SPFL Archives - Page 4 of 17

Kilmarnock earn controversial victory over Dundee United

Dundee United’s mini-slump continue as they were 1-0 losers to Kilmarnock, their fourth defeat in five league games. It took it’s time coming but eventually Derek McInnes’ men found a way, Marley Watkins leaping higher than Jack Walton to head in the opener. However there were complaints from United that in doing so Watkins had committed a foul but the goal stood following a VAR check. United will no doubt come to regret not seizing the opportunities they did have in front of goal, Kevin Holt’s accidental touch in the box came close but failed to hit the target. Responding to the pressure in equal measure Joe Wright saw his effort well saved by Walton in the first half. Fraser Murray was far less accurate with his header from Danny Armstrong’s cross, sending the effort well over the bar. Wasting arguably their biggest chance of the night was Liverpool loanee Luca Stephenson when presented with a three on two saw his pass far too easily cut out. Following the goal in the 72nd minute, Kilmarnock were able to hold on for the win and climb to ninth in the table. They will face St Johnstone at home next Saturday. Dundee United meanwhile cling on to third but face a difficult test away to Celtic at the weekend. Line-ups: Kilmarnock: O’Hara, Ndaba, Mayo, Wright, Murray, Magennis (Deas 55), Lyons (c) (Polworth 32), Watson (Donnelly 90), Armstrong (Anderson 71, Watkins (Ramsay 90), Wales Unused subs: Glavin, Mackay-Steven, McKenzie, Brown Booked: Armstrong Goals: Watkins (78) Dundee United: Walton, Holt, Gallagher (c), Adegboyega (Middleton 82), Ferry, Campbell (Trapanovski 82), Sevelj, Strain, Stephenson (Fiorini 70), Paton (Moult 70), Dalby Unused subs: Babunski, Docherty, Graham, Richards, van der Sande Booked: Adegboyega, Ferry Referee: David Dickinson Attendance: 5,661

February 2, 2025

Hibs make no mistake against out of form Aberdeen

Venue: Easter Road Time: 15:00 Date: 01/02/2025 More defensive worries for Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin as his side conceded two more goals in what is a worrying run of form for his side. The result moves Hibs up to 5th in the league, just two points behind Aberdeen. They have extended their unbeaten run to ten and will look to hunt down Dundee United for 3rd place. Although having more of the ball and looking in control of the game, Aberdeen struggled to create any clear-cut chances, looking slow in their build-up and final third play. Their defensive worries continue, making it 22 goals lost in 10 games. Three VAR decisions put a lengthy delay on the full-time whistle as checks for an Aberdeen penalty and to confirm Hibs second goal, took a combined 6 minutes. Nectar Triantis breaks the deadlock for Hibs After a blocked effort at goal from Martin Boyle, Hibs found themselves with a corner 24 minutes into the match. The inswinging corner found Josh Campbell, who won the ball at the back post, sending a header back into the penalty area. Triantis then made no mistake from just outside the 6-yard area, sending his header to the right of Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan, leaving him standing still. Triantis’ second goal in four games continues Aberdeen’s poor defensive record, as it is the 21st goal conceded in their last 10 matches. Something that Jimmy Thelin will be looking to improve on. Nicky Cadden Doubles the lead In the 48th minute, the ball was crossed into the box by Chris Cadden, striker Dwight Gayle then flicked his header to the back post, and Nicky Cadden was the player to score. His header came in off the crossbar, with Doohan not having a chance to make the save. There was, however, a lengthy VAR check as the player looked to be offside. The check lasted around 3 minutes and built suspense for the Hibs support. The header was eventually awarded, and once again, Aberdeen were punished for their poor defending. The goal was Nickys’ fourth of what has been a positive start to his career at Hibs. The wingback seems to be growing into his game as he continues his impressive form with each start for Hibs. More to follow… Attendance:16,553 Lineups: Manager: David Gray Hibs: J.Smith, W.O’Hora, R.B.Kiranga, J.Iredale, C.Cadden (L.Miller 73″), N.Cadden (J.Obita 86″), N.Triantis, D.Levitt (H.K.Kwon 73″), J.Campbell, M.Boyle (J.Hoillet 86″), D.Gayle (K.Bowie 62″) Substitutes: J.Bursik, J.Obita, L.Miller, H.Kwon, J.Hoilett, N. Moriah-Welsh, R.Molotnikov, K.Bowie, M.Kukharevych Manager: Jimmy Thelin Aberdeen: R.Doohan, A.Jensen, A.Dorrington, K.Tobers, N.Devlin (J.Mackenzie 60″), A.Palaversa (S.Morris 84″), G.Shinnie, T.Keskinen (K.Nisbet 60″), L.Clarkson, J.Okkels (P.Ambrose 60″), P.H.Gueye (Duk 72″) Substitutes: T.Ritchie, J.Mckenzie, S.Rubezic, S.H. Nilsen, F.Boyd, P.Ambrose, K.Nisbet, S.Morris, Duk Referee: D.Robertson

