SPL Weekend Preview: Round 23 It’s back to league business after the Scottish Cup break last weekend. Celtic cannot afford to fall further behind Ran

Saturday 19 January 2008 (all times local)
12.30 Hearts – Hibernian
15:00 Celtic – Kilmarnock
15:00 Dundee Utd – Aberdeen
15:00 Gretna – Falkirk
15.00 St Mirren - Motherwell
Sunday 20 January 2008
14.00 Inverness CT – Rangers

Hearts - Hibernian

The lunchtime Edinburgh derby kicks of this week’s SPL card, with much to prove for both teams.

Hearts need to start picking up points to climb from 11th place - a shocking position by their standards. New Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen, meanwhile, will take charge for his first SPL game.

Brian Kerr (pictured) fired a debut goal in this fixture on the first day of the season, which also proved to be the winner. Since the inception of a top flight in 1975, neither side has won all four league derbies in a season.

Andrew Driver and goalie Steve Banks should shake off knocks for Hearts, who drew 2-2 in an emotional Scottish Cup tie with Motherwell last week.

Steven Fletcher could return for Hibs ahead of schedule, while new signing John Rankin from St Mirren is in line for a debut. David Murphy, though, has completed a move to Birmingham.


With both teams incredibly in the bottom six, this game is crucial. These rivals could cancel each other out, though, with a draw doing neither side many favours.

Prediction: 1-1

Celtic - Kilmarnock

The former leaders find themselves under pressure for the first time in recent memory. With the Hoops four points behind nemeses Rangers, Jan Venegoor of Hesselink admitted this week that Celtic must start winning ugly.

Andreas Hinkel made a competent debut in the comfortable 3-0 cup win over minnows Stirling last week and should make his SPL debut here. Shunsuke Nakamura also returned for that game, with the Japanese in contention.

Killie haven’t won in their previous nine away matches, but left Celtic Park with a credible 0-0 draw in August.

Contract rebel Colin Nish is reportedly hoping for a move to Hibernian this month, with the Rugby Park side losing faith with his failure to sign a new deal.

Kilmarnock may be rusty after their cup trip to Airdrie United was hit by last week’s freeze. They should keep this one tight, but Celtic have enough quality to edge it.

Prediction: 2-1

Dundee Utd - Aberdeen

This fixture was dubbed the ‘New Firm’ derby in the 1980s when these sides were at their Euro-conquering best. More recently, the term has been used ironically to mock the faded retro glories.

However, the game should be a bit spicier tomorrow, with both sides going well. The teams are tied at 1-1 in the season series. They occupy 5th and 4th place respectively.

Tannadice was a fortress earlier in the season, but the Arabs have lost three of their last six here. Captain Barry Robson was watched by Celtic assistant Tommy Burns in the midweek cup win at Clyde, with his future at United unclear.

Aberdeen’s contract rebels are largely still at the club with the exception of winger Chris Clark, who has left for Plymouth. The Dons are targeting Dundee Utd defender Stuart Duff, but no agreement has been reached as yet.

With Stevie Lovell finally banging them in – three in five – Aberdeen could snatch a late goal in a tight game.

Prediction: 0-1

Gretna - Falkirk

It’s hard to read into the form of the SPL basement boys. They equalised against Rangers in midweek, but were undone by the fitter Glasgow giants. Although, it’s not just the big boys who outlast the plucky upstarts, as First Division Morton pegged them back in the cup last week.

Falkirk have beaten Gretna in the only three matches played between the sides; scoring nine without reply. The cup break came at a bad time for high-flying Falkirk, but a 2-2 draw against Aberdeen will have kept the Bairns on their toes.

Skipper Steven Thomson has left for Brighton, with Darren Barr set to lead out John Hughes’ men.

Although Falkirk are in the unfamiliar role of overwhelming favourites, they continue to defy explanation and should romp home again.

Prediction: 1-4


St Mirren - Motherwell

The home side beat Hibs and minnows Dumbarton in their last two games. The latter was a 3-0 cup win, which will give the beleaguered Buddies a huge morale boost.

Gary Mason is suspended for Saints.

