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A place at Hampden at stake for Scotland’s big two: Rangers v Celtic Match Preview

Whether you call it the Old Firm or the Glasgow Derby, you definitely call it the biggest match in Scottish football, and probably one of the biggest rivalries in all of sports too. The first one of the season kicks off tomorrow at 12pm as Rangers host Celtic in the quarter-final of the Premier Sports Cup as a place at Hampden is at stake. The match feels marred by the post-match events of March’s meeting. Initially, Celtic were intended to receive just 300 away tickets, but this meeting, as well as all league meetings this season will now be played in front of no away fans. It’s been a disappointing start to the season for Rangers after missing out on European football, but they come into the match on the back of four successive wins. Derrick McIness’ side defeated St. Mirren 1-0 on Wednesday night thanks to a stoppage time winner from Bojan Miovski. The hosts earned their place in the last eight thanks to a 5-1 win over St. Mirren at Ibrox. As for Celtic, they too come into the match after four successive wins and a 1-0 victory over a team called the Saints, as they defeated newly promoted St. Johnstone in Perth on Wednesday night. Celtic’s Round of 16 victory came at Tannadice as they defeated Dundee United 4-0 last month. The last time these two sides met, Celtic ran out 3-1 winners thanks to a Daizen Maeda double en route to winning the league. The last Ibrox meeting between the Glasgow sides was the infamous 0-0 draw in the Scottish Cup quarter-final, where Celtic won on penalties. Derrick McInnes is no stranger to the fixture as a player, but ahead of his first one in the dugout, he said: “What it presents is a tough cup tie, but we have got it at Ibrox. We are 90 minutes away from Hampden; we are three games away from lifting silverware, and you have got to beat the good teams to win a trophy ordinarily. “We have got to make it tough for Celtic as well, and I think they’ll expect a tough match, and that is what we intend to give them. It has got all the makings of a brilliant cup tie. We have just got to bring a performance now that gives us the chance to win it and hopefully progress through the tournament. “We have got to bring the crowd with us. You are not going to play Celtic and dominate the game for 90 minutes. We will have spells, and they will have spells; that is just the way it is. “It is important that we tap into having those 50,000 supporters behind us. Be behind the players, support them, have their backs, and really make it as tough as possible. “We’ve got our part to play in that, and I feel if we can capitalise on good play and good opportunities, if we can get ourselves in front and give the crowd something to get behind, then the strength of our club can be shown.” Looking ahead to the match, Celtic boss Martin O’Neill was asked about the lack of away fans, he said:”It’ll be strange in many aspects not to have any away fans in our area. I always felt as if it would give you a crumb of comfort in some description. “Nervously looking forward to it, excitedly looking forward to it.” He was also asked about Celtic’s recent derby record in light of Rangers winning four successive matches coming into this one. O’Neill said: “I suppose if you get in front in the game, that makes them anxious. “Talking about getting in front and getting in front are two different things. The crowd will be right behind their team, which you would expect. “We just do our best. We know that we’re up against a very fine side. We’re up against a crowd that can make a difference. I’d be delighted to be celebrating something in the game.” Team news: Rangers will be without captain Lawrence Shankland after he limped off during last week’s victory over Motherwell. Shankland was replaced by Ryan Naderi, who scored the winner after four minutes. Naderi started Wednesday’s win over St. Mirren, alongside new signing Kevin Kelsy as Bojan Miovski scored a stoppage time winner. Even with Youssef Chermiti set to miss the rest of the season after an ACL injury in last month’s loss to Hibernian, it’s clear Derrick McInnes isn’t short of options up front. Rangers made 14 signings during the summer window, as many of the new look squad could be in line for their first taste of this fixture. As for Celtic, record signing Kasper Høgh returned to the side on Wednesday as Celtic defeated St. Johnstone 1-0. On loan goalkeeper Sam Johnstone made his debut on Wednesday night and Martin O’Neill hasn’t ruled out the Englishman retaining his place tomorrow. Canadian international Alistair Johnstone remains sidelined for this one. The semi-final draw will be conducted shortly after full-time, with the winners joining Hibs, Hearts and the winners of Kilmarnock v Aberdeen in the final four of the Premier Sports Cup.