February 1, 2025

Club-by-club midseason review by fans Part 2: Kilmarnock to St Mirren

The second half of the fan perspective on their respective clubs! You can find Part 1 here … Kilmarnock (by Kyle Brown) How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? At the time of writing we are sitting 11th, but also only six points off 5th. It’s disappointing we are as low as we are, but I don’t think the table is necessarily reflective of how we have played in some games. We have had a habit of turning wins into draws and draws into hard luck defeats. I was tempted to actually score the season higher due to the fact that we got three European ties and handled ourselves well in those games. But sadly we are toiling in the league and we suffered early defeat in both domestic cups. 5/10 Star players/ flops We haven’t really had any out and out star players. Some players like Brad Lyons and Lewis Mayo have been consistently pretty good. Bobby Wales has come into the team and done well. Delighted for him. The flops are for sure both of the goalkeepers. Neither O’Hara or McCrorie have really staked a claim for the number one or even had a consistent run of games in the team. I was hoping McCrorie had turned a corner only for him to sadly fracture a bone in his face at Parkhead. Biggest surprise of the season so far? I am surprised by just how poor defensively some of the goals we have leaked in are. We were solid defensively last year and Derek McInnes is known for having solid foundations so it is both a shock and source of extreme frustration. You do have to perhaps look at the goalkeeper position but I also think some of our defenders really haven’t hit the heights of last season. Best/ worst away fans? Tough one and no doubt you are going to get pelters whoever you choose. I felt Dundee have brought a decent support to Rugby Park the last few years; shoutout to all the Aberdeen fans who made a horrific journey to us on Boxing Day only to watch their team get pumped 4-0. L’s in the chat that day for both Aberdeen and whoever makes the fixtures as that’s a nightmare for an away fan. Worst – I was shocked at how little fans, home and away, Copenhagen brought to the games. They just didn’t seem to care about playing Kilmarnock in the Conference League less than a year after beating Man Utd and Bayern Munich in the Champions League. I wonder why! How has your club done in the January window and they need before it closes? Jack Burroughs and Oli Bainbridge were both recalled by Coventry and Sunderland, respectively. They weren’t really playing much so it is no great loss. Bainbridge did play in the win away to Tromso though! Our only new signing has been Calvin Ramsay on loan from Liverpool. He was hooked at half time at Tynecastle sadly on his debut. I am hoping he gives us something new and it is a great move for both us and the Scotland-capped youngster. One player you would take from another Premiership side? Kuhn from Celtic. Any Celtic player really to be honest. Anyone that can finish. From a non Old Firm perspective, I have always liked the creativity of Yan Dhanda. I get he is a flair player and probably will flatter to deceive in some games, but I have felt we could have used a player like him over the last three seasons. Motherwell ( by Callum Hart, Journalist for SPFL News Now) How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? I think the season has been fairly underwhelming. Although the league table looks good on paper, watching the games is no where near as enjoyable as you would want to see from a team sitting 5th in the league. The standard and tactical choices mean we haven’t been as successful as I believe we could’ve been. I’m glad Kettlewell has stepped down (I’m not happy with the reasons behind it) I feel that with the right choice of manager, the team can finish the season strongly. 5/10 Star players/ flops Lennon Miller has been a standout, massively impressive from a player of his age. Stephen O’Donnell and Tony Watt have failed to impress me this season. Biggest surprise of the season so far? Kettlewell stepping down has to be the biggest shock, I thought there was no way he would be sacked or ever step down. As I mentioned I’m not happy with the reasoning behind him leaving. However, I feel it will be better for the club. Best/ worst away fans? Best – Celtic. Just generally the loudest, don’t stop making noise. Worst – Ross County (although to be fair the long trip makes up for the poor support) How has your club done in the January window and they need before it closes? I think the club have made signings in positions that needed improvement. I’m reserved with my opinion if the players as I haven’t seen anything from a few of them as they have came from down south. I’d like us to sign a number 10 as I feel we could use more creativity in the midfield. One player you would take from another Premiership side? I would have Hamza Igamane, I think he is the leagues best striker. We need someone that can come in and score goals and I think he does that very well. Rangers (by Daniel) How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? The season has not been good enough especially away form and against teams that we should be beating but the most annoying part is we beat the teams like Celtic but can’t beat