Visitors Motherwell, meanwhile, are coming off a turbulent few weeks. The death of skipper Phil O’Donnell and subsequent complications threatened to derail their stellar half-season. However, a battling 2-2 cup draw at Hearts shows that the 3rd placed side has some character.

The Steelmen will be forced to re-jig their established back four, as Jim Paterson will serve the first of a two game ban. Marc Fitzpatrick is set to deputise.

Like any other form team, Motherwell will suffer a dip soon. It won’t be at Love Street, though.

Prediction: 1-2


Inverness CT - Rangers

Like Danny Glover before him, Caley player-boss Craig Brewster declared, “I’m gettin’ too old for this shirt” this week. He will hang up his boots at the end of the season to concentrate on taking the Highlanders to untold lands of adventure (the top six).

The home side’s incredible turnaround – seven wins from nine after a poor start – was halted by a 3-0 cup humbling at the hands of Hibernian. However, it was Mixu Paatelinen’s first game in charge and therefore the Hibees were bound to react positively.

The visit of Rangers will be a far clearer indication of how far Thistle have progressed since the Gers turned them over here on the opening day of the season.

League leaders Rangers – it’s been a long time since we could say that without joking – have been hitting top form of late. Barry Ferguson smashed a glorious opener in the midweek win over St Mirren, with Stevie Naismith, Chris Burke and Daniel Cousin combining to suddenly transform Rangers into world beaters.

Thus, if they can beat the world they can certainly beat Caley.

Prediction: 1-3

Rangers Transfer Update: Dailly, Moore

Rangers gaffer Walter Smith has put an end to speculation linking West Ham’s unsettled fringe player Christian Dailly with a move to Ibrox.

The 34-year-old could have offered cover across a variety of defensive and midfield roles, and was a regular in Smith’s Scotland squads.

However, the wily boss has now ruled out any loan approach for Dailly.

"It was just one of those things I had an idea about," Smith revealed to the BBC.

"But we've got no business at the present moment. Unless something crops up that we feel will be of benefit to our squad, we'll go with what we have."

The Rumour Mill

Rangers’ defence has been somewhat lacking in cover this season, but things could be about to improve. Steven Smith and Andy Webster are set to feature in reserve action this week as they bid to return from long-term injury woes.

Veteran stopper Ugo Ehiogu has left Rangers for Sheffield United, while Carlos Cuellar (pictured left) has today been linked with a move to Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle. Keegan is also rumoured to be willing to enter the race to land Alan Hutton, who covets a move to Manchester United after recently rejecting Spurs.

Further up the pitch, midfielder Kevin Thomson will be missing for six-weeks with a groin problem. This development could mean Brahim Hemdani could stay as cover, despite being tracked by a host of English and French clubs.

On the attacking end, Rangers have reportedly approached Aston Villa about striker Luke Moore, who is said to have already visited Glasgow to assess Ibrox and training facility Murray Park.

Rangers' Cup Clash Called Off Rangers' Scottish Cup Fourth Round clash with minnows East Stirlingshire has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Rangers' encounter with the Shire has become the latest game to fall foul of the weekend weather, with the Sunday match being postponed until further notice.

The Third Division outfit were set for a major Scottish Cup payday at Ibrox due to a live television broadcast of the Scottish Cup match, but this has now been thrown into jeopardy.

Rangers are currently discussing a possible rescheduling with the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football Association, but finding a new matchdate could be difficult: the replay window of 23rd January is currently occupied by a rearranged Old Firm fixture with Celtic.

The Gers, who top the Scottish Premier League, sit forty league places above the Falkirk side, who are 8th of 10 in the Third Division.

Smith Content With Second Half Improvement

Walter Smith admitted that Rangers will struggle to take the SPL title ahead of Celtic with form like they showed in the first half of the visit to Inverness.

Jean-Claude Darcheville won the match for the Gers on 89-minutes as they ground out a crucial win to go four points clear of Celtic.

“First half, certainly not,” Smith told Setanta after the game.

“But in the second-half, I felt we picked up a little bit, we looked a little bit more aware of the situation we were in and looked as if we wanted to get in there and get a goal.

