The Glasgow Rangers Thread.

[Jockstar]

A BIG BIG game this weekend. The first old firm game of the season. Come on the Gers!!

Celtic v Rangers: Preview

PA

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan refuses to buy into the theory that rival Paul Le Guen is already under pressure in the Ibrox hot seat.

Frenchman Le Guen goes into his first Old Firm game at Celtic Park tomorrow knowing defeat would leave Rangers trailing seven points behind their rivals.

Despite only one defeat so far this season, to Hibernian in the Bank of Scotland Premier League last weekend, Rangers have been unconvincing so far with many Gers fans questioning the ability of some of Le Guen's signings and fearing a loss to the Hoops in their first meeting of the season.

But Strachan said: ``If you are the manager of Rangers or Celtic then you will have a problem every day of every week - because someone will find one. And that's the way it is.

``I met Le Guen at the Brazil v Croatia game and although it was a bit noisy we spoke for about five or six minutes. It was fine. He's a top manager.

``I can't do anything about us being favourites and I can't do anything about opinions.

``Everyone has their opinions and you get on with it.

``What we have to do as players and especially as managers is deal with the reality and the reality is Rangers have a lot of good players.

``They also have a fantastic manager and if you put that together we've got problems.''

The Hoops beat St Mirren 2-0 in the third round of the CIS Insurance Cup on Tuesday with a second-string XI but will call upon all their big guns for the visit of their arch rivals.

Striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is certain to start with Strachan having to decide whether Maciej Zurawski or Kenny Miller partners the big Dutchman in attack.

Rangers captain Barry Ferguson today urged fans to heed warnings about sectarian singing ahead of the first Old Firm game of the season.

The derby at Celtic Park is the first to take place since the introduction of orders which could see fans banned from football for 10 years.

And it comes after Rangers were fined by UEFA for sectarian chants and warned about their fans' future behaviour.

Ibrox supporters have been praised for their response to the club's anti-sectarian initiatives, including a ban on the song `Billy Boys`, since the start of the season.

Ferguson today joined with the club's security chief to urge fans to continue their backing for the campaign at Celtic Park tomorrow

He said: ``I'm sure our fans won't let us down and the players thank all those who have shown us great support so far.''

Rangers head of safety Laurence Macintyre added: ``We have made significant progress since the start of the season and we appeal to our supporters travelling to Parkhead on Saturday once again to show their support of our anti-sectarian policies.

Jim Templeton, President of the Rangers Assembly supporters group, said:

``Rangers fans have been praised for their behaviour at Ibrox this season and we should be proud of that but we all need to continue our efforts.''

Football Banning Orders were introduced by the Scottish Executive on September 1 this year giving courts the powers to ban supporters from all games for up to 10 years.

Dado Prso and Barry Ferguson are back in contention for the clash with Celtic.

Prso missed the last couple of games with a knee problem, while Ferguson was rested for the midweek CIS Insurance Cup win over Dunfermline.

Goalkeeper Lionel Letizi (calf) and Jeremy Clement (knee) are still injured, while Ian Murray's recovery from a virus continues.

[Mossfinn]

What, no response yet!!

Don't worry, you may still get into Europe by being the third best team in Scotland.

Good Luck in your relegation fight, it just wouldn't be the same without the O.F Derbys in the SPL

Moss

[dboy]

What, no response yet!!

Don't worry, you may still get into Europe by being the third best team in Scotland.

Good Luck in your relegation fight, it just wouldn't be the same without the O.F Derbys in the SPL

Moss

[dboy]

rangers may have lost this game sadly the best team doesnt always win. if i was celtic i would be worried, they will win nothing by may

[Jockstar]

rangers may have lost this game sadly the best team doesnt always win. if i was celtic i would be worried, they will win nothing by may

I thought Rangers played the best football. Celtic were all long balls. Anyway. Congrats to Celtic. But the league is not over by a long shot.

Report coming soon!

[Jockstar]

Celtic take Old Firm derby

PA

Kenny Miller ended his much-publicised goal drought for Celtic to help the Parkhead side to a 2-0 win over his former club Rangers in the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

Thomas Gravesen's first goal for the champions had given the home side a narrow interval lead, before the Scotland striker, who had failed to find the net since arriving from Wolves in the summer, sealed the victory in the 73rd minute when he slid Aiden McGeady's pass under the body of goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

Celtic's lead over Rangers at the top of the table was extended to seven points and the pressure now mounts on Ibrox boss Paul Le Guen, who is no nearer convincing supporters that he is the man for the job.

Despite the lunchtime kick-off at Celtic Park, there was still the usual tension surrounding the Old Firm fixture and with the backing of the home support, it was the Hoops who were immediately on the ascendancy.

• Hibs lose, Strachan hails derby

In the eighth minute Miller sprinted onto a long clearance from defender Lee Naylor but, under pressure from Sasa Papac, the Scotland striker lobbed the ball yards over the bar from the edge of the penalty area.

However, that initial supremacy was short-lived. Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam responded by sending a snap-shot from distance over the bar and moments later Celtic defender Stephen McManus had to be sharp into the tackle to foil Kris Boyd as the striker bore down on goal.

Celtic regained the initiative, but in the 18th minute, after McManus had conceded a foul 25 yards from goal by tugging Boyd's shirt, Adam flashed the resulting free-kick inches past the post.

Then Shunsuke Nakamura drew a good save from McGregor after Ibrox skipper Barry Ferguson had lost possession to the Japanese midfielder in his own penalty area.

The Parkhead men were still slightly the better side in an enthralling encounter, but unforced errors and slackness in defensive positions were worrying the home fans.

In the 25th minute Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's volley from 30 yards was well saved by McGregor, who was having a splendid game in the Rangers goal.

At the other end, as the pace of the game dipped slightly, Boyd looked too reticent challenging for Adam's free-kick from wide on the left and headed harmlessly over the bar from six yards out.

But in the 34th minute the home side's dominance paid off when they took the lead, albeit from an unlikely source.

Neil Lennon's cross in from the right was met by McGeady eight yards from goal and, although McGregor made a fabulous save from the midfielder's header, Gravesen had the easiest of tasks nodding in his first goal for the Parkhead club from close range.

The Ibrox side rallied towards the interval, but McGeady almost made it 2-0 in the 40th minute when his curling effort from 30 yards clipped the bar.

Neither manager made changes at the break and when play resumed the visitors looked more positive, but in the 50th minute it was Nakamura who almost doubled the Hoops' lead when he shaved the post with a powerful drive from 25 yards out.

In a promising Rangers counter-attack striker Dado Prso played in Ferguson, but the pass was too strong, allowing Celtic keeper Artur Boruc to race from his line and clear.

A driving run by the tireless Prso on the hour mark led to a foul by McManus at the edge of the Celtic penalty area, but a good opportunity was squandered when Ferguson struck a poor shot against the wall and the rebound was sent well wide by Rangers defender Steven Smith.

Moments later Boyd flashed a shot high over from 20 yards over and immediately Lee Martin replaced Chris Burke to add to the earlier substitution of Libor Sionko for Alan Hutton.

In the 73rd minute the home side made sure of the points when Miller dramatically broke his duck for the Parkhead side.