January 31, 2025

Club-by-club midseason review by fans Part 1: Aberdeen to Hibs

As the January transfer window approaches its final days, we get a fans’ perspective on their club’s season so far. Aberdeen (by @aberdeenfc83) How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? I think the season has gone alright so far. In a race for third in our manager’s first season in Scotland, but considering where we were at the start of the season, I’ve got to be disappointed with where we are now. I expect to finish 4th this season along with a good run in the Scottish Cup. 6/10 Star players/ flops I would say the star players of Aberdeen’s season so far would be Pape (Gueye), even though he has been injured and Nicky Devlin, who was probably our most consistent performer during that winning run at the start of the campaign. Biggest surprise of the season so far? My biggest surprise of the season so far would be Shayden Morris. He looked like he didn’t have a future at Aberdeen last season, but this season he has been a sensational asset to bring off the bench. Best/ worst away fans? The best away fans I’ve seen at Pittodrie would be PAOK (from Greece), when I walked into the stadium about half an hour before kick off, the away end was packed and making noise. The worst away fans would probably have to be either Ross County or Livingston. How has your club done in the January window and they need before it closes? Aberdeen have done pretty well in the transfer window. We’ve signed Tobers, Jensen, Dorrington and Okkels. However, we do still need a striker. One player you would take from another Premiership side? I would take Lyall Cameron from Dundee. We have been linked with a move for him which I am pleased about. Celtic (by Aidan and Mack Kelly: Scottish Football Covered Podcast) How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? So far, it’s been nearly perfect. The only real disappointment was the level of performance at Ibrox. The improvement in Europe has been so satisfying to see as that’s always been that illusive piece of the puzzle. Going forward, I would like to see us complete the domestic treble, and make a good showing in Europe. 9.5/10 (Mack) Star players/ flops Nicolas Kuhn probably been standout so far this season. Arne Engels been excellent recently too proved doubters wrong, Cameron Carter-Vickers always up there and Kasper Schmeichel been a great signing. Not many flops if any, would have to say Luis Palma. (Aidan) Biggest surprise of the season so far? Has to be Celtic making Champions League knock-out football finally, but Kyogo leaving is up there now. (Aidan) Best/ worst away fans? Hard to say about away fans since they’re tucked away in a corner and the allocation is so small. Best domestically Aberdeen in the 2-2 draw, but Young Boys were very good aswell. Would be harsh to say Ross County worst so will go RB Leipzig. (Aidan) How has your club done in the January window and they need before it closes? January has been quiet, which is typical last minute of Celtic. The signing of Jota has been a welcomed surprise but it’s bittersweet as it sees Kyogo go the other way, which was so unexpected considering he’s still in great form as well. Hopefully Kieran Tierney can get up the road this month rather than the end of the season, and we sign Mathias Kvistgaarden (Brondby) or some sort of Craig Bellamy/Robbie Keane loan signing for some firepower. (Mack) One player you would take from another Premiership side? I would sign Lennon Miller. The sky is the limit for him and would fit the homegrown quota. Although if I’m being honest, there’s a solid argument to suggest his development would very well be best suited elsewhere, but if the right compromise can be met, I would love to see us sign him and avoid another John McGinn scenario. (Mack) Dundee (by Jackie) How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? I feel Dundee’s season has been very inconsistent. We’ve had some real good days and some really bad days. I feel the loss of Luke McCowan has had an impact on the team and the team had to try to adjust without him. I feel that this has taken some time and we are still struggling a bit. We have had some really good results recently and long may that continue. We have also had a good few injuries recently and have still come out with a point against each of the old firm at home and beat Utd in the cup. We were very unlucky against them at New Year. I hope as our injured players return we can only get better. 7/10 Star players/ flops Mo Sylla has been outstanding! Player of the season for me! Also Josh Mulligan! We need to get them signed up quickly. I don’t like to say who our flops are as it’s a team and I genuinely can’t pick someone, however, Jon McCracken has had some seriously questionable games! Biggest surprise of the season so far? At the start of January after being beaten by our rivals & looking at our fixtures, I had us bottom of the league & out of the Scottish Cup by the end of January! They definitely proved me wrong! Best/ worst away fans? Best – Dundee Utd, as much as I don’t like them for 90 mins, the atmosphere is the best from both sets of fans! Worst – Celtic/Rangers – I’m not fond of their song choices or when they try to set our stand on fire… How has your club done in the January window and they need before it closes? Not too bad I’m happy! We got Aaron