September 12, 2026

Celtic look to continue perfect start: St. Johnstone v Celtic match preview

Celtic travel to Perth today looking to make it six from six at the start of the season- a win would also make it thirteen consecutive league wins for Martin O’Neill’s side. The hosts come into this one on the back off a 2-1 victory over Hibernian on Sunday, where a Josh Fowler brace shot him into the lead for the Golden Boot, netting four times in the first five games. Celtic came from behind to defeat St. Mirren 2-1 in Paisley on Saturday night. Celtic’s perfect start after five games leaves them top of the table, whilst newly promoted St. Johnstone sit in seventh, winning twice in their opening five. The last time these sides met, Celtic ran out 5-0 winners in the 2024/25 Scottish Cup semi-finals whilst Brendan Rodgers was in charge. The last league meeting between the two saw Simo Valakari’s side stun the champions 1-0 at McDiarmid Park thanks to an early goal from Daniels Balodis. Team news: Josh Campbell could be in line for his St. Johnstone debut after completing a deadline day loan from Hibs. The midfielder was unavailable to face his parent club on Sunday. Alistair Johnston and Kasper Høgh remain sidelined for Martin O’Neill’s side. Camilo Duran has done a fine job of filling in during Høgh’s absence and Benjamin Nygren remains ever-present in front of goal.

September 8, 2026

Celtic add Danish midfielder to the ranks

Celtic have completed the loan signing of Danish midfielder Oliver Sørensen from Parma. Sørensen becomes Celtic’s fifth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Mika Baur, Haissem Hassan, Kasper Høgh and Camilo Duran. The midfielder joined Italian side Parma last year, but previously played for FC Midtyjlland in Denmark, where he won the league title in 2024. After completing his move to the champions, Sørensen said: “I feel lucky to be a part of this club now, and I hope the style of play can suit me. “It’s attacking football. They want to attack and they want to go forward. They want to push the opposing team down in their box. So, I hope I can contribute and help the team to do that. “I love to attack, I love to run, I love to defend and I love to tackle, so I’m ready to give 100 per cent, and I can’t wait to be at Celtic Park for the first time.” After completing the signing, Celtic manager Martin O’Neill said: “Oliver is someone with really good experience, playing at a high level in both Italy and Denmark. “He has great energy, he is able to move really well up and down the pitch with strength and can play in a number of positions across the midfield. “We are looking forward to working with him and think he can be an important player for us.” Sørensen could look to make his debut tomorrow night as Celtic host Aberdeen.

September 1, 2026

Reo Hatate departs Celtic for Championship

Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate has completed a switch to EFL Championship side Burnley, signing a three-year-deal on an undisclosed fee. Hatate made 191 appearances during four-and-a-half years at Celtic, winning five Scottish Premierships, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups, scoring 33 goals in the process. The midfielder was part of Ange Postecoglu’s Celtic rebuild, arriving during the 2021/22 season alongside fellow Japanese players Kyoto Furuhasi and Daizen Maeda. However, the midfielder’s game time dwindled under Martin O’Neill and whilst he still featured regularly, was not as an integral piece to the Celtic puzzle as before. Upon completing a move to Burnley, Hatate said: “I’m hoping to bring my experience and knowledge to the dressing room and help the team on the pitch as much as possible to achieve our aim.” The move comes after Celtic announced the signing of midfielder Oliver Sorensen on loan from Parma earlier today.