McGeady put him clear on the edge of the visitors' penalty area with a clever reverse pass and Miller slipped the ball under McGregor before peeling away to celebrate with the jubilant Hoops fans.

Rangers almost grabbed a goal back when Prso's header was cleared off the line by Naylor and then in the 81st minute Boyd's shot from 16 yards clipped the bar, but Celtic held on to keep a clean sheet and claim first blood in the Old Firm this season.

Hibs lose, Strachan hails derby

Four players were sent off at Hibernian, whose good run was ended in a 1-0 defeat by Falkirk.

At Hibernian, Falkirk went ahead in a stormy first half when Kenny Milne forced the ball home after eight minutes.

The match erupted when Hibs skipper Scott Thomson clashed with Falkirk's Steve O'Donnell and earned his second yellow card on 36 minutes from referee Alan Freeland.

However, Falkirk substitute Liam Craig, who had been warming up on the track near the incident, became involved in heated scenes and was sent off and ordered up the tunnel.

BBC Radio Scotland reported that police warned Hibs boss Tony Mowbray and Falkirk manager John Hughes to keep their players calm at halftime.

However, in the 75th minute, O'Donnell was sent off for his second bookable offence and after the final whistle the referee also showed the red card to Hibernian's Scott Brown.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan said it was the best Old Firm game, watched by 59,341 fans, he had been involved in since he joined Celtic last year.

'I thought it was a great game,' he told BBC Radio Scotland. 'That's the best one I have been involved in football-wise since I came here, with two teams having a right good go at each other.

'Kenny got his first goal and Thomas got his first goal for us so that was great.'

McGregor made a string of good saves, notably from Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Shunsuke Nakamura, to deny Celtic more goals.

Rangers' Croatian striker Dado Prso smashed a downward header from a corner on 78 minutes only to see Lee Naylor smuggle the ball off the line.

Striker Kris Boyd turned defender Gary Caldwell and fired a 10-metre shot against the crossbar three minutes later.

Strachan said of the seven-point lead: 'It's satisfying, that is all it is. You can go home now and have a couple of days' sleep -- that's your reward for winning an Old Firm game.'

Rangers manager Paul Le Guen said: 'Even when they scored the second goal I had the feeling we were able to come back in the game.

'They are better than us, that is obvious, but we are not so far behind.'

Second-placed Hearts, with 13 points from seven games, play at Aberdeen on Sunday.

[Neeranam]

Good result in Italy!

[Jockstar]

Rangers 2-0 Maccabi Haifa: Gers closing in

PA

Rangers took themselves to within touching distance of the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup with a 2-0 win over Maccabi Haifa at Ibrox.

Jeff J Mitchell/GettyImages

Nacho Novo scores the opener for Rangers.

Nacho Novo opened the scoring after just five minutes before Charlie Adam sealed the win from the penalty spot with a minute to go.

Gers may be threatening to self-destruct in the Bank of Scotland Premier League, falling 12 points adrift of leaders Celtic.

But maximum points from Group A matches against Livorno and Maccabi mean they now have a great chance of progressing in Europe.

• Ferguson hails team spirit

Rangers were forced to make a late change to their line-up before kick-off.

Lionel Letizi was named on the team-sheet but it was Allan McGregor who started between the sticks, suggesting the Frenchman was injured during the warm-up.

Le Guen made three other changes to personnel following last week's 1-1 draw with Motherwell in the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

With Sasa Papac cup-tied following his Champions League appearances for Austria Vienna, it was no surprise to see Karl Svensson drafted back in defence.

What was surprising was Julien Rodriguez being named on the bench, with midfielder Brahim Hemdani dropping back to the centre-half position he occupied in the first round against Molde.

Jeremy Clement returned from a two-month injury to fill the void left by Hemdani in midfield, while Thomas Buffel was dropped in favour of Dado Prso, but the big story of the night was the dramatic inclusion of McGregor.

He had been controversially dropped for fit-again Letizi despite a string of impressive performances and the visit of Maccabi now provided another opportunity to stake a claim for the number one jersey.

McGregor was almost called into action straight away when Gustavo Boccoli sent a fierce cross into the box but Alain Masudi just failed to connect with the header in front of goal.

Instead, it was Rangers who took the lead. Kris Boyd nodded into the path of Novo, whose drive took a slight deflection over goalkeeper Nir Davidovich and into the back of the net.

Davidovich was called into action again almost immediately to tip a Boyd header just over the crossbar.

Hemdani picked up the first booking for handball on the edge of the box but the Israelis were wasteful with the resultant free-kick.

Rangers were threatening again when Clement released Boyd into the box but he found himself closed down by two defenders before he could shoot.

Adam then saw a thunderous 35-yard drive flash just past the upright.

Maccabi tried to draw level shortly before the break when McGregor was called into action to block a Roberto Colautti effort but the offside flag was raised anyway.

Rangers should have doubled their lead within a minute of the restart when Prso was brought down in the box by Alon Harazi and referee Costas Kapitanis immediately pointed to the spot.

Boyd stepped up for the pressure kick but Davidovich guessed right and the Gers striker could only look on in disbelief as the goalkeeper blocked.

Rangers refused to give up and were denied by the woodwork moments later.

Steven Smith delivered to the feet of Barry Ferguson and his curling effort took a slight deflection before crashing off the outside of the post.

Maccabi made their first change of the evening when Boccoli made way for Maor Melikson.

Rangers then made a double substitution, Thomas Buffel replacing Prso and Filip Sebo taking the place of Boyd.

With time running out, Maccabi pushed forward in search of the equaliser and McGregor did well to block a close range effort from Melikson.

The game was then delayed for several minutes when one spectator, draped in a Palestinian flag, raced on to the pitch and handcuffed himself to the goalpost.

He was eventually freed and escorted from the field by policemen, as travelling fans waved Israeli flags.

Once the game was re-started Rangers doubled their lead from the penalty spot when Ferguson was fouled by Dirceu Xavir in the final minute.

This time, it was Adam who stepped up for the spot-kick and he succeeded where Boyd failed to blasting high into the back of the net.

Ferguson hails team spirit

Rangers captain Barry Ferguson heralded the spirit of the team after the UEFA Cup win over Maccabi Haifa.

The Scotland international was an instrumental figure during the 2-0 win at Ibrox, where a Nacho Novo goal and a Charlie Adam penalty sent the Light Blues to the top of Group A.

But the midfielder admits the difference between Rangers' domestic and European form has left him baffled four days after the home draw with Motherwell.

Ferguson told BBC Scotland: 'We are just glad to get the win after the disappointing result at the weekend.

'I don't know why we perform like that in Europe but struggle in the League. It is a problem we will need to solve.

'But that was the spirit a Rangers team should show. Everybody was fighting for the cause and giving 110%.'

Rangers manager Paul Le Guen was similarly impressed with his team's display.

He said: 'It was a great performance. After our first goal, it was a bit difficult, but we controlled the game and I am happy with the way we played.'

'I think we have almost qualified and that's why I am relieved. To get six points after two games is great.

'I know Sunday is very important for us. It is difficult to play Thursday and then Sunday but we must have a good recovery.