January 30, 2025

Rangers beat Dundee United to secure rare away win

Rangers put in a much improved second half performance to defeat Dundee United at Tannadice and narrow the gap with league leaders Celtic to ten points. Despite the scoreline, United had the better of Rangers in the first half and Sam Dalby continued his fine goalscoring season to take advantage of some haphazard clearing in the box to fire his side ahead. Almost against the run of play, Mohamed Diomande thunderous effort from outside the box swerved past Jack Walton to level with just under ten minutes to go until the break. The visitors came flying out the traps as Robin Propper’s blasted shot found itself deflected past Walton by Kevin Holt’s flying block. Following up his goal at Old Trafford, Cyriel Dessers’ fine strike sealed the three points with minutes left to play. With the game still at an impasse Dalby beat Butland with a header only to see his effort come off the post. Luca Stephenson forced the Rangers keeper into a save as United continued to dominate the opening exchanges. Looking to regain the lead in the second half, Dalby came close once again but was denied from a metre by the shot stopper. Rangers began to grow into the game, Dessers and Nedim Bajrami both denied with their first attempts by Walton. After going a goal down, Jim Goodwin’s men were unlucky not to equalise, striking the woodwork yet again with Kai Fotheringham’s attempt. Hitting the post moments earlier himself, Diomande ended an otherwise positive afternoon in slightly sombre fashion as he saw red for raising his hand and making contact with Holt’s face. Line-ups: Dundee United: Walton, Ferry, Holt, Gallagher (c), Strain, Middleton (van der Sande 81), Sevelj, Stephenson (Fiorini 81), Fotheringham (Trapanovski 62), Paton (Moult 62), Dalby Unused subs: Adegboyega, Babunski, Harding, Graham, Richards Booked: Ferry, Middleton, Gallagher, Holt Goals: Dalby (19) Rangers: Butland, Jefte, Nsiala, Propper, Tavernier (c), Raskin, Diomande, Bajrami (Nsio 89), Dessers, Hagi (Lovelace 85), Igamane Unused subs: Curtis, Kelly, King, Lawrence, McCausland, Rice, Rafael Fernandes Booked: Tavernier Sent off: Diomande Goals: Diomande (37), Propper (49), Dessers (86) Attendance: 13, 653 Referee: Nick Walsh