September 1, 2026

Match Preview: Celtic v Aberdeen

Aberdeen make the trip to Glasgow on Wednesday to face the current holders, Celtic at Parkhead. This is a tie which Celtic have had full dominance in, and have done for years. Aberdeen had a tough campaign, with Jimmy Thelin seeing the exit door in January, before Peter Leven took charge until the end of the season, and the Dons now have Stephen Robinson in charge as they look to get back into Europe. For Celtic, they also had a horror start, which saw Rodgers depart very soon into the season, with Martin O’Neill taking charge on a temporary basis before Wilfried Nancy came in, which didn’t go well at all, although he did manage to defeat Aberdeen at Celtic Park. Nancy was quickly sacked, with Martin O’Neill returning to eventually lead Celtic to the title after a dramatic final day, which saw Hearts top of the league going into it, but a 3-1 win for Celtic meant Martin O’Neill’s men secured the title. It hasn’t been an amazing start to their season despite making it into the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals. In terms of league duty, Aberdeen have picked up just one win in their opening three games, which came all the way back on matchday one, defeating Hearts 2-1 at Pittodrie in a tie which the home team always seem to win. Aberdeen also lost 2-0 at Dens Park to Dundee, as well as, most recently, a 1-0 defeat to Rangers courtesy of a Lawrence Shankland penalty. For Celtic, they are unbeaten in league business so far, as they defeated Steven Pressley’s men 1-0 in Glasgow on flag night, before beating Kilmarnock heavily 5-1 at Rugby Park, with a most recent 2-1 win over Falkirk in Glasgow. Celtic are also in the last eight of the League Cup, after cruising to victory at Tannadice in a 4-0 away win. Martin O’Neill’s side have had a very poor campaign in Europe, however — although they did win 3-0 at home to LASK, you’d think that would be perfect, and it got even better as Callum McGregor put his side four to the good, but it only went downhill from there as Celtic went on to lose 5-1 on aggregate and drop down to the Europa League, where they will face Ferencváros, SL Benfica, Celta Vigo, Beşiktaş, Torreense, Marseille and Union Saint-Gilloise. As mentioned earlier, Celtic have been in control of this tie, with the last time Aberdeen defeated Celtic being in 2025 in the Scottish Cup final, as Aberdeen took the Scottish Cup back up to the Granite City to stop the treble. But in the league, Aberdeen haven’t been able to come away as winners since May 2018, with Andrew Considine striking on the final day of the season to beat Rangers to second place — a game many fans believe Celtic let the Pittodrie side win, to ensure the Ibrox side didn’t get second. Celtic have found the net 17 times in their last 5 league meetings with the Dons, who have only found the target four times in those 5 meetings. Celtic are also in fine form in terms of goals, with 15 scored in their last 5, and former Bodø/Glimt man Kasper Hogh the top goalscorer (3). Aberdeen themselves have netted 8 goals in the past five outings, with Kevin Nisbet Aberdeen’s joint-top goalscorer (1). Aberdeen will welcome back Mats Knoester to their backline, but Brad Lyons remains out for their trip to the East End of Glasgow, and for Celtic, they seem to be without Alistair Johnston and Kasper Hogh, as well as Callum Osmand, who left on crutches after their win over Falkirk.

August 31, 2026

Rangers and Celtic Handed Stadium Bans Over Pitch Invasion

Celtic and Rangers have been ordered to play their next home Scottish Cup fixtures behind closed doors following fan disorder during last season’s quarter-final clash. In addition to the stadium bans, both clubs have been instructed to pay £100,000 in compensation to the visiting team for that tie. Authorities have also issued a suspended sanction: a second home match without supporters will be enforced should fans engage in further “unacceptable conduct” in future Scottish Cup matches. The strict disciplinary measures follow violent scenes at Ibrox at the conclusion of last season’s quarter-final, where Celtic defeated Rangers on penalties to reach the semi-finals. A post-match pitch invasion saw supporters from both sides storm the field, resulting in clashes with stewards and police, as well as a series of arrests.