“So, that was better from us, but as I say, first half we won’t get any where if we play the way we played then.”

Charlie Adam had a goal ruled offside before Rangers did eventually score, which Smith believes should have stood. The visitors were made to work hard by a stuffy Caley Thistle side and Smith was of the opinion that it took Rangers time to get going.

“It was a hard fought one I must say,” Smith admitted.

“First half of the game I thought we didn’t start well. In fact, neither side I think in the first-half would be happy with their performance. We picked up a little bit maybe after about ten or fifteen minutes of the second-half.

“After that I felt we put more pressure on Caley and we created one or two opportunities, scored what I thought was a good goal and to have it chopped off but managed to get the winner through Jean-Claude, so delighted to win as not many teams have won here this season. So we’re pleased with that.”

Gattuso Reveals Retirement Plans Gennaro Gattuso has admitted that he is considering calling it a career – though thankfully for Milan fans he aims t

With a staggering 250 games under his belt since joing the Rossoneri from Salernitana in 1999, the ultra-combaive midfielder has already cemented his name in the San Siro folklore. Despite his engine still firing on all cylinders at 30, Gattuso has no ambitions of following in Paolo Maldini’s mold by playing on for another ten years.

“These days they wouldn’t miss me much,” insisted 'il Rino’.

“I’ll play for another three or four years and then I’m hoping to finish my career in the Milan shirt.”

Any Rangers fans that catch win of Gattuso’s interview with Gazzetta dello Sport will no doubt be disappointed that he made no mention of his vow to end his career at the Ibrox, where he enjoyed a memorable loan spell during the 97/98 season.

In fact, the Azzurri star made the most of AC Milan’s winter break by training with his old friends at Rangers, during which he reiterated a promise to return to the club in the future while he has “still got something to offer them, at European level as well as Scottish”.

The Glasgow press quoted Gattuso as describing how he has “a debt towards Rangers fans because of the way I left. They helped me get where I am. I just have to go back, it’s a promise I have made to myself and David Murray. There won’t be any problems with money. I know they are going through a bad time financially, and I won’t go there to take a pension either.”

SPL Round-Up: Celtic Close Gap, Dundee Utd Humble Aberdeen It was a day for the five home sides in the SPL. Despite an average display, Celtic profit

Saturday 19 January 2008 (all times local)
15:00 Celtic 1–0 Kilmarnock
15:00 Dundee Utd 3–0 Aberdeen
15:00 Gretna 2–0 Falkirk
15.00 St Mirren 3-1 Motherwell
12.30 Hearts 1–0 Hibernian
Sunday 20 January 2008
14.00 Inverness CT – Rangers


Celtic 1 – 0 Kilmarnock

The Hoops were dealt an early blow when they were forced into a double substitution after just 18 minutes. Andreas Hinkel’s SPL debut was ended early due to a strain, while big Dutchman Jan Venegoor of Hesselink also came off after a head-clash. Strikers Chris Killen and Derek Riordan were handed rare chances.

Killie goalie Alan Combe wasn’t too concerned about personnel. The veteran was in fine form, including a point-blank denial of a Scott MacDonald effort.

The home side took a little time to regain their early momentum. MacDonald was always a threat in the Killie box. He looked set to hit the opener, but Garry Hay blocked the Aussie’s shot bravely as the half-hour mark approached.

Combe was called into action again with Riordan on the rampage. The fringe player showed great imagination to create space before testing the visiting goalie.

Despite the home side enjoying lions’ share of the possession, Kilmarnock worked every bit as hard to keep the scores level at half-time.

In the second period, Celtic tried to up the tempo. Shunsuke Nakamura’s quality of delivery has been much missed by Gordon Strachan’s men this season. The Japanese was in fine form as he tried time and again to pick out MacDonald.

However, Kilmarnock were beginning to stride forward, sensing that there could be something in this game for them the longer Celtic waited to strike.

It was going to take a moment of genius or a defensive error to beat the impressive Combe this afternoon. Scott Brown (pictured) tried to provide the genius with a fierce drive, but it was stopper Martyn Corrigan who made the latter the reality via an own goal. His attempted clearance was risky and found the back of his own net.

