Rangers

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Rangers head coach Barry Ferguson has been speaking to the media before his side's match against Dundee on Saturday evening.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• After Uefa punished Rangers with a suspended partial stadium closure, Ferguson says he echoes the strong message put out by the club, who condemned the banner and are in the process of banning the individuals responsible for life.

• He adds it would be a huge shame if the actions of a minority of supporters ended with the closure of the Copland Stand as the most important thing is that "fans stay inside the stadium".

• Ferguson revealed he had a "private chat" with forward Vaclav Cerny, who was filmed squirting water towards the main stand at Celtic Park after Rangers' late winner in the recent derby. That discussion will remain in-house but Ferguson wants his players and staff to celebrate goals and wins.

• With Cerny's loan period ending in the summer, and the club having an option to buy, Ferguson would "love to see him staying here" but declined to comment on whether he has any influence on plans for next season, or whether he would want the manager's job longer term.

• He reiterated his belief Rangers have been "too nice" this season but declined to reveal how he's managed to effect a change in mentality recently, simply saying: "That's my secret."

• He says the upturn in performance levels hasn't gone unnoticed within and outwith the club and the players "need to continue to turn up and produce performances. It's not all about nice, pretty football. They're starting to learn that. We were far too nice."

• The two key things for Ferguson? "Intensity and high standards." He accepts that "change is difficult" for players but feels they've done a great job responding to what he's asked them to do.

• On the prospect of facing Dundee in Saturday's late kick-off, Ferguson describes them as a good team, with a good manager, who were on a bad run until a "brilliant" performance and result at neighbours United in the derby.

• Ferguson accepts "games away from home haven't been to the standard expected" for Rangers this season and this weekend is a chance to start to put that right.

• On Nicolas Raskin, who has impressed for Rangers and made his Belgium debut last week, Ferguson says: "Nico has potential to play at the highest level - his best years are still in front of him. He has been top class for me but he needs to make sure he continues that and continues to produce performances."

• "One or two" players are doubtful for the trip to Dens.

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

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When we asked you on this page last week for your Rangers player of the season so far, Nicolas Raskin was a popular shout.

The midfielder is now impressing for his country too. Over the international break Raskin made his Belgium debut off the bench then his first start in the Nations League play-off double-header against Ukraine, with many Red Devils fans heaping praise on the 24-year-old.

Raskin's international recognition comes after his elevation to Rangers mainstay - and former striker Rory Loy believes interim boss Barry Ferguson has been key to the player's stellar form too.

Speaking on the Scottish Football Podcast, Loy said: "To think he wasn't an automatic pick earlier this season is quite something.

"I think you have to give Barry Ferguson credit. I know it's only been a few weeks and I'm not saying he's the reason Raskin's in the Belgium squad, but that whole idea of driving standards, of instilling that little bit of belief and that winning mentality [is key]".

Raskin has played every minute since Ferguson took charge, proving to be particularly influential in their Europa League win over Fenerbahce.

"You've seen a side of him, and I'm not saying he never showed it under Philippe Clement, but the consistency he's shown with it since Ferguson has come in has been quite something," added Loy.

"So I do think he deserves credit in terms of the mental side of the game and then we already know he's got ability. He's shown that in abundance over the last three months.

"He's worn the armband which I think as well has probably boosted his confidence. On top of that he gets in the Belgium squad and he's contributing."

• Dundee are winless in their past 16 meetings with Rangers across all competitions (D3 L13) since a 2-1 league victory in November 2017 under Neil McCann.

• After winning four successive visits to Dundee in all competitions from 2021 to 2023, Rangers have since drawn both of their past two away games against the Dark Blues (0-0 in April 2024, 1-1 in January 2025).

• Dundee have failed to win any of their past seven home league games (D3 L4), this after winning three in a row beforehand.

• Having only won three of their first 11 away league games of the season (D4 L4), Rangers have won each of their past four matches on the road in the Scottish Premiership.