'The championship is the basis of the season. We have to get a run of victories.'

[Jockstar]

<deleted>! <deleted>! Pish! Pish!. Thats all i can say about Rangers at the moment in the league. Just to show i dont just show when we win i will also show when we get beat. This from soccernet.

Gers fans angry after Dundee United defeat

GLASGOW, Nov 5 (Reuters) - Rangers were booed off the pitch after losing to lowly Dundee United 2-1 on Sunday and fell 15 points behind leaders Celtic in the Scottish Premier League (SPL) title race.

Manager Paul Le Guen was baffled by the defeat.

'It is unbelievable to lose such a game,' he told the BBC. 'I am so disappointed because we controlled the game.

'We had so many chances but we needed a second goal to be at ease...with a second goal I am convinced we would win the game.'

Dundee United bounced back from a goal down to win with two goals inside five minutes and give new manager Craig Levein a dramatic debut day win.

Nacho Novo missed two first-half chances for Rangers while United came close with two efforts inside a minute.

Spanish forward Novo ran in on goal only to lob his shot over advancing keeper Derek Stillie and the crossbar from 15 metres. He then slashed a 10-metre shot across the face of the goal from the right with only the keeper to beat.

Then United's Trinidad & Tobago forward Collin Samuel whipped in a low cross from the left which Bosnian defender Sasa Papac slid just past his own goal from six metres.

When the corner was cleared to the edge of the box United's David Robertson fired in a fierce volley which Rangers keeper Derek Stillie brilliantly turned away.

Rangers opened the scoring with a Charlie Adam goal in 50 minutes when he swept a six-metre shot beyond Stillie from Novo's low cross from the left.

United surged back with two goals from defenders to move off bottom place.

Garry Kenneth headed a Barry Robson corner down and through keeper McGregor's legs at the back post in 77 minutes before Lee Mair glanced in a six-metre header for the winner from a deep Craig Conway free-kick.

United manager Craig Levein told the BBC: 'This can be one of two things, it can be a catalyst to push on to bigger and better things or it could be a blip and we go back to what we have been doing previously.'

Champions Celtic top the SPL standings with 34 points from 13 games after beating nearest rivals Hearts 2-1 on Saturday. Hearts have 21 from 13 while Rangers now have 19 from 13. United have 11 points from 13 games.

Inverness Caley are at home to Aberdeen on Monday.

[Jockstar]

Le Guen: 'I have never felt such pressure'

GLASGOW Nov 7 (Reuters) - Rangers manager Paul Le Guen said he has never been under so much pressure in his career since taking charge of the stuttering Scottish Premier League side this season.

They trail league leaders and city rivals Celtic by 15 points after 13 games and Frenchman Le Guen believes the cup competitions are the club's best chance of success.

'For a club like Rangers there is not a transition period and I am aware of that and we need to win games, win titles even if we choose the difficult way with young players, new players,' Le Guen said.

Asked if he had ever faced such sustained, intense pressure former Lyon manager Le Guen replied: 'Perhaps not, but with experience I can cope with that and...in football, when you don't win then you must shut your mouth and try to do your best.'

Rangers are at home to second division leaders St Johnstone in the Scottish League Cup quarter finals on Wednesday and Le Guen agreed the match had taken on more significance following their disappointing 2-1 defeat at lowly Dundee United last weekend.

'Yes, it is a very important game for everybody,' he said.

'We won't give up in all competitions, but perhaps , yes, (the cups are our best chance of a trophy)...that's why I told you it is an important game for us.

'I understand the expectation of the fans, I was a fan of a team when I was young and I understand that, but I think they can understand we try our best and we're not so far (away).

'I understand they are disappointed but we are all involved and we need their support.'

League Cup holders Celtic face Falkirk and Kilmarnock play Motherwell on Tuesday. Wednesday's other quarter-final is between Hibernian and Hearts.

[Jockstar]

######ing ######ing ######ing pish pish pish. Cant even beat St Johnstone!!

Le Guen apologises after League Cup exit

GLASGOW, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Rangers suffered a humiliating 2-0 home defeat to second division leaders St Johnstone in their Scottish League Cup quarter-final clash on Wednesday.

Their exit follows that of old rivals Celtic who lost on penalties to Falkirk 24 hours earlier.

The Rangers debacle piled more pressure on under-fire manager Paul Le Guen who apologised to fans.

He told reporters: 'This was one of the worst results (of my career). I am very disappointed and I apologise to our supporters because our performance was so poor.

'After we lost our organisation ...they deserved the victory.'

Saints took the lead with a spectacular overhead kick from striker Steve Milne in 52 minutes from seven metres out.

Milne added a stunning second 16 minutes later when he ran on to drill a low shot beyond keeper Allan McGregor.

Elsewhere, Hibernian beat Edinburgh rivals Hearts 1-0 with a first half goal from Rob Jones to book their semi-final berth.

Holders Celtic crashed out 5-4 on penalties to Falkirk on Tuesday following a 1-1 draw after extra time while Kilmarnock dismissed Motherwell 3-2.

The semi-final draw will be made on Thursday but Le Guen must now look to the Rangers' league position where they already lie 15 points behind Celtic in a distant third place.

Le Guen said: 'I will try to carry on. I am the manager and it is up to me to cope with the situation. I have lost many games before, but this was one of the worst.'

[The Dan Sai Kid]

How long will Le Guen last?

I saw in the BBC that Walter Smith is being lined up for the job if things aren't sorted out by christmas.

I want Walter Smith to stay as Scotland coach, he is doing a great job there!

[Jockstar]

How long will Le Guen last?

I saw in the BBC that Walter Smith is being lined up for the job if things aren't sorted out by christmas.

I want Walter Smith to stay as Scotland coach, he is doing a great job there!

Lg needs time. Can't see Watty taking the Rangers job again. Hes doing great with the National team. Like any old firm manager. Its not easy!

[shedend]

A BIG BIG game this weekend. The first old firm game of the season. Come on the Gers!!

Celtic v Rangers: Preview

PA

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan refuses to buy into the theory that rival Paul Le Guen is already under pressure in the Ibrox hot seat.

Frenchman Le Guen goes into his first Old Firm game at Celtic Park tomorrow knowing defeat would leave Rangers trailing seven points behind their rivals.

Despite only one defeat so far this season, to Hibernian in the Bank of Scotland Premier League last weekend, Rangers have been unconvincing so far with many Gers fans questioning the ability of some of Le Guen's signings and fearing a loss to the Hoops in their first meeting of the season.

But Strachan said: ``If you are the manager of Rangers or Celtic then you will have a problem every day of every week - because someone will find one. And that's the way it is.

``I met Le Guen at the Brazil v Croatia game and although it was a bit noisy we spoke for about five or six minutes. It was fine. He's a top manager.

``I can't do anything about us being favourites and I can't do anything about opinions.

``Everyone has their opinions and you get on with it.

``What we have to do as players and especially as managers is deal with the reality and the reality is Rangers have a lot of good players.

``They also have a fantastic manager and if you put that together we've got problems.''

The Hoops beat St Mirren 2-0 in the third round of the CIS Insurance Cup on Tuesday with a second-string XI but will call upon all their big guns for the visit of their arch rivals.

Striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is certain to start with Strachan having to decide whether Maciej Zurawski or Kenny Miller partners the big Dutchman in attack.

Rangers captain Barry Ferguson today urged fans to heed warnings about sectarian singing ahead of the first Old Firm game of the season.

The derby at Celtic Park is the first to take place since the introduction of orders which could see fans banned from football for 10 years.

And it comes after Rangers were fined by UEFA for sectarian chants and warned about their fans' future behaviour.

Ibrox supporters have been praised for their response to the club's anti-sectarian initiatives, including a ban on the song `Billy Boys`, since the start of the season.

Ferguson today joined with the club's security chief to urge fans to continue their backing for the campaign at Celtic Park tomorrow

He said: ``I'm sure our fans won't let us down and the players thank all those who have shown us great support so far.''

Rangers head of safety Laurence Macintyre added: ``We have made significant progress since the start of the season and we appeal to our supporters travelling to Parkhead on Saturday once again to show their support of our anti-sectarian policies.

Jim Templeton, President of the Rangers Assembly supporters group, said:

``Rangers fans have been praised for their behaviour at Ibrox this season and we should be proud of that but we all need to continue our efforts.''

Football Banning Orders were introduced by the Scottish Executive on September 1 this year giving courts the powers to ban supporters from all games for up to 10 years.

Dado Prso and Barry Ferguson are back in contention for the clash with Celtic.

Prso missed the last couple of games with a knee problem, while Ferguson was rested for the midweek CIS Insurance Cup win over Dunfermline.

Goalkeeper Lionel Letizi (calf) and Jeremy Clement (knee) are still injured, while Ian Murray's recovery from a virus continues.

Come on you Gers the Chelsea boys are expecting you to get a result. Good luck.

[shedend]

A BIG BIG game this weekend. The first old firm game of the season. Come on the Gers!!

Celtic v Rangers: Preview

PA

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan refuses to buy into the theory that rival Paul Le Guen is already under pressure in the Ibrox hot seat.

Frenchman Le Guen goes into his first Old Firm game at Celtic Park tomorrow knowing defeat would leave Rangers trailing seven points behind their rivals.

Despite only one defeat so far this season, to Hibernian in the Bank of Scotland Premier League last weekend, Rangers have been unconvincing so far with many Gers fans questioning the ability of some of Le Guen's signings and fearing a loss to the Hoops in their first meeting of the season.

But Strachan said: ``If you are the manager of Rangers or Celtic then you will have a problem every day of every week - because someone will find one. And that's the way it is.

``I met Le Guen at the Brazil v Croatia game and although it was a bit noisy we spoke for about five or six minutes. It was fine. He's a top manager.

``I can't do anything about us being favourites and I can't do anything about opinions.

``Everyone has their opinions and you get on with it.

``What we have to do as players and especially as managers is deal with the reality and the reality is Rangers have a lot of good players.

``They also have a fantastic manager and if you put that together we've got problems.''

The Hoops beat St Mirren 2-0 in the third round of the CIS Insurance Cup on Tuesday with a second-string XI but will call upon all their big guns for the visit of their arch rivals.

Striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is certain to start with Strachan having to decide whether Maciej Zurawski or Kenny Miller partners the big Dutchman in attack.

Rangers captain Barry Ferguson today urged fans to heed warnings about sectarian singing ahead of the first Old Firm game of the season.

The derby at Celtic Park is the first to take place since the introduction of orders which could see fans banned from football for 10 years.

And it comes after Rangers were fined by UEFA for sectarian chants and warned about their fans' future behaviour.

Ibrox supporters have been praised for their response to the club's anti-sectarian initiatives, including a ban on the song `Billy Boys`, since the start of the season.

Ferguson today joined with the club's security chief to urge fans to continue their backing for the campaign at Celtic Park tomorrow

He said: ``I'm sure our fans won't let us down and the players thank all those who have shown us great support so far.''

Rangers head of safety Laurence Macintyre added: ``We have made significant progress since the start of the season and we appeal to our supporters travelling to Parkhead on Saturday once again to show their support of our anti-sectarian policies.

Jim Templeton, President of the Rangers Assembly supporters group, said:

``Rangers fans have been praised for their behaviour at Ibrox this season and we should be proud of that but we all need to continue our efforts.''

Football Banning Orders were introduced by the Scottish Executive on September 1 this year giving courts the powers to ban supporters from all games for up to 10 years.

Dado Prso and Barry Ferguson are back in contention for the clash with Celtic.

Prso missed the last couple of games with a knee problem, while Ferguson was rested for the midweek CIS Insurance Cup win over Dunfermline.

Goalkeeper Lionel Letizi (calf) and Jeremy Clement (knee) are still injured, while Ian Murray's recovery from a virus continues.

Come on you Gers the Chelsea boys are expecting you to get a result. Good luck.

Sorry Jockstar finger trouble I was ment to delete the above and refer to this week ends game. Once blue always blue mucker.

[Tony Clifton]

Met a Glasgow Rangers fan last December in Panama. He asked about my favourite team.

-"Montreal Canadiens."

"Noooo, football man!"

-"Oh I've only started watching football 3 years ago after moving to Thailand. About a match every 4 months.""

"You mean you don't have a favourite football team yet?"

-"Nope."

"Kiss the watch! Kiss the watch!"

So I kissed wristwatch and am apparently a Rangers fan now.

[Jockstar]

Scottish Premier League: Scores | Fixtures | Tables | Stats | Clubs | News Archive

Updated: Nov. 10, 2006

Rangers chairman and captain backing Le Guen

David Sheppard

Rangers chairman David Murray and captain Barry Ferguson have come out in support of struggling manager Paul Le Guen, after over 300 supporters called for his head outside Ibrox on Wednesday night.

The club's nightmare season continued mid-week, following the Gers 2-0 home capitulation to First Division St Johnstone in the CIS Cup.

With Rangers already trailing league leaders Celtic by 15 points, the French manager, who joined Rangers this summer, has become the object of the fans indignation as their season continues its downward spiral.

Murray said: 'At the start of the season, 18 out of 24 journalists tipped Rangers to win the league and it was widely acknowledged that Paul was a great appointment. And I have no reason to change my mind about that.

'There have been voices of discontent but it only makes Paul and I more determined.

'Anyone who knows my track record as a chairman and a businessman knows that I do not make quick decisions.

'I will evaluate the situation at the end of the season, but I do not see any need to panic.

'It is not in my mind to change anything and I hope it is not in Paul's mind either.

'Domestically, results have not been acceptable but I believe we can turn the corner and improve.

'Paul is here for the long-term. I do not make changes after 10 weeks.'

Scottish international Ferguson believes that responsibility for Rangers' woes do not rest solely with the man in charge.

He told the Scottish Sun: 'I know the gaffer is getting a lot of stick right now but Paul Le Guen is putting out the teams and those crossing the white line have to do more and perform.'

'Everybody has to be in this together. The targets for the flak are always there but, if one of us is hit, everyone should react.

'That's the Rangers way and we have to realise that. We're all to blame.'

Following Wednesday night's spontaneous protest by a section of their fans, the Rangers Supporters' Trust have urged Chairman David Murray to dig deep and bail their club out of trouble.