August 28, 2026

Celtic’s European Collapse: O’Neill Takes Responsibility

Celtic’s Champions League hopes have gone up in smoke in one of the most remarkable European collapses in the club’s recent history. Holding a 4-0 aggregate lead over LASK, Martin O’Neill’s side somehow surrendered their advantage in Austria before eventually losing the tie 5-4 after extra time. It was a night that Celtic simply won’t want to remember. O’Neill was brutally honest afterwards, accepting responsibility for the collapse. “I’m responsible for this one. Without a doubt.” The Celtic boss admitted the result was a major disappointment and acknowledged that his side are still a long way from being the finished article. And the consequences stretch far beyond European disappointment. Champions League qualification would have delivered a huge financial boost to Celtic, as well as making the club a far more attractive proposition in the transfer market. O’Neill admitted that the absence of Champions League football could now affect Celtic’s ability to bring players to Parkhead. “Financially, for prestige, but we have to pick ourselves up. That’s my responsibility again to do that.” For Celtic captain Callum McGregor, there were no excuses either. The midfielder admitted Celtic were too passive and looked scared to take control of the game. “We got what we deserved. We were passive all night.” McGregor also placed responsibility firmly on the players, insisting there could be no excuses after surrendering such a commanding advantage. Former Celtic captain Scott Brown believes LASK simply wanted it more, while Neil Lennon described Celtic as looking exhausted and fragile in the key battles. And that may be the biggest concern for O’Neill. Celtic didn’t simply lose a football match. They lost a four-goal advantage in a game that appeared almost impossible to throw away. Now comes the reaction. The league campaign continues, the transfer window is still open, and O’Neill has to somehow lift a squad that has suffered a potentially defining European setback. Celtic have been here before. The question now is whether they can show the reaction their captain demanded. Because after a collapse like this, the response could define their season.

August 26, 2026

Dundee United 0-4 Celtic – Celtic put United to the Sword in a 4-0 Rout

Celtic ran out convincing 4-0 winners over Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United in the last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup at Tannadice on Saturday night. Goals from Auston Trusty, Camilo Duran, Sebastian Tounekti and Benjamin Nygren ensured that Martin O’Neil’s side booked their place in the Quarter finals of the Premier Sports Cup. Celtic started the game on the front foot, and their first chance of the game came when Sebastian Tounekti drove to the byline before playing a pass to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlian, whose effort from the edge of the penalty area was gathered with ease by Jack Walton in the Dundee United goal. On the 12th minute, United’s long throw aimed towards the Celtic box was followed on by two headed flick-Ons before the ball would fall to Julius Eskesen inside the area, his low strike cannoned back off the woodwork from 16 yards out. Eight minutes later, the hosts seen another strike hit the same post. Emmanuel Agyei tried his luck with another low effort, only to be denied by the smallest of margins. Celtic had controlled the early stages and found themselves ahead in the 22nd minute, Benjamin Nygren’s corner kick delivery found the head of Auston Trusty who was lurking at the far post to head the ball beyond Jack Walton to break the deadlock. Within a matter of minutes, Celtic netted their second goal of the evening with summer arrival Camilo Duran striking to score his first Celtic goal. United had failed to clear the ball from danger inside their own box, Club record signing Kasper Hogh attempted to force the ball goalwards before Duran collected to calmly finish from close range. On the brink of half time, Kasper Hogh used his physicality to force his man into losing the ball before finding Camilo Duran who played an inviting ball to the far post, however Hogh was unable to get a proper connection onto the ball from a tight angle. Jim Goodwin’s men had responded well to being two goals behind, but it was Martin O’Neil’s side who went into the interval with a two-goal advantage. The hosts made a positive start to the second half but were made to watch the ball come off the frame of the goal a further two times. The first one came from a powerful and rising strike from Zac Sapsford in the box which flew past Celtic Goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo who was outstretched, with the second coming from Bert Esselink’s headed attempt. Despite an improved start from United, it would count for nothing when Sebastian Tounekti finished off a brilliant counterattacking move by Celtic in the 53rd minute to put the champions in cruise control. The Tunisian winger who had been a danger all evening, cut inside on the edge of the box before unleashing a low strike past two United defenders before finding its way into the net. On the hour mark, Mika Baur came on to make his Celtic debut with Haissem Hassan also introduced for his debut shortly after. Baur, Celtic’s new midfielder from German side Paderborn was involved in play instantly and played a part in Celtic’s fourth goal in the 62nd minute. Baur flicked the ball onto Tounekti who played the ball to the feet of Benjamin Nygren as he let fly from 18 yards out, curling a fine effort high into the net leaving Walton with no chance. It was an uneventful last half an hour to the game, United continued to struggle to cause the Celtic defence any real trouble, with Celtic doing enough to claim a deserved clean sheet and progress into the last eight of the Premier Sports Cup.