January 27, 2025

Hearts survive scare to scrape past Kilmarnock

Two goals in quick succession saw Hearts pull away from Kilmarnock to take all three points at Tynecastle. Hearts raced into an early lead thanks to some excellent work from the young James Wilson to tee up Elton Kabangu. Continuing his fine breakthrough season, Bobby Wales equalised with a fine strike from Marley Watkins’ low cross. However Kilmarnock could not sustain the intensity and soon found themselves two goals behind. First from Jamie McCart’s header with his first goal for the club before a Kieran O’Hara blunder allowed Jorge Grant to score just a few minutes later. Fraser Murray pulled one back for the visitors but it proved little more than a consolation. Despite his work for the first, Wilson will be frustrated not to have done better with the effort he blasted over the bar. Kilmarnock could have equalised sooner but for Craig Gordon’s reflexes to deny Wales, whose header met an excellent Corrie Ndaba cross. Wilson came close once again after James Penrice’s cutback teed him up but his shot kept out by the flying Robbie Deas to keep the score down to one. As the home side intensified the pressure, Kilmarnock were at times fortunate to not concede another. Blair Spitall’s curling free kick just missing the goal. Defeat means Kilmarnock find themselves in the uncomfortable relegation play-off spot with Hearts propelling themselves up to ninth, just three points off rivals Hibernian in sixth. Line-ups: Hearts: Gordon (c), Penrice, McCart, Halkett (Neilson 11), Forrester, Spittal (Dhanda 69), Devlin, Baningime, Grant (Drammeh 69), Wilson (Shankland 69), Kabangu (Boateng 92) Unused subs: Clark, Forrest, Taylor, Vargas Booked: Grant, Boateng Goals: Kabangu (7), McCart (58), Grant (61) Kilmarnock: O’Hara, Deas (Anderson 87), Wright (c), Mayo, Ndaba, Murray, Magennis (Watson 68), Polworth (Donnelly 68), Ramsay (Armstrong 46), Watkins, Wales Unused subs: Armstrong, Branna, Brown, Mackay-Steven, Brown Booked: Deas, Magennis, Watkins, Armstrong, Watson Goals: Wales (50), Murray (67) Attendance: 18, 677 Referee: John Beaton

January 26, 2025

Quickfire double sees St Johnstone beat Motherwell again to arrest slump

St Johnstone completed their second victory in a row over Motherwell following last week’s Scottish Cup win as the visitors shot themselves in the foot, conceding two late goals to leave Perth empty handed. Motherwell have Andy Halliday’s composure to thank for the opener, his penalty after a handball in the box giving the visitors a deserved lead just a few minutes into the action. Yet with less than five left to play Taylor Steven used his poaching instincts to profit from disarray at a set piece and level the score for St Johnstone. Completing their nightmare collapse, Motherwell were floored when a couple of minutes later as Bozo Mikulic reacted quickest following a corner to fire home the winner for the home side. After conceding the early goal, Simo Valakari’s men began to grow into the game, January signing Victor Griffith denied by an outstretched Ellery Balcombe, making his first start since his arrival on loan from Brentford. With a somewhat optimistic effort, Tony Watt fired a shot from range but saw the ball fly comfortably into the palms of Andy Fisher. Halliday came close to a second but his deflected effort came dipped too late and landed on the roof of Fisher’s goal. His opposite number Ballcombe was soon called back into action with a fantastic save to keep Graham Carey from equalising in the second half. St Johnstone continued to apply the pressure with Nicky Clark coming agonisingly close, his shot however lacking the required accuracy and travelling just wide. Coming closer with each attempt, Makenzie Kirk’s header forced the Motherwell keeper into yet another series of saves, doing well to keep out Adama Sidibeh on the rebound. The result sees St Johnstone narrow the gap on 11th placed Kilmarnock to seven points whilst Motherwell remain fifth albeit having won just one in their last five. Line-ups: St Johnstone: Fisher, Mikulic, Sprangler (c), Wright, Douglas (Steven 80), Holt (Clark 65), Kucheriavyi (Sidibeh 46), Curtis, Griffith, Carey, Kirk (Franczak 96) Unused subs: Essel, Kimpioka, Raymond, Smith Booked: Kucheriavyi Goals: Steven (86), Mikulic (88) Motherwell: Balcombe, Blaney, Gordon, O’Donnell (c), Kaleta (Koutroumbis 78), Paton (Andrews 78), Halliday (Zdravkovski 67), Sparrow (Thompson 60), Nicholson (Armstrong 67), Maswanhise, Watt Unused subs: Balmer, Casey, Connelly, Koutroumbis, Wilson Booked: Sparrow, Thompson, Paton, Armstrong Goals: Halliday (4 pen) Attendance: 3,892 Referee: Kevin Clancy

