Naderi, his presence has already brought positivity to the Rangers squad, and if him and Chermiti continue to play alongside each other, and he can keep finding the net like he done in Germany, it may be a concern for defences in the league. Craig Baigrie: Ryan Naderi I think if Rangers continue to play two strikers that’s what will make the biggest difference but Chermiti and Miovski have shown they can’t be trusted to score every week, Naderi had a good record in Germany if he starts to score like that here, he could be the striker Rangers need. Cameron Caldwell: Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain The Englishman has quickly injected real quality into his early appearances for the Glasgow giants. A last‑minute winner against Livingston, followed by a composed second‑half showing at Rugby Park, suggests that despite his injury‑plagued past, he may yet bring much‑needed calm and control to the Celtic midfield, especially in light of Arne Engels’ recent injury. Liam Smith: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain The former Arsenal and Liverpool man has had a bright start to his time in Glasgow as it does look to be a positive signing as Celtic aim for the title. He brings good amounts of experience from his time down south which will help Celtic in many ways. With Engles’ injury and Reo Hatate not performing to standards expected, he should become a solid player in that Celtic midfield.
Never fall in love with a loan player
They are heroes in the present but not always for the future How vital are loan signings to Scottish clubs? There have been 68 loan signings in the Scottish Premiership so far this season, and a lot of these players have already made serious impacts for their clubs. So, here are some exciting loan prospects from different teams in the league, that may well make a difference as we approach an exciting part of the season. Filip Lissah of Falkirk has been a key part of John McGlynn’s side this year. The on-loan Swansea defender is a key asset for how Falkirk are performing in the league so far, and with talent in both the attacking and defending field, he may well be a main factor if Falkirk get top six this season. Julian Araujo has certainly cemented his place in Martin O’ Neill’s squad for the time being. The Bournemouth loanee showed his quality in Celtic’s recent match against Kilmarnock, scoring a last-minute winner to keep The Hoops deep in the mix of this title race. He has been a key factor of Celtic’s winning run domestically since O’ Neill was reintroduced. Mikey Moore has progressed well under Danny Rohl. Coming to Scotland with huge pressure at such a young age, the Rangers support have been able to see Moore’s quality in recent weeks. Although the numbers do not do much justice for the Spurs loanee, he has shown a real spark in this title-chasing Rangers side in many games. At Fir Park, Stephen Welsh has been immense in Jens Berthel Askou’s side so far this season, and this has been rewarded with the most clean sheets in the league at this moment in time. Returning to Celtic for a brief period in January, Askou and the rest of the Motherwell squad would have been delighted to see Welsh return to Motherwell for the rest of the season. And if he keeps up this brilliant form until the end of the season, he may well end up on that flight to North America for the World Cup come June. Jacob Devaney of St Mirren, who only joined on deadline day, has been a shining light in a challenging time for The Buddies. The Man United loanee has captained the U21 Red Devils on many occasions this year and has already brought that maturity into his spell in Paisley. As the season comes to crunch time, clubs across the country will be looking for some of their star players to shine. And with a lot of loanees in the league, it will be a wonderful opportunity for some of those players to show their quality to both parent and current club.