August 15, 2026

Celtic Confirm Signing of Haissem Hassan From Real Oviedo

Celtic have completed the signing of Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan on a four-year deal, with the option of an extra year. Hassan impressed at this summer’s World Cup with Egypt after declaring his allegiance to the African nation earlier this year, having been born in France, and becomes the first Egyptian player to ever sign for Celtic. The 24-year-old has been heavily tracked all window by the Premiership champions, and express his delight at joining the Parkhead club. Hassan told Celtic’s official website: “It is a great moment and a real honour for me to join Celtic, a phenomenal club with such a brilliant history and wonderful supporters. ‘When I heard about Celtic being interested in me, I had to get here and be part of the club.’ “I am really looking forward to getting to know all my team-mates and facing the challenges we have ahead of us. I want to play my part in bringing success to our fans “I’m really grateful to be here and really happy. “Celtic is a massive club. When I was growing up, the club was always in the Champions League and had big players. Hassan is Celtic’s third signing of the window after Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh, and manager Martin O’Neill believes the former Villarreal wide midfielder will be key for the Hoops this season. “We are delighted to bring Haissem to Celtic and I think the club has done really well to secure a player of such quality, with a number of other clubs interested in him. “He is someone who I think has the ability and experience to do very well for us, performing at a high level in domestic and international football. “I know he is excited about being with us and I am sure our fans will enjoy the energy and attacking intent which Haissem will bring to matches. I hope he will become a very important member of our squad going forward.” Hassan could make his debut this Saturday at Tannadice as Celtic face Dundee United in the Premier Sports Cup, and has signed in time to be registered for their squad ahead of the Champions League playoff with LASK Linz.

August 12, 2026

Scott Brown Tears Into Former Celtic Coach With Brutal ‘Zero Personality’ Verdict

Scott Brown Tears Into Former Celtic Coach With Brutal ‘Zero Personality’ Verdict Scott Brown has delivered one of his most candid assessments yet of his time at Celtic, launching a scathing attack on former assistant manager Peter Grant and revealing he was prepared to leave the club if the coaching setup had remained unchanged. Speaking on the Open Goal podcast, the Celtic icon reflected on a difficult spell under Tony Mowbray and admitted the arrival of Neil Lennon proved to be a turning point for both the club and his own future. Brown claimed that had Mowbray and Grant stayed in charge, he would have accepted a move away from Parkhead. “Lenny came in and we started winning games and the momentum changed from when Tony was there. “I think if Tony and Peter Grant were still there, I’d have been away straight away. “I had no time for Peter Grant whatsoever.” Brown’s Brutal Assessment When asked what his issue was with Grant, Brown didn’t hold back. He pointed to concerns over man management before delivering a cutting verdict on the former Celtic coach. “Man management. Personal. “Personality? Zero. “Tony, I got on alright. But Peter Grant, no.” The comments offer a rare insight into the dressing room during one of the most turbulent periods in recent Celtic history, with Mowbray’s reign ending after just nine months before Lennon took over and guided the club back on track. Premier League Interest Brown also revealed he came close to leaving Celtic on more than one occasion. The former captain disclosed that Tottenham Hotspur made an offer after his second season in Glasgow, while Newcastle United later tabled a five-year contract before Lennon’s appointment. Despite serious interest from the Premier League, Brown ultimately chose to stay and went on to become one of the most decorated players in Celtic’s history. Looking back, he joked about what life could have been like on Tyneside. “Imagine me, I’m bad enough in Glasgow, imagine how many nights out I’d have in Newcastle!” A Defining Moment Brown’s comments underline just how significant Neil Lennon’s arrival was in shaping the next chapter of Celtic’s success. While the former skipper has regularly spoken about the standards expected at the club, his latest remarks make it clear he believes strong leadership and effective man management were crucial in keeping him at Parkhead. The outspoken interview has already sparked debate among Celtic supporters, with Brown’s unfiltered verdict on Grant likely to be one of the biggest talking points to emerge from the podcast.

August 6, 2026