The goal failed to spark the title-contenders, though, and they continued to toil. There would be a nervy finish if Killie could muster a big finish as the

Midfielder Paul Di Giacomo tried to be the hero, but Lee Naylor was on hand to block his effort.

Brown came close to killing off Killie with two minutes remaining, but he fired high after a scintillating run.

With Rangers not in action until tomorrow, Celtic have closed the gap to one point at the SPL summit.

Dundee Utd 3 – 0 Aberdeen

In the battle between the 5th placed Arabs and 4th placed Dons, there wasn’t much goalmouth action in a tight encounter.

However, both sides played some decent football. Steve Lovell is enjoying a starting berth at the moment, but his dithering in the box won’t help him win the new contract he craves.

Gary Kenneth, meanwhile, wasted the home side’s first chance when he fired wide from close range.

It was going to take something out of the ordinary to break this game open. Dons keeper Jamie Langfield would provide it after the break. He kept the ball at his feet too long and the opportunistic Noel Hunt closed him down. Langfield tried to lash the ball away, but the ball struck Hunt and found the net.

Aberdeen would again shoot themselves in the foot less than five minutes later. Lovell atoned for his earlier indecision by winning a penalty for the away side. Barry Nicholson – normally a cool penalty taker – skied the ball into the stand behind the goal.

After breaking on the right, Craig Conway held up the play until skipper Barry Robson arrived from midfield to lash home.

Robson put the game beyond doubt with some marvellous trickery. The set-piece maestro played the ball under the jumping Dons wall to round off the scoring.

United are now back up to 3rd place on goal difference, ahead of Motherwell..

Gretna 2–0 Falkirk

With Hearts winning the lunchtime Edinburgh derby, the pressure was in Gretna to pick up something at home.

After a slow start, ‘Doctor Goals’ Kenny Deuchar prescribed the opener. He treated the ball with his head after a cross by Uruguayan intern Fabien Yantorno. The Borders men were hoping to stay good shape and begin the healing process this afternoon.

Tony Caig continued his good recent form with a fine stop as Carl Finnegan tried to cancel out the opener before halftime.

Before Falkirk could start to work themselves back into the match, Gretna stunned them with a second. Paul Murray got the basement boys off to the perfect second-half start with a close-range volley.

Falkirk went for broke with a four-man attack in the second half. Gretna, though, were up to the task on this occassion. Davie Irons will be delighted to see his side keep their first SPL clean sheet, with the rookies also managing to last the full 90 minutes without collapsing.

St Mirren 3–1 Motherwell

Love Street was treated to a classy early goal. David Van Zanten and Craig Dargo combined to feed Marc Corcoran, who hit the opener with a left-foot strike.

The visitors, though, would show the strong character that has epitomised their fine season. Steven McGarry controlled despite hints of handball and fed the prolific David Clarkson, who hit the instant leveller.

The Buddies would pull ahead again as halftime approached. Ian Maxwell got the better of defender Marc Fitzpatrick in the box to power home a header.

Maxwell 3rd in three games, cutback the most dangerous weapon in football Corcoran.

A wise man once said that the cutback is the most dangerous in football. Marc Corcoran showed why when his found Maxwell, who put Saints on easy street.

Maxwell almost claimed the match ball when his 25-yeard free-kick deflected wide.

This was a very impressive performance from St Mirren – one of their best this term Motherwell slip into 4th place, but after emotional times of late Mark McGhee’s men deserve an off-day.


In the early kick-off, Hearts were beating faster than usual in the big derby match...

Hearts 1 - 0 Hibernian

The early kick-off took the shape of the Edinburgh derby. Both teams needed a reaction after poor recent form has left them in the bottom six.

It was a typically scrappy, passionate affair at Tynecastle. Hearts, though, looked the hungrier and fans’ favourite Andrius Velicka bagged the opener. Skipper Christophe Berra caused havoc in the Hibs box before the Lithuanian hitman nodded past the flailing Yves Ma-Kalambay.