• Rangers have conceded 2+ goals in four successive league games for the first time since December 2005. They haven't do so in five league matches in a row since April 1986 under Walter Smith – a run that included a 2-1 loss at Dundee.

Rangers are running out of time to trigger a fee of around £5.5m for Czech winger Vaclav Cerny, who has impressed on loan from Wolfsburg. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Thursday's Scottish gossip.

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Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

What if the Scottish Premiership was decided on overperforming your expected goals (xG) rating?

You're rolling your eyes, aren't you? Fair enough, but the above graphic still paints an interesting picture.

In the second column you will see each team's current xG tally after 30 games, but the table is sorted based on the third column, which shows how much each side has overperformed or underperformed by.

For example, the chances leaders Celtic have created throughout the season suggests they should have scored around 77 goals, but Brendan Rodgers' side have surpassed that tally with an overperformance of almost 12 goals.

Remarkably, Dundee have overperformed their xG total of 34 by 11 goals. If Tony Docherty's side could sort out their defensive issues, it's safe to assume they wouldn't be fighting for survival.

It's the opposite for Kilmarnock, with their underperformance of 5.5 showing they have struggled to take their chances. Addressing that is key if Derek McInnes wants to pull his side away from the bottom.

Other underperformers include Hibernian, Dundee United and Ross County, while the remainder of the teams in the division appear to be fairly steady.

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Needing a game-winning goal in the Premiership this season? Vaclav Cerny is your man.

The 27-year-old Rangers attacker has six goals to his name that have won matches in the top flight, one better than Celtic's Nicolas Kuhn in second.

On-loan winger Cerny took a bit of time to find his feet at Ibrox but is now flourishing and is the league's best when it comes to winning a game.

Here are his crucial strikes:

• Matchday 2 (Home vs. Motherwell) – 24', made it 2:1.

• Matchday 7 (Home vs. St. Johnstone) – 34', made it 1:0.

• Matchday 9 (Home vs. St. Mirren) – 69', made it 2:1.

• Matchday 18 (Home vs. Dundee) – 46', made it 1:0.

• Matchday 23 (Home vs. St. Johnstone) – 20', made it 2:0.

• Matchday 26 (Away vs. Hearts) – 61', made it 1:2.

Lee McCulloch backs former Rangers team-mate Barry Ferguson to secure the Ibrox manager's job on a permanent basis following his current spell as interim head coach. (Record), external

Rangers winger Vaclav Cerny, 27, on loan from Wolfsburg, scored the Czech Republic's opener in Tuesday's 4-0 win over Gibraltar. (Sun), external

Dundee manager Tony Docherty would have no concerns about fielding Lyall Cameron against Rangers on Saturday evening, with the 22-year-old midfielder moving to Ibrox this summer. (Record), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

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A takeover involving the San Francisco 49ers would be a game-changer for Rangers, says Scottish deal-maker Les Allan.

Allan claims he brought Andrew Cavanagh, who is also believed to be involved in the potential takeover, and the 49ers group together.

And he told The Warm-Up, external that Rangers fans "should be super excited" about the deal, which is expected to be completed in the coming months

Investment banker Allan revealed: "In the last few months, [Cavanagh] teamed up with the 49ers and that changes the game a little bit when you're starting to work with an organisation quite as established and at the very top table of the top sports in the world with the top commercial relationships.

"They own very serious professional sporting assets. When you look at how they run those assets, you're looking at a high degree of professionalism, top tier, top table commercial relationships and sporting acumen, that's what I'd expect to see.

"Rangers fans should be super excited, but as Scottish football fans; you've got to think, that's going to draw the eyes and the attention of other American sports owners at that level, and that's what's happened over a period with the Premier League in England."

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Thirty years on from the sudden death of Rangers icon David Cooper, former team-mates of the Scotland great have paid tribute, external to the Ibrox legend.

Cooper won 13 domestic honours during his time with Rangers and is regarded as one of the best to have played for the Govan club.

