Rangers

Jamie Currie
Fan writer

In a season of so many lows, last week is about as good as it's got. Thursday night we showed we can knock out a very good Fenerbahce side and on Sunday we went to Parkhead and won in the best fashion possible.

Our shape in both games, especially Sunday, was great. We pressed Celtic in the first half aggressively and in a smart manner.

Scoring from a corner was one thing, but the move for Mohamed Diomande's goal was superb.

Second half we lost our way but we slowed things down when Celtic were getting frantic and played ourselves back into the game. That was smart game management.

Then you have the willingness to keep going against the run of play for Hamza Igamane's goal. We could have sat on the 2-2 and been happy in the end but no, his hit was unstoppable.

Fair play to the players and Barry Ferguson for delivering two fantastic results to send us into the international break with a smile on our faces.

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John Souttar has stressed it is "important we back up" Rangers' long-awaited away win at Celtic or else "it doesn't mean anything".

Hamza Igamane's late lash into the top corner delivered a first victory in the east end of Glasgow in eight attempts and continued Barry Ferguson's steady start as interim manager.

And while defender Souttar is urging his team-mates to "enjoy the moment" he adds it must be the start of "consistency".

"It's important we remember it is just three points," the Scotland international told RangersTV, "But we can enjoy it, it is a big moment for us.

"We have put a lot into the last week, but it is important we keep our feet on the ground and find that consistency.

"It's something we have struggled with this year, and it is something we are going to look for going forward, but it was a big performance and we showed a lot of character.

"If we don't find that consistency, then this win doesn't mean anything so it is important we back it up.

"I'm sure the boys will enjoy the break, a few people will be going away on international duty and when we come back, we are hungry and we keep going."

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Premier League clubs will face opposition from Marseille and Sevilla should they make a move to sign 22-year-old Rangers striker Hamza Igamane this summer. (Football Insider), external

Rangers are to consider a summer move for Nantes winger Gaoussou Diarra, but Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are also considering the 18-year-old as an option. (Football Insider), external

Guirassy is attracting interest from clubs such as Leeds United and Celtic. (Le Republicain Sportif), external

Athletic Bilbao head coach Ernesto Valverde has lashed out at Spanish football chiefs because of their hectic schedule before their Europa League showdown with Rangers. (Herald - subscription required), external

Interim head coach Barry Ferguson has given himself every chance to be in the reckoning for the permanent job with Rangers after wins over Fenerbahce and Celtic. (Football Insider), external

Police Scotland is probing Rangers winger Vaclav Cerny after he allegedly soaked Celtic fans with water during celebrations at Sunday's Old Firm derby. (Sun), external

Cerny could face a Scottish FA ban while defender team-mate Dujon Sterling is under investigation for comments made about Celtic Park on social media. (Record), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

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Ex-Rangers midfielder and assistant manager Alex Rae feels the "belief" his former side "can go toe-to-toe" with Celtic has been restored after they earned their first win at Parkhead in over four years.

Rae, who exited along with manager Philippe Clement last month, says Rangers now enter the Old Firm derby with "confidence they can get the job done".

That is reflected in the nine goals Rangers have scored in the last three meetings, winning two of those.

"If you look back at the last few Old Firm games, we've managed to score several goals against them," Rae told BBC Radio Scotland.

"So from that perspective, you're going into these games feeling confident you can actually score goals.

"There seems to be a belief, particularly in this derby now, that they can actually get the job done."

Rae has no doubt that mindset has stemmed from getting a "pivotal" win against Brendan Rodgers' side in January, which was Clement's only victory in the fixture at the seventh time of asking.

"We couldn't get a positive result against Celtic, even though we felt as if we'd done enough in games to actually warrant a result," Rae added.

"Obviously Barry has played a different shape, but I think the belief within that squad now is that they can actually go toe-to-toe with Celtic on any given day."

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Mohamed Diomande says Barry Ferguson is proving an inspirational figure after the Rangers interim boss guided his side to a first win at Celtic Park in five years.

Ferguson's men booked a Europa League last-eight spot against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday with a dramatic penalty shootout win over Fenerbahce and they followed that up with a thrilling derby win on Sunday.

Goals from Nico Raskin and fellow midfielder Diomande gave the visitors a deserved two-goal lead at Parkhead before Celtic levelled through Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate.

However, Rangers rallied and in the 88th minute substitute Hamza Igamane fired in from the edge of the box to snatch a 3-2 win.

Speaking about the influence of former Rangers captain Ferguson, Diomande said: "You can see how amazing it is, he went there and brought the tactics and we got the win.

"He is really pushing the players and he's an example that we followed. We know all about what he did for Rangers and what he can bring to the club.

"We use him as an example and we try to push on ourselves. I am happy that he is helping us.

"Personally, I've seen some videos of him and he's helping me because he's the same position as me.