The Trust believe the Ibrox chairman was not generous enough with his transfer kitty in the summer, and new boss Le Guen is paying the price for making cheap signings as Rangers suffer their worst league start for 23 years.

Le Guen has indicated he would rather work with the players he already has at his disposal than make panic buys in the January transfer window.

But the Trust fear his Ibrox reign is doomed to failure unless he is given cash to build a squad capable of challenging Celtic for honours.

Trust spokesman Stephen Smith said: 'Our view is that a £3million net spend in the summer was never going to be enough to close the gap on a Celtic team who have added Thomas Gravesen and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink to their squad.

'Some of the manager's signings have not been up the standard required at Rangers - but he hasn't really had enough funding.

'David Murray didn't get it wrong when he appointed Paul Le Guen. I personally believe he will come good - but he needs to be given the right tools.'

Smith believes that some fans have been rash in their calls to axe the Frenchman, who led Olympique Lyonnais to three consecutive Ligue 1 titles.

He added: 'The manager has been there only since July and been in charge of 19 competitive games.

'I believe it is a bit premature to call for him to resign.

'He didn't turn into a bad manager when he stepped off the plane at Glasgow Airport, and some of the results in Europe have shown glimpses of what he can do.'

Le Guen, himself, maintains he is ready to carry on the battle to turn around the fortunes of the Glasgow giants.

The Rangers manager said: 'I have no regrets. More than ever, I am happy to be here and I am ready to fight on.'

Edited November 11, 2006 by Jockstar

[Jockstar]

Back to winning ways.

Rangers 2-0 Dunfermline

PA

Rangers took the first step towards saving their season with a 2-0 win over Dunfermline in the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

Substitute Kris Boyd grabbed the opener in the 61st minute, before Steven Smith sealed the win with a superb strike 13 minutes before the end.

It may not have been the most convincing victory ever witnessed at Ibrox, but it was enough to satisfy the 48,000 Rangers fans who stood by the team after a torrid seven days.

The visit of Dunfermline was billed as the game when Rangers would finally stop the rot following a week of drama.

Last week's defeat to Dundee United left them trailing Celtic by 15 points in the SPL.

And there was worse to come when they were sent crashing out of the CIS Insurance Cup by First Division St Johnstone at Ibrox on Wednesday - one of the worst results in the club's history.

Chairman David Murray broke his silence on the crisis engulfing Rangers on Friday, when he threw his backing behind under-fire manager Paul Le Guen.

But the Gers' owner issued a warning to the under-achieving players to get their act together and drag the Glasgow giants back to a position of respectability.

Le Guen made no fewer than five changes to the side who had surrendered so meekly to the Perth Saints.

Skipper Barry Ferguson was back to lead the team - replacing Gavin Rae - despite still suffering discomfort from badly bruised ribs.

The central defence was changed once again, with Karl Svensson given the nod to partner Brahim Hemdani ahead of Sasa Papac.

And Thomas Buffel, Boyd and Filip Sebo were also dropped in favour of Lee Martin, Dado Prso and Charlie Adam.

SPL bottom side Dunfermline made three changes following last week's defeat to Falkirk.

Andy Tod, Darren Young and Mark Burchill missed out through injury and were replaced by Scott Morrison, Souleymane Bamba and Stevie Crawford.

Heeding Murray's words, Rangers tried to put Dunfermline under pressure straight away.

Adam met Dado Prso's cut-back and unleashed a shot at goal, but the effort deflected off Stephen Simmons and just wide of the post.

At the other end of the park, Owen Morrison tried his luck with a drive from the edge of the box, but Gers goalkeeper Allan McGregor was never troubled by the effort.

Rangers were threatening again when Adam fed Smith and he tried to pick out the onrushing Nacho Novo at the back post, but Scott Morrison intercepted to clear for a corner.

Adam then saw his header flash just wide of the upright from close range.

Prso went down under pressure from Bamba in the box, but there appeared to be little in the challenge and half-hearted penalty claims were waved aside by referee Steve Conroy.

Rangers dominated the possession but failed to break down the Pars defence before the break.

The home side made one change at the break when Martin was swapped for Boyd.

The Light Blues could have had a penalty shortly after the restart when Jim Hamilton appeared to handle in the box, but the pleas were ignored by the referee.

Ferguson then sent a fierce ball into the goalmouth, which was met by Adam only for his glancing header to fall wide of the upright.

The Ibrox side continued to press and Prso found Novo in plenty of space out on the wing. He squared to the feet of Ferguson a few yards out, but his effort was smothered by goalkeeper Roddy McKenzie.

Rangers' hard work finally paid off in the 61st minute. Prso's head-flick found Boyd and the substitute turned Bamba before ramming into the bottom corner of the net.

Boyd then had the ball in the back of the net again, but the offside flag was already raised.

However, there was no doubt about Smith's goal in the 77th minute. The full-back pounced on a lovely ball from Prso and the Pars goalkeeper Roddy McKenzie was left with no chance from his thunderous drive

[dboy]

its not been a good start to the season ,but i really think its going to get better, a good victory over hearts next week and then season can start. who knows its only 15 points

[Jockstar]

Hearts 0-1 Rangers: Novo rescues Gers

PA

A late Nacho Novo strike handed Rangers a crucial win at Tynecastle and plunged crisis club Hearts deeper into turmoil.

It was a game both teams were desperate to win and the victory allowed Gers to strengthen their grasp on second spot in the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

Despite a thrilling show on the park - which saw seven yellow cards dished out by referee Dougie McDonald - events off the field threatened to overshadow the game.

Chants of ``there's only one Steven Pressley'' rang out around Tynecastle, but his Hearts future was no clearer ahead of the game.

He missed their last game amid reports of a plot to strip him of the captaincy and was named on the bench.

Christophe Berra had deputised for the inspirational skipper at Falkirk and the captain's armband this time went to Paul Hartley, further adding to the confusion at Tynecastle.

With fans threatening to stage a protest after the game, it was unclear whether majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov made the trip to Edinburgh from his Lithuanian base for the match.

And another week of drama and turmoil at Hearts meant it almost went unnoticed that Rangers were themselves also a club in crisis ahead of the match.

They were desperate to build on last week's win over Dunfermline after a string of poor results forced Ibrox chairman David Murray to publicly back manager Paul Le Guen after just four months in the job.

With catching SPL leaders Celtic now an unrealistic aim for both clubs, they were well aware that this game could have a massive impact on the race for second spot.

Hearts could have taken an early lead when Jamie Mole nodded into the path of Andrius Velicka, who was not far away with a searing long-range drive.

Novo then tested Craig Gordon with a blasted effort, which forced a decent save from the Hearts goalkeeper.

Hearts were edging Rangers in terms of chances and goalkeeper Allan McGregor was left with stinging palms thanks to a thunderous 35-yard strike from Julien Brellier.

But Gers still looked capable of snatching the lead before the break.

Barry Ferguson raced into the box only to find he had no support and, forced to go it alone, the Ibrox skipper shot well over.

Dado Prso then whipped the ball across the face of goal to Novo, but the diminutive striker just failed to connect at the near post and the chance was lost.