Moroccan striker Abdessalam Benjelloun was the main threat for the away side in the first half, but he couldn’t convert a catalogue of half-chances.

The Hibees were guilty of some poor passing and a lack of quality in the final third as they continued to push for an equaliser after the break.

Thus, Steven Fletcher was brought into the fray after a spell on the sidelines. He did make a positive impact, but an Eggert Johnsson block denied him a comeback goal.

It would be the Jambos who ended the game looking to double their advantage. Right-back Kevin McCann was lucky to see his wayward clearance strike the post and bounce clear.

Hearts stay in 11th place for now, but ended a 10-game winless streak. New Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen, meanwhile, will now understand how fragile confidence is within the Hibs squad at present.

Blackburn Eye Faye Blackburn could be ready to replace Robbie Savage with Amdy Faye...

Blackburn Rovers are reportedly interested in signing unsettled Rangers midfielder Amdy Faye.

Experienced midfield hothead Robbie Savage switched to Derby County last week to aid kick-start their battle against relegation. Rovers could see the former Portsmouth and Newcastle star as an ideal replacement.

The Mirror reported that the Senegalese midfielder is due to arrive at Ewood Park this week for a trial and potential signing talks with gaffer Mark Hughes.

Faye has failed to settle at Ibrox since joining on loan from Charlton in the summer. Limited to just three appearances, he has been overlooked by Senegal for the African Cup of Nations.

He made an ill-fated debut in the 4-2 humbling at Tynecastle against Hearts in September.

He was also one of five men arrested - alongside Harry Redknapp and Milan Mandaric - in late November 2007 on allegations of transfer corruption.

Blackburn are unlikely to meet much resistance from Rangers, who have ample midfield cover in the squad.

Juande To Rescue Miguel From Mestalla

The 28 year old has become available after falling foul of the new disciplinarian coach at Valencia- Ronald Koeman.

The White Hart Lane club are looking to strengthen all across the back line, and recently had an £8 million bid for Rangers Alan Hutton rebuffed. This development has reportedly unsettled Pascal Chimbonda, who has voiced his intention to leave.

Valencia have raised the possibility of a cash plus player swap with Spurs involving Chimbonda so a quick deal could be on the cards, although Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Newcastle are tracking Chimbonda.

Juande Ramos knows Miguel from his time in Spain and rates him highly. The former Benfica full back has 45 caps for Portugal and has always stated his desire for a move to England one day.

Chelsea and Arsenal were linked with the player last year before he signed a new 5 year contract in September.

Tottenham also look set to complete the signing of Miguel’s international team-mate Tiago this week from Juventus. The former Chelsea and Lyon midfielder is determined to leave the Turin giants after falling out of favour with trainer Claudio Ranieri.

“I can't stay here any longer” said Tiago. “The best thing for me would be to leave.”

Although personal terms have yet to be agreed, it is expected that he will complete a £9.7 million move very soon.

Scotland - Premier League

1 Rangers FC 53
2 Celtic FC 46
3 Dundee United FC 38
4 Motherwell FC 35
5 Aberdeen FC 33
6 Falkirk FC 32
7 Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC 31
8 Hibernian FC 28
9 Heart of Midlothian FC 27
10 Saint Mirren FC 25
11 Kilmarnock FC 22
12 Gretna FC 13

Fan Spokesman Asks If Souness is Right For National Job A spokesman for a Scottish supporters' group has tentatively put Graeme Souness' name forward

As the race for the Hampden hotseat continues, former Rangers and Newcastle coach Graeme Souness has been linked with the job.

Now, Hamish Husband of the 'West of Scotland Tartan Army' has suggested that the front runner could be a fine choice - but only if certain conditions are met.

Husband told the Daily Record, "Souness would do a good job and bring stature and arrogance.

"But I'd like to know if he still has the passion for Scotland and if he applied for the job. I'm not sure if he has been sounded out, which is a subtle difference.

"He is extremely controversial but his passion for Scotland was never in doubt."

Souness, 54, was capped on 54 occasions for Scotland during his playing days, the bulk of which he spent with Liverpool. He has been out of management since leaving St. James' Park in 2006.