Former Rangers team-mate John Brown: "He was the one that had something different from everybody else, ability to beat his man for fun, drop the shoulder, make a pass nobody else could see.

"He went out there and played football the way everybody wants to see it played."

Former Scotland team-mate Roy Aitken: "He was a unique player. He had a natural talent. Humble guy, we both made our Scotland debuts together.

"You remember him as a unique talent but also someone who stepped up when it really mattered."

Former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson says Rangers fans might need to be patient over the identity of their new permanent manager, given the protracted saga to appoint Daniel Farke at Elland Road by the San Francisco 49ers' group who are poised to take over at Ibrox. (Daily Record)

Former Rangers winger Ryan Kent is a free agent and was linked with a return to Ibrox but he looks set to finally end his football exile with a move to Seattle Sounders in Major League Soccer. (Daily Record)

Former Rangers boss Mark Warburton - now sporting director and head of soccer for new USL franchise Sporting Club Jacksonville - has pitched a cross-Atlantic partnership with Celtic. (Scottish Sun)

The US consortium leading the takeover of Rangers are planning a major upgrade of the club's training facilities at Auchenhowie. (Daily Record)

Former Rangers supremo Sir David Murray will lift the lid on his time at Ibrox in a new autobiography, 'Mettle'. (Scottish Sun)

Former Rangers supremo Sir David Murray will lift the lid on his time at Ibrox in a new autobiography, 'Mettle'. (Scottish Sun)

Read the rest of Tuesday's gossip.

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Nico Raskin delivered a player-of-the-match display on his first international start as he guided Belgium to a sensational comeback in their Nations League A play-off against Ukraine.

The 24-year-old came off the bench 10 minutes from time in the Red Devils' 3-1 defeat by Ukraine in Murcia in Thursday night's first leg, but with Youri Tielemans suspended, head coach Rudo Garci handed Raskin the chance from the off.

And the Rangers midfielder replied with aplomb as Belgium roared to a 3-0 win to preserve their top tier status.

Despite being booked in the opening minutes, the former Standard Liege midfielder starred and when substituted in the 89th minute, he received a standing ovation.

Former Rangers manager Philippe Clement is a candidate to take over at Anderlecht next season. (Record), external

Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin, 24, made his first Belgium start as they beat Ukraine 3-0 to secure a 4-3 aggregate win in the Nations League play-offs. (Herald - subscription), external

Read Monday's Scottish gossip

Private talks between Celtic, Rangers, community leaders, Glasgow City Council and Police Scotland have been taking place in the lead up to Scottish Premiership title celebrations in a bid to avoid "the kind of disorder, vandalism and violence that has been a persistent feature of gatherings at Trongate and George Square at the conclusion of recent football seasons". (The Herald On Sunday), external

Should Leeds United miss out on a £80m jackpot by missing out on promotion for the second consecutive season, it could have implications for 49ers Enterprises' takeover bid for Rangers because the stricter dual ownership rules in the Football League compared to the Premier League. (Sunday Mail), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Rabbi Matondo swept in his first international goal in added time as Wales started their World Cup qualification campaign.

The 24-year-old joined German second-tier side Hannover 96 on loan until the end of the season in January and earned a call-up to the Welsh side.

Matondo came on as a late substitute and scored just four minutes after his introduction.

Meanwhile, Vaclac Cerny played 80 minutes as the Czech Republic edged past a stubborn Faroe Islands side.

Patrik Schick's double secured a win to start their qualification campaign, with his 85th minute winner coming just two minutes after their opponents thought they'd clinched a late equaliser.

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Striker Hamza Igamane came off the bench for his Morocco debut as they won 2-1 against Niger.

Morocco scored in injury time through fellow substitute Bilal El Khannouss to remain top of their World Cup qualifying group, with four wins from four.

They now face Tanzania on Tuesday.

Nedim Bajrami played just over an hour for Albania as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against England at Wembley.

Thomas Tuchel's side, in the German's first game in charge scored either side of the interval to top their World Cup qualification group, leaving Bajrami's Albania bottom after one game.