Prso himself could have had the net bulging just before the break, only to stab wide of a gaping goalmouth.

McGregor was called into action within seconds of the restart to block a Velicka effort at the back post.

It was also proving to be a busy afternoon for Hearts keeper Gordon, who was forced to pull off a good save to deny Ferguson.

Tensions threatened to boil over when Novo was booked for a kick at Marius Zaliukas, before a missile was aimed at Gordon from the Rangers support.

The Jambos keeper recovered to make a superb point-blank stop to deny Kris Boyd a few yards from goal.

The breakthrough finally came after 78 minutes when Rangers surged into the lead.

Ferguson latched onto a long ball from Steven Smith before releasing Novo through on goal.

The Spanish hitman then left Gordon with no chance with a powerful drive from 25 yards to clinch the victory and send the travelling Gers fans into ecstasy

[Jockstar]

Good see all the British clubs doing well. Both Rangers and Celtic are competing in Europe after Xmas. Its been years since that happened. Good on Rangers as they still sit top of the group. Report from soccernet.

Auxerre 2-2 Rangers: Gers into next round

PA

Rangers booked their place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup with a battling 2-2 draw against Auxerre.

Nacho Novo maintained his 100% goalscoring record in the group stages to cancel out Ireneusz Jelen's opener, before Kris Boyd levelled the scoreline again after Daniel Niculae had restored Auxerre's lead.

The result guarantees the Gers European football into the new year before the visit of Partizan Belgrade in their final group game.

Wins over Livorno and Maccabi Haifa had propelled Rangers to the top of Group A after the first two games and they knew a point at the Abbe Deschamps Stadium would be enough to see them safely through to the knockout stages.

It is the first time in 35 years both Celtic and Rangers will feature in European competition after Christmas, Celtic's win over Manchester United securing their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Paul Le Guen named the same 11 players who defeated Hearts at the weekend to move them into second place in the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

Back-to-back wins over Dunfermline and Hearts meant confidence was high in the Gers camp as they prepared to face a team sitting 12th in Ligue 1 and bottom of their UEFA Cup group.

But the Ibrox side had not reckoned on the impact Jelen would make on the game.

The Poland striker returned from a six-week absence through injury to inspire Auxerre's win over Toulouse on Sunday and he quickly stamped his mark on tonight's match too.

Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor was called into action after five minutes when Jelen was allowed to make an unchallenged run into the box.

He unleashed a thunderous effort but McGregor did well to tip just over the crossbar.

Novo then had a great chance to hand Gers the lead when he collected a superb long ball from Barry Ferguson only for goalkeeper Fabien Cool to race off his line and block his point-blank shot.

Rangers were forced to make a change when Steven Smith slipped on the wet surface and limped off to be replaced by Julien Rodriguez after 20 minutes.

Once the action was under way again, only the heroics of McGregor kept the scoreline level when he pulled off an excellent double save.

The Gers keeper denied Jelen before scrambling off the ground to block the rebound from Benoit Pedretti.

But he was left picking the ball out of the net when Auxerre surged into the lead with 30 minutes gone.

Jelen pounced on a long ball from Younes Kaboul before racing into the box and slotting low past a helpless McGregor.

Rangers were determined to haul themselves back into the game and Cool was called into action a few minutes after the restart to block a Novo volley.

Jelen then stabbed wide under pressure from Rodriguez at the other end of the park, before McGregor smothered a Benoit Cheyrou free-kick.

Only the woodwork denied Auxerre a second goal when Oumar Kalabane's header crashed off the crossbar.

Instead, it was Rangers who found the back of the net after 61 minutes.

A Dado Prso ball into the box came off Charlie Adam and fell kindly to the feet of Novo who stabbed home with relish from eight yards.

Pedretti was replaced by Niculae after 75 minutes and it proved to be an inspired substitution when he netted within seconds of being on the park.

He threw himself in front of Jelen's cross to send a diving header past McGregor and restore Auxerre's lead.

Novo narrowly missed the chance to haul the Gers level again, before being replaced by Filip Sebo for the last 10 minutes.

But Rangers grabbed the point they needed to see them through to the last 32 of the UEFA Cup when the ball broke to Boyd and he rammed home with 84 minutes gone.

[Jockstar]

Back to winning ways. Could it go down to the wire?

Rangers 3-0 Kilmarnock

PA

Rangers finally began to chip away at Celtic's lead at the top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League with a 3-0 win over Kilmarnock.

The victory at Ibrox means the Hoops now sit 13 points clear at the summit following their draw at Hibernian.

It was almost the perfect day for Rangers.

Goals from Charlie Adam, Kris Boyd and Dado Prso secured a third consecutive SPL win to allow them to reclaim second spot on goal difference from Aberdeen.

And the victory came just days after a draw in Auxerre secured their place in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup.

The only cloud on the horizon was the news filtering through from Easter Road that rivals Celtic had fought back from two goals down to snatch a draw against Hibs.

But, with three Old Firm games still to be contested by a Gers team which is finally coming together, could manager Paul Le Guen dare to dream?

The Ibrox boss was forced to make one change following the trip to France after the ever-present Steven Smith suffered a back problem.

He was replaced at left-back by Sasa Papac, while striker Gary Wales took the place of the suspended Colin Nish for Killie.

The first chance of the game fell to Prso eight yards out but there was too much power behind the shot and he blasted over.

Prso then turned provider when he collected a Jeremy Clement ball before passing to the feet of Nacho Novo but the striker failed to connect properly and his weak drive was off target.

Kilmarnock had a decent chance when Wales whipped a dangerous ball into the box and Danny Invincibile sent the header fizzing just wide.

But only the heroics of goalkeeper Graeme Smith at the other end kept the scoreline level when he blocked Prso's point-blank shot.

Rangers were rewarded for their hard work when they surged into the lead after 22 minutes.

Adam pounced on a Prso lay-off before choosing his spot and sending a thunderous 25-yard drive into the back of the net.

The midfielder could have grabbed a second goal almost immediately but his cheeky chip fell just wide of the post.

Gers did not have to wait too long to double their advantage, however, and were celebrating again just five minutes later.

This time Novo's effort produced a decent save from Smith but he knocked the ball straight into the path of Boyd, who gratefully fired home at the far post.

Killie made a change at the break, replacing Wales with Simon Ford.

And the defender had an immediate impact on the game when his attempt to block a Novo effort almost ended up in the back of his own net.

Boyd then drew gasps from the home crowd when his opportunistic 25-yarder fell just inches over the crossbar.

The forward was content to act as provider for Rangers' third goal instead, sending a long ball to the feet of Prso who squeezed the shot home at the near post with 57 minutes gone.

Prso made way for Libor Sionko seconds later to rapturous applause from the Ibrox fans, before Novo was replaced by Thomas Buffel.

Buffel could have provided the final flourish when he was allowed to run half the length of the pitch unchallenged only to be denied by a one-handed save from Smith.

A Sionko effort was then blocked by the feet of the Killie keeper at the near post, as Gers settled for the 3-0 win.

[Jockstar]

SVEN CAN BE SWEDE FOR GERS

By Colin Duncan

KARL SVENSSON is convinced his much-maligned partnership with Brahim Hemdani can provide Rangers with a platform towards success this season.