January 26, 2025

Ronan Hale’s late equaliser earns Staggies a draw with Hibs

It was a tale of two halves and two penalties in Dingwall as Ross County once again came from behind to snatch a draw with Hibs minutes away from victory. Dylan Levitt’s strike had put Hibs ahead at the break after Jordan White had his penalty saved from Jordan Smith, but Ronan Hale stepped up in the 86th minute and he made no mistake from the spot. Both Don Cowie and David Gray made a host of changes to their sides after last weekend’s Scottish Cup. Zac Ashworth, George Robesten and Jonathan Tomkinson made their debut starts for County and Ross Laidlaw was a welcome return on the bench after his injury. For David Gray, he brought back both Cadden brothers into the starting XI and Nectar Triantis and Josh Campell came back into midfield. Dwight Gayle partnered with the in-form Martin Boyle up front. First 45′ The aftermath of Storm Eowyn was in full display as the playing surface in Dingwall had clearly felt the brunt of the weather. Probably explaining the lack of quality throughout the game, the first half an hour was an incredibly drab affair. Hibs dominated the early possession and Gayle will feel he could’ve done better with a volleyed chance sent well over Jordan Amissah’s goal. Noah Chilvers looked his energetic self in midfield and had an effort from the edge of the box but it was a tame effort that Smith held comfortably. The first moment of controversy came not long after that, a cross into the Hibs area was initially cleared but referee David Dickinson was sent to the VAR monitor by Matthew MacDermid who adjudged Nicky Cadden had handled it and the penalty was awarded. White stepped up to take, but he struck a tame effort to Smith’s left who got down in plenty of time to make the save. Hibs would make County pay minutes before the end of the first half. A corner wasn’t dealt with by the County defence and Triantis cushioned the ball down for Dylan Levitt who fired into the bottom corner to give Hibs the lead at the break. Second 45′ The minutes ticked by in the second half, neither team was really in control. Hibs had an effort through Martin Boyle 20 minutes from time but Amissah was more than equal to the Australian’s fierce strike. Boss Gray was forced into a change in midfield when goalscorer Levitt was forced off with injury. Gray opted to bring on Moriah-Welsh but the change resulted in Hibs beginning to sit deeper into their own half. Through the last 20 minutes, Hibs were becoming their own worst enemy. Failing to hold onto the ball, a series of misplaced passes found County constantly moving up the pitch. The feeling in the stadium was that the fans knew County were pushing hard for an equaliser. And then, in the 85th minute, the second moment of controversy came when Dickinson pointed to the spot for a second time with Kieran Phillips being taken out in the Hibs area. This time Ronan Hale stepped up and where White failed, Ronan prevailed as he emphatically smashed home the equaliser. With only minutes remaining, both teams tried to get the ball forward but both defences stayed strong and in the end, the points were shared. Team line-ups: Ross County: Amissah (GK); Brown (Smith 83′), Wright, Campbell, Tomkinson, Ashworth (Hale 70′), Nisbet (MacLeod 63′), Randall, Chilvers, Robesten, White (Phillips 63′) Hibs: Smith (GK); C.Cadden (Obita 64′), O’Hora, Bushiri, Iredale, N.Cadden, Triantis, Levitt (Moriah-Welsh 64′), Campbell, Boyle, Gayle (Bowie 72′)