"He was a good player and I'm just happy that he's giving me the advice that I'm trying to deliver for him on the pitch."

Despite a memorable derby win at Parkhead, Diomande revealed there were no over-the-top celebrations in the dressing room afterwards.

"Three points was the most important thing and (in dressing room) it was just chill, cool, and we just move on," he said.

"We know we are still behind by a lot of points and it is just a win. We are happy with that, but we are not celebrating like we are winning the league or something like that."

Nico Raskin: Outstanding impact by the midfielder as Rangers earned an impressive Old Firm victory. Not the biggest but times headers to perfection.

Mohamed Diomande: A big goal and an all-round impressive display full of energy, with and without the ball.

Hamza Igamane: Barely on the pitch but makes the team of the week for sheer impact. The game looked like it was starting to go Celtic's way, but Igamane's credentials took another step forward. Proved he can be the big match game-changer with a blockbuster finish to seal the win.

Watch highlights as Barry Ferguson's Rangers stun Celtic to win a thrilling five-goal Old Firm derby. (UK only)

We asked you for your views following Rangers' win at Celtic Park on Sunday.

Here's a flavour of what you said:

Pete: After the fine performance against Celtic and getting into the last eight of the Europa League... Give the job to Barry Ferguson and his team who has instilled passion, fire and belief into this group of players which was lacking under both Beale and Clement. Raskin was magnificent and full marks to Souttar and Tavernier. I'm still buzzing!

Margaret: Great show, as was our last league meeting against Celtic but when we can't beat teams like St Mirren and Motherwell, it's a hollow victory. It has been a great few days for Rangers supporters, but so frustrating!

Allan: Great first half but we still showed our vulnerabilities in the second half. For those who think Barry Ferguson has done enough to get the managers job remember under Clement we won 3-0 last time out...

JDM: Where has this team been all season? We now look like a proper Rangers team again full of fight and who never give in.

Frazer: Great game to watch. Ferguson has definitely lit the fire that was missing, however there were three managers in the Rangers dugout today. The entire coaching staff barking orders for the full 90 minutes, demanding a passionate performance. I would like to give Ferguson and co the chance next season, but regardless, let's enjoy them while they're here!

Paul: Terrific performance in the first half, we were well worth our lead. Celtic upped it a bit in the second half and I was really worried when they equalised but the players showed fantastic character to win it at the end especially off the back of their exertions on Thursday night. Delighted.

Ross: Where's this been all year? Best performance domestically this year (apart from the new year game) and Igamane comes out with a brilliant goal to cap it off. Raskin was superb, but the defending still looks a bit patchy in places. Just hope Barry keeps the manager job for next year.

Rangers' incoming owners face a massive dilemma after interim manager Barry Ferguson's achieves victory at Celtic Park with a team of perennial underachievers. (Daily Record)

Rangers defender John Souttar has been impressed with the job Ferguson has done since taking over from Philippe Clement on a temporary basis - but refused to be drawn on the caretaker manager's future. (The Scotsman)

Almost 100 Rangers ultras were denied entry to Sunday's Old Firm game at Celtic Park after refusing to be searched for weapons and pyros. (Scottish Sun)

Ex-Celtic midfielder Alan Thompson says Rangers' celebrations after the Old Firm game were "slightly embarrassing" considering they are 13 points behind in the Premiership. (Scottish Sun)

Alex Rae, who was a coach at Ibrox a month ago, joined the Rangers fans in the away end at Celtic Park as he lapped up the derby victory. (Daily Record)

Rangers are being sued for up to £2m by finance firm Reputation Exchange for allegedly reneging on an agreement over an axed deal to offer cash cards to fans. (Scottish Sun)

Bilbao's mayor has revealed they will take extra security measures when Rangers visit in the Europa League - because Athletic Bilbao fans rioted in the last round. (Scottish Sun)

Read the rest of Monday's gossip.

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Nicolas Raskin was a standout for the visitors at Celtic Park, heading in the first goal and setting up the second with another clever nod.

The Belgian was so busy in midfield, combining the dirty work with incredible energy and intelligent promptings.

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Rangers interim manager Barry Ferguson told BBC Scotland: "I thought we were excellent in the first half. If I'm being picky, we might have had a couple more goals.

"We knew Celtic would come at us. At 2-2, I think about the things me and my staff have been on to the players about. You need a different side to your game at Rangers and one of those big words is character. They showed that so much today.

"The 120 minutes [against Fenerbahce] did take a lot out of them but they are very professional and very well looked after. I had no concerns about energy. You're going to suffer a bit then you get a second wind.

"I had to make a few changes, with a few guys cramping up but that's why you have a squad.

"I knew there was a good team here. They were just missing a bit of self-belief, they had to be driven on a bit more and that's what we've done as a staff. The boys listen, they tune in, and over the past 10 days you've certainly seen the benefits of that.