The defensive duo have been heavily criticised this term after boss Paul Le Guen paired them together at the heart of his backline.

Le Guen has tried every permutation possible involving Hemdani, Svensson, Julian Rodriguez and Sasa Papac, and every one failed until the only option remaining was handed the task of keeping out Maccabi Haifa in the UEFA Cup at the start of the month.

Lapses from Svensson and Hemdani against Auxerre, when they were culpable for both goals, was proof they still have a lot to learn.

But four clean sheets from five games together suggests Le Guen might finally have found the answer to the conundrum which has puzzled him for five months.

Svensson said: "We have lots of defenders at the club and that is good for competition. You never know if you will play in the next game.

Advertisement

"It's easier when you play with one player all the time. I've played with Brahim in the last five games and we've got to know each other.

"It is up to the manager if he signs another defender in January but our last five games have been good.

"We have only conceded two goals and they both came in one game.

"I think I understand Brahim now. He is a very smart player and he's very good with the ball which makes it easier for me."

Svensson admits his confidence took a battering as Rangers stumbled from one calamity to another following his summer switch from Gothenburg.

It took his new club more than four months to string consecutive league wins together as the pressure mounted on Le Guen and his signings.

The Swede suffered more than most with his ability often questioned although he feels the experience has made both him and Rangers a lot stronger.

Svensson said: "It's good to keep three clean sheets and win three games in a row in the SPL.

"It was tough before as we were under pressure. Now we have to keep on winning games.

"We have fans all over the world so the pressure was tough when you come home after losing.

"I think we can get better and if we keep working like this it will be good for us in the long run.

"I knew the pressure was high when I came here but the hardest pressure comes from myself.

"I never thought I'd made the wrong decision. In fact, I think I made the best decision to join a great club with a great manager, who can teach me a lot.

"I think I'm getting better all the time. I knew it would be hard over here but everybody needs time to settle."

Rangers head to Falkirk tomorrow knowing one more slip will prove fatal to their pencil-slim title hopes but Svensson feels if they shut up shop at the back three points will be virtually guaranteed.

He said: "The key to winning is keeping a tight defence. If we can do that then we almost always win the games.

"Keeping clean sheets is important for both the team and myself.

"We know if we don't concede we will win the games because we have so many good strikers and offensive players.

"We have defended as a team in the past few games and that has been key to our improved results."

[Spit the Dog]

No need to post a match report this week Jockstar as I watched the game and it wasn't very pretty for your guys. Through my biased eyes I thought that The Bairns deserved to win.

I don't know where you got that striker Sebo from but he was pish. He would struggle to get a game for the Sunbelt Vets team. He was that bad.

[Jockstar]

Congrats mate. You deserve it. Rangers are so up and won this year. Pish is the right word.

[Jockstar]

Scottish wrap: Rangers win reduces gap

GLASGOW, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Rangers cut the gap at the top of the Scottish Premier League to 13 points on Saturday with a win over Hibernian whose Edinburgh rivals Hearts announced that captain Steven Pressley had left the club.

First-half goals from Dado Prso, Libor Sionko and captain Barry Ferguson saw Rangers to a comfortable 3-0 win.

'It was a brilliant first half and our best performance of the season,' Rangers manager Paul Le Guen said.

Croatian striker Prso grabbed the first goal from a Nacho Novo pass on 15 minutes before Czech Republic front man Libor Sionko slotted home the second.

Before the interval captain Barry Ferguson back headed the third.

The misery piled up for Hibs in the second half when Ivan Sproule was sent off for his second bookable offence on 68 minutes.

Rangers now have 31 points from 18 games while leaders Celtic, who visit bottom club Dunfermline on Sunday, have 44 from 17.

Hearts climbed above Hibs into fourth place with a 4-1 win over Motherwell and shortly after the match announced that Pressley had left them.

Pressley had criticised the running of the club and spoke of dressing room unrest.

Hearts claimed it was an 'amicable agreement' and Lithuanian manager Valdas Ivanauskas said it had been a difficult few weeks for the club and Pressley.

Elsewhere, Aberdeen beat Falkirk 2-1, Dundee United triumphed 3-1 at home against Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Kilmarnock drew 1-1 at home to St Mirren.

[Jockstar]

Rangers v Partizan Belgrade: Preview

PA

Rangers manager Paul Le Guen has promised to make changes for the UEFA Cup clash with Partizan Belgrade.

The Gers have already qualified for the last 32 and face an Old Firm derby on Sunday lunchtime desperate to cut Celtic's 16-point lead in the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

Skipper Barry Ferguson will be rested as he is one booking away from suspension.

Meanwhile, Le Guen dodged questions on Steven Pressley, refusing to confirm or deny whether he was interested in bringing the released Hearts skipper to Ibrox.

He said: ``I want to speak about this game. It is your story, it's not mine. I am not interested in answering your question.''

The Frenchman instead focused on the difficulty in preparing his squad for their vital Old Firm game while trying to earn the point needed to secure top spot in UEFA Cup Group A.

Rangers could finish second or third if they lose to the Serbians, meaning a tie against one of the sides dropping out of the Champions League, or another group winner.

Le Guen said: ``It is a crucial week, with two massive games and it is difficult to play Thursday evening and Sunday at 12.

``I think we are the only country that must cope with that and moreover I think the pitch will be demanding. But we must cope with the situation.

``There will be some change because of Sunday's game. But we must be aware it's an important game. It's important to finish top of the group. I want to win the game and I will be confident of the players on the pitch.

``I know that the championship is the basic of the season and in such a context Sunday's game is so important for us, but I don't want to forget this game. I think we are able to play well in both.

``It is important to keep our momentum. A win is a win. It's always better for the fans. We need to respect the fans who will come to Ibrox. And for the draw it's better for us to finish top.''

The former Lyon boss agreed team spirit was at its highest level since he came to Ibrox following the 3-0 win over Hibernian on Saturday.

He said: ``I think so but I am cautious because during the beginning of the season I felt that sometimes. I think now each player knows each other better and that is good for the team spirit.''

Le Guen admits his summer signings have much to prove but he trusts them to come good.

Libor Sionko made a goalscoring return to the starting line-up against Hibs while Jeremy Clement continues to look the best of Le Guen's signings.

But Filip Sebo failed to impress when he came on against the Hibees and defender Karl Svensson is yet to win over the Ibrox fans.

Le Guen said: ``I think they can do better, it's obvious. I think Karl is better and better and Jeremy can do better too.

``Libor is back, it's important for the team. And Filip has to do better but I am confident.''

Partizan have no chance of progressing with their solitary point coming in a 1-1 home draw with Livorno when the Italians equalised at the death.

But Le Guen said: ``Perhaps they will be more dangerous because they have no pressure. They were quite good against Livorno. They were unlucky at the end, I watched the game and they were not bad.

``I don't know if they will be motivated. I suppose they will be because they are proud like all players.''

[Jockstar]

Rangers' Ferguson rues miss in Old Firm draw

Rangers skipper Barry Ferguson rued his early miss after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Celtic at Ibrox.