Albania face Andorra next on Monday evening.

Ianis Hagi played the second half for Romania as they lost 1-0 to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their qualifying group. They play San Marino next.

The Union Bears supporters group has accused Police Scotland of "flagrant and unwarranted abuse of power" before Rangers' match against Celtic, revealing legal action has been pursued over a Section 60 order allowing officers to stop and search people where appropriate or necessary. (The Herald), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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We asked for your Rangers player of the year - and the biggest disappointment.

Here's what some of you said:

Martin: Player of the season Nico Raskin. Flop of the season Robin Propper.

Rab: Vaclav Cerny, for his consistency, goalscoring and being the only hope we had at various times.

Pete: My player of the year vote would go to Leon Balogun - he was Mr Reliable all season, but badly let down by his team-mates. Flop of the year is the Rangers team collectively, but choosing an individual it would be Nedim Bajrami - a waste of space.

Brian: Raskin all day long for player of the season. Bajrami unfortunately, a good player, but taking too long to adjust to our kick and rush league.

Peter: I think Cerny is player of season for us. His goals and assists have helped us a lot when needed a lift. Propper needs another season to see if he can get it together.

Chris: Favourite player, close-run thing between Cerny and Raskin. As for biggest disappointment, there are so many - Oscar Cortes, Danilo, Propper to name a few.

Andrew: Best player has without doubt been Cerny. He's too often been a game changer. Biggest letdown has been Propper. Despite admitting he's struggled to get to terms with the Scottish game, he's still not fully adapted and was a hefty investment. He's had a good showing in Old Firm games and European nights though.

Gordon: Cerny or Raskin for player of the season. Biggest flop would be our back four, especially Propper. We are weak at set-pieces and there is no commanding centre-back other than John Souttar.

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Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin has followed up his storming Old Firm performance by making his Belgium debut.

The 24-year-old came off the bench 10 minutes from time in the Red Devils' 3-1 defeat by Ukraine in Murcia in Thursday night's first leg of the Nations League play-off.

Raskin will hope to make his first home appearance for Belgium on Sunday as they look to overhaul the two-goal deficit and stay in League B.

Centre-half Leon Balogun feels capable of continuing to play for Rangers next season despite turning 37 in June. (Daily Record), external

The shirt Rangers winger Vaclav Cerny wore in Sunday's Old Firm derby win over Celtic has sparked a bidding frenzy, with the latest offer standing at a hefty £24,000 because the 27-year-old is the subject of a police probe as a result of a water throwing incident. (Glasgow Times), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Rangers having nothing to fear when facing Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finals, according to Alex Rae, as the former assistant manager challenged the club to return to the San Mames Stadium for the final in May.

Rangers progressed to the last eight with a penalty shootout win over Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce.

Rae, who left Ibrox along with Philippe Clement last month, says his old side should enter the tie with "plenty of confidence" given their recent exploits in the competition, particularly reaching the final in 2022.

"Athletic Bilbao are a very decent outfit, they're fourth in La Liga," Rae told BBC Radio Scotland. "That tells you about the kind of opposition they're up against.

"But one of the key things over the last four or five years is that Rangers have pulled out some really big moments in this competition against big, big clubs, so they'll go into it with plenty of confidence.

"It suits them as well with this transitional moment they're in, with a low block, being compact, trying to hit teams on the break."

Playing in Europe has long suited Rangers' style, but Rae says building on last weekend's derby win by improving their domestic form is key for Ferguson if he wishes to secure the position on a permanent basis.

"Going forward between now and the summer, that's key for Barry and his team," Rae added.

"That might strengthen his hand in terms of getting the job permanently.

"It would be great to go to Bilbao again in the summer having been to Seville a couple of years ago, but the domestic form needs to be a lot more positive, particularly the away form.

"The home form in the league was fine, up until the St Mirren game a few weeks ago.

"It was competitive - the type of form would have given you a crack at the title - but unfortunately we couldn't maintain that away from home."