January 25, 2025

Unlucky number 13 for Dons as St Mirren loss extends winless league run

Jimmy Thelin’s hapless winter continued as Aberdeen were soundly beaten by St Mirren at Pittodrie. In a frenetic opening to proceedings, the home side found themselves under the cosh just seven minutes in after Slobodan Rubezic made a calamitous error to head a simple ball back to Ross Doohan past the keeper and allow Toyosi Olusanya to run in and finish. The Montenegran’s nightmare outing continued as he was all too easily muscled off the ball by Olusanya who proceeded to cut the ball back to an unmarked Mikael Mandron with the Frenchman doubling their lead. Making his struggles known to the bench Rubezic was seen asking to be substituted with just before half-time played as Dorrington came on to make his first appearance since arriving on loan from Tottenham. Despite being the dominant side for large parts of the second half, Aberdeen contrived to concede a third as Mandron added another goal to his tally after racing onto Alex Gogic’s launched ball up the park. Defeat means the Dons have yet to record a league win since November, with another defeat to St Mirren marking the start of their slide down the table. Line-ups: Aberdeen: Doohan, Jensen, Rubezic (Dorrington 40), Tobers, Devlin, Shinnie (c), Heltne Nilsen (Palaversa 46), Okkels (Morris 70), Clarkson (Nisbet 55), Keskinen, Gueye (Duk 70) Unused subs: Ambrose, Boyd, MacKenzie, Ritchie Booked: Keskinen, Duk St Mirren: Hemming, Gogic, Taylor, Fraser, Tanser, O’Hara (Kiltie 46), Boyd-Munce (Smyth 72), Phillips, Penman (Bwomoni 26), Olusanya (Mooney 81), Mandron (Oseni 81) Unused subs: John, Kenny, Scott, Urminsky Booked: Penman, Hemming, Bwomono, Tanser, Kiltie Goals: Olusanya (7), Mandron (36, 78) Referee: Chris Graham

January 25, 2025

Celtic set to lose Kyogo in £10m Jota swap with Tierney return imminent

What a rollercoaster of emotions Celtic fans have been on this week. A dramatic victory over Young Boys secured their return to the Champions League knockout stages for the first time since 2012 but within a few hours, reality bit as cult hero Kyogo Furuhashi’s £10m transfer to Ligue 1 strugglers Stade Rennais was all but confirmed. Photos of the Japanese international landing in France emerged with Rennes manager Jorge Sampaoli saying he hopes to see the player in action as soon as the weekend with Monaco awaiting. As the age old adage goes, every cloud has a silver lining. So it seems to be the case that this cloud has not one but two with the news that Rennes’ Jota and Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney will be making a return to Celtic Park and kick stagnating careers back into gear. With a return delayed by Storm Éowyn, the winger could be lining up for Rodgers by next week as part of a swap deal for Kyogo. Having left Glasgow for Saudi Arabia at just 23 years old, Jota’s move was lambasted by football purists. However the Portuguese youth international managed just one underwhelming year before he made his way to France where he has similarly failed to build on the promise that made him such a coveted player in the Scottish Premiership. The prodigal son returns In another bit of positive news, Kieran Tierney looks set to move back to boyhood club Celtic before the window closes. With the paperwork undergoing its final stages, the only question is whether the move is loan with a obligation to buy in the summer or an outright purchase in January. Tierney is said to have rejected moves to Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus and Seville to secure a return home in the hopes of putting a difficult few seasons behind him. Injuries have blighted his attempts to cement his place in Mikel Arterta’s plans, limiting the left-back to just five appearances all season. In Brendan Rodgers however, Tierney has a huge fan who will move heaven and earth to strengthen his side ahead of a season defining European adventure. The sooner this move is announced, the sooner both Celtic and Scotland fans can breathe a huge sigh of relief.

January 24, 2025

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