"You've got to take confidence. Fenerbahce are a top team with one of the best managers and then we meet Celtic, who are a very good team with a top manager. We've had challenges and I've told the players they need to stand up and rise to those challenges."

Rangers enjoyed a second bout of raucous celebrations in four days as Hamza Igamane's stunning late strike administered Celtic's first Scottish Premiership home defeat since December 2023.

Barry Ferguson's side had roared into a two-goal half-time lead after Nico Raskin's early flicked header and Mohamed Diomande's low shot.

However, as the effects of Thursday's epic Europa League win over Fenerbahce began to tell, title-chasing Celtic hit back with Daizen Maeda's towering header and and Reo Hatate's slotted finish.

That set up a frantic finale, in which it seemed the league leaders had the momentum, but it was Rangers who found the decisive goal.

Igamane profited from Alistair Johnston's slip to lash in an outrageous winner to give the Ibrox side their first victory at Celtic Park since 2020.

Give us your thoughts on the game here., external

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland at Celtic Park

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Rangers will feel they fully merited this win - their second derby triumph in a row after the January victory at Ibrox.

They'll also feel it's a statement victory at the home of the champions-elect after so many struggles on the domestic front.

Their energy-sapping encounter with Fenerbahce didn't stop them from putting in a high-octane, high-pressing performance that made a normally unflappable Celtic side completely lose their cool in the first half.

Two up at half-time, it could well have been more.

To watch Celtic come back to level would have been a blow, but for Rangers to still have the desire and energy to go on and win the game means huge credit should go to the players and the interim management team.

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Celtic captain Callum McGregor (calf) and defender Liam Scales (cheekbone) are doubts, while Paulo Bernardo (ankle) remains out, but James Forrest is back.

Barry Ferguson will assess some minor issues in his Rangers squad following their European exertions but there are no major injuries.

Watch all the goals from this season's two Old Firm derbies in the Scottish Premiership before the sides meet at Parkhead on Sunday.

Celtic triumphed 3-0 at home in September before Rangers won by the same scoreline at Ibrox in January.

Available to UK users only.

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Thursday night's Europa League victory over Fenerbahce won't have any bearing on Sunday's Old Firm, says former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday.

Despite taking a 3-1 league into the second leg at Ibrox, Fenerbahce's 2-0 win took the match to extra time and then penalties where Rangers emerged as 3-2 winners.

There's little time to celebrate for Barry Ferguson's side though as they prepare to travel to Celtic Park for the Old Firm derby on Sunday.

But Halliday insists the extra minutes won't have any impact on the level of performance Rangers are able to put in.

"They had the European fixture on the Thursday night before they beat Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final a couple of years ago," Halliday said.

"And then they had the Europa League final just three days prior to when they beat Hearts in the Scottish Cup final. They've shown before that they can bounce back.

"Don't get me wrong, I think Celtic were always going to be strong favourites going into the game and I think the extra 30 minutes don't quite help Rangers.

"But that being said, it's an Old Firm game, you're running on adrenaline. You go into every game with niggles and tired legs but if there's any fixture in world football which is going to get you through in terms of your adrenaline, it's going to be this one on Sunday."

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• Celtic are unbeaten in their last eight home league games against Rangers (W6 D2), winning each of their last five. Never in their history have Celtic won six consecutive home Old Firm derbies in the league.

• After their 3-0 win in January, Rangers are looking to win back-to-back league derbies against Celtic for the first time since August 2021 under Steven Gerrard, and first time within a single season since winning their first two meetings of the 2020-21 campaign.

• Seven of the last 13 league Old Firm meetings have seen the opening goal scored within the first 10 minutes. The side scoring first has won seven of the last eight league meetings, with the exception being a 3-3 draw in April 2024.

• Celtic have won 19 of their last 20 home league games (D1), including each of their last 10 by an aggregate score of 37-1. They've scored two or more goals in all 20 of these matches – their longest ever such run in the league.

• Rangers have lost two of their last three league games (W1), as many as their previous 18 beforehand (W12 D4). The Ibrox side could lose successive matches in the Premiership for the first time since March 2018 under Graeme Murty.

• This is Barry Ferguson's first Old Firm in charge of Rangers. None of the club's last eight managers to face Celtic have won their first meeting in all competitions (D3 L5), with the last being Ally McCoist in September 2011. Away from home, eight of the last 10 Rangers managers to visit Celtic lost their first trip (D2) since Walter Smith won 2-0 in August 1991.

• Ferguson will be the seventh different Rangers manager to face Brendan Rodgers' Celtic in all competitions. No other Celtic manager in history has faced more than four different Rangers managers.

• Celtic trio Alistair Johnston, Daizen Maeda, and Nicolas Kuhn are all joint top for assists in the Premiership this season (seven each), while Rangers pair Vaclav Cerny (66) and James Tavernier (54) are the top two players for chances created.