How the Scottish Premiership UEFA coefficient shapes European places
A close insight on how the UEFA coefficient is calculated and what it means for European qualification A poor season in Europe for Scottish clubs, means damage to the coefficient. From heartbreak in Kazakhstan for Celtic, demolition in Belgium for Rangers and humiliation for Aberdeen in Greece, it’s been a season to forget for Scottish clubs competing in Europe. However, Celtic have a chance to progress further into the Europa League if they manage to win against struggling FC Utrecht on Thursday evening, which will make a slight difference to the coefficient. Together, a total of 4 points have been added to the coefficient for Scotland so far, and with only three wins in total from group stage action and the Europa League campaign coming to an end this has caused problems for the Scottish coefficient. Scotland sit well outside the top 15 and trail Cyprus by 3.893 points, which means a reduced number of teams competing in Europe next season. Champions League qualifiers could possibly turn into Conference League qualifiers for second and if you manage to win the Scottish Cup, four qualifying rounds sit in front of you before group stage football is even mentioned. Financially all together, Scottish sides including Rangers, Celtic, Aberdeen, Hibs and Dundee United have made a total of €37.2 million in earnings, with Rangers and Celtic both earning over €15 million. €40 million was guaranteed for Celtic if they beat Kairat Almaty in August which they failed to do so. But if Rangers go on to win the title under Danny Rohl, they would have a good chance of being guaranteed automatic qualification to the Champions League, but there are a few things that would need to go there way if that was to happen, including Greek giants Olympiacos and Danish side Copenhagen failing to progress domestically and in Europe. As of next season, Rangers will lose a huge portion of their coefficient points (19), which was accumulated with their amazing run in the Europa League which they got to the final in 2022. This will mean Rangers will begin next season with a high percentage chance that automatically qualifying to the Champions League if they win the title in 2026/27 would not be possible due to this season’s shocking run. And if this poor European form continues in Scotland, by season 2027/28 the impact will hit, when the first-place achievement is Champions League qualifying round 2. If this is the case, trying to bring talent into the Scottish League and trying to keep a hold of talent will be very difficult as top players want to play in top European competitions, and if Scottish teams can’t offer that then players will look elsewhere, which could hurt Scottish football.
Danilo linked with Rangers exit as January window nears closing
Rangers have received a bid for Danilo worth €2 million from Champions League side Pafos Danilo’s future at Rangers looks like it could be over as he is heavily linked with a move away from the club. Original interest from Dutch side NEC Nijmegen looks to be overruled, as recent reports suggest that the Brazilian could be on his way to Cyprus. Earlier on this afternoon, Pafos FC submitted a €2 million bid for the Gers striker, as they are interested in Danilo joining the Brazilian superstar, David Luiz. Danilo, who is still contracted at Rangers until 2028, has had a tough time at Ibrox with major injuries being a key factor. And with only three goals to his name in the league and two strikers in front of him in terms of team selection, a move away could offer Danilo the chance to rebuild the confidence that earned him a €6 million move to Ibrox in the summer of 2023. With Danilo’s departure imminent, Rangers are eyeing up his replacement already, German striker Ryan Naderi looks like the one that could be filling Danilo’s shoes. The 22-year-old has 13 goal contributions in 17 matches in the third division of Germany, and is reported to be very eager to join Rohl’s squad who are deep in the race to lift the Scottish Premiership come May.
German Giants RB Leipzig targeting Celtic star Arne Engels in deal worth £11 million
Arne Engels could potentially return to Germany after his big move from Augsburg to Celtic in the summer of 2024 Engels joined Celtic in a deal that was worth a staggering £11 million and is Celtic’s record transfer fee as of today. Leipzig sit fifth in the Bundesliga and are just off the back of a 5-1 defeat to German champions Bayern Munich, however, The Red Bulls are reportedly interested in strengthening their squad and bringing the Belgian international to their side. Engels hasn’t been able to please all supporters in his time in a green and white jersey, and coming to Parkhead being the record signing, supporters expect you to hit the ground running immediately. He has registered 14 goals and 18 assists in his 85 appearances for the club, but some supporters may have expected a little bit more from him so far. With the Scottish Premiership race for the title tight, Martin O’ Neill will understand that keeping a hold of players that can make a difference in this title challenge is vital. However, reports from Germany state that Engels isn’t the only player Leipzig have eyes on, AC Milan’s Ardon Jashari is another target. But reports also declare that a move for these 2 players will only happen if a deal for Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Rocco Reitz is unable to happen. And there are claims that RB Leipzig may be reluctant to see this one through, as his release clause is understood to just be under the £25 million mark. Engels has also made 4 first team appearances with the Belgian National Team, but recently he hasn’t been able to be impress Rudi Garcia enough to get himself called up. With a World Cup just around the corner, Engels will be looking to give himself the best opportunity to get on that plane to North America come June. Will a potential move away from Parkhead give him the best chance?