The unmarked midfielder volleyed over from six yards as the Gers failed to cut their 16-point deficit on the Bank of Scotland Premier League leaders.

Brahim Hemdani's deflected long-range effort rescued a point in the closing stages after Thomas Gravesen had put the Hoops ahead before the break.

Ferguson said: 'If I had scored my chance I think it would have been a different outcome.

'I'm not used to having time to think, when I go through I'm normally running on to a ball.

'I'm just happy we got a point. At least we showed a bit of spirit - that is what is needed if you want to play for Rangers.

'A lot of new players coming in needed time to settle. I think the last few weeks, apart from the Falkirk game, we have shown a bit of form and commitment.

'Sixteen points is a massive gap. I will certainly keep fighting. It's not over yet.'

Opposing captain Neil Lennon felt he should have had a penalty moments after Gravesen's opener.

The veteran was brought down on the byline by Steven Smith but referee Kenny Clark gave a goal-kick.

Lennon told Setanta Sports: 'I think Kenny was the only one in the ground that didn't see it was a penalty.

'He took me right out. Maybe the ball was running away from me a wee bit but it's in the box - it was a definite penalty.'

His manager Gordon Strachan believed the decision was the turning point.

He said: 'Let's be fair, it's not even a debate - it was a penalty.

'And 2-0 would have been a hard mountain to climb.

'Nineteen games we have played this season and no penalties. That's some record when you're top of the league and attacking all the time.'

Strachan did agree Rangers deserved a point on the balance of play.

He added: 'We had a good first half. I thought we were good until Jiri (Jarosik) tired.

'He got a bang on his chest and found it hard to breathe.'

Gers boss Paul Le Guen felt the performance showed his side's continued improvement.

He said: 'We showed great team spirit and great courage to come back.

'We never gave up and it is a good sign. We tried and tried and we were rewarded.

'I think we are better now than two months ago. The team is more settled. There is a better team bonding.

'There is a long way to go. It is most important to carry on and be aware that when we are together we are hard to beat.

'We showed we can compete with them (Celtic) and it's important to feel the team is improving.

'I believe that it will be better and better.'

[Jockstar]

Aberdeen 1-2 Rangers: Gers leap to second

PA

Rangers boosted their hopes of clinching second place in the Bank of Scotland Premier League with a 2-1 win over Aberdeen.

Goals from Nacho Novo and Libor Sionko secured a crucial victory in front of a sell-out crowd at Pittodrie, despite a late strike from Steve Lovell.

The win allowed Rangers to move one point ahead of Aberdeen in the SPL.

A third place finish last season saw the Ibrox side miss out on a Champions League place to Hearts and they were well aware a similar scenario this time around would be unthinkable.

And they headed into today's game knowing defeat would see them fall five points behind Aberdeen in the race for the runners-up spot.

Rangers were forced to make one change from last week's Old Firm derby, replacing the injured Steven Smith with Sasa Papac, while Aberdeen were able to name the same side who defeated Hearts.

Boosted by encouraging performances against Hibernian and Celtic in their last two games, it was Gers who had the first chance of the game.

Sionko was an early threat when he unleashed a powerful drive which flashed just wide of the post.

Aberdeen then came close when Scott Severin played a dangerous ball through to Darren Mackie but he failed to connect properly in front of goal and the chance was lost.

Chris Clark was then unfortunate to see his effort deflect over the Rangers crossbar.

The Dons were carving out the best of the chances and only the woodwork prevented them from taking the lead when Mackie's thunderous effort crashed off the post.

At the other end of the park, Novo blasted over after the ball broke kindly to him 10 yards out.

Rangers took the lead in bizarre fashion with 21 minutes gone.

A Sionko cut-back found Novo, whose mis-hit shot drew mocking cheers from the Aberdeen fans, but they were stunned into silence when the effort looped over goalkeeper Jamie Langfield and into the back of the net.

Rangers doubled their advantage just two minutes later when Novo turned provider to set up Sionko, who despatched a low shot past Langfield from a few yards out.

The Dons tried to haul themselves back into the game and Barry Nicholson fired over before Lee Miller struck the post.

Aberdeen made a change at the interval, replacing Jamie Smith with Zander Diamond.

Rangers then swapped Dado Prso for Filip Sebo - who grabbed the winner against the Dons at Ibrox - 10 minutes after the restart.

Only last-gasp defending prevented the home side from pulling a goal back when Severin's backheel flick was hooked off the line by Papac.

Lovell was then thrown into the action in place of Andrew Considine as Aberdeen tinkered with their line-up again.

Aberdeen used their final substitution to swap Nicholson for Chris Maguire, while Gers replaced Novo with Gavin Rae.

Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor had not had a great deal to do but he was left picking the ball out of the back of the net after 83 minutes.

He blocked a Mackie effort but the ball fell back to the feet of the Dons forward who passed to Lovell and all that was required was to side-foot home from close range.

However, it was too little too late from Aberdeen and Rangers held on for a vital win.

[Jockstar]

######ing pish. So much for us turning the corner and putting pressure on Celtic. Pish, <deleted> and <deleted>. Report below.

Inverness CT 2-1 Rangers : Rankin floors Gers

PA

A wonderful injury-time winner from midfielder John Rankin handed Inverness their second sensational win over Rangers this season and left the Ibrox club in third place in the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

A disappointing Rangers side opened the scoring from the penalty spot midway through the first half through Nacho Novo, after Roy McBain needlessly fouled Barry Ferguson.

But Darren Dods equalised just before the break, before Rankin's brilliant winner ended a nine-match winless run for Charlie Christie's team and added to Caley Thistle's 1-0 win at Ibrox in October.

It was Inverness who took the game to Rangers in the early stages and inside five minutes the home side fashioned three good chances, the first of which fell to Graham Bayne, who drove a low shot towards Allan McGregor in the Rangers' goal, which was comfortably saved.

Jeremy Clement was then forced to hack a Bayne header away from his goalline before Rankin wasted a good opportunity when he sliced a half-volley well off target after good play by Dennis Wyness.

Rangers finally started to become an attacking threat in the 11th minute and a neat pass from Clement sent Filip Sebo scampering through on goal, although brave goalkeeping from Mark Brown snuffed out any danger.

Shortly afterwards, Libor Sionko headed over from a cross by Sasa Papac, while Charlie Adam tested Brown with a 25-yard drive following a driving run by Ferguson and a clever lay-off by Novo.

The breakthrough for Rangers then came in the 22nd minute from the penalty spot, when after McBain clipped an ankle of Ferguson inside the Caley Thistle box, Novo confidently beat Brown from 12 yards.

Inverness responded to that setback in positive fashion and a surge down the right by defender Ross Tokely followed by a cut-back to Rankin saw the Caley Thistle midfielder draw a strong block from McGregor down to the goalkeeper's left-hand side.

Any zest the visitors had previously displayed was now absent from their play and after forging a number of openings against a fragile looking Rangers' rearguard, it was no real surprise when Inverness scored an equaliser.

A mis-hit pass from Grant Munro sent Dods through on goal and after drawing a great save from McGregor with his first effort, the Caley Thistle captain lashed the ball into an unguarded goal via the crossbar.

Rangers' keeper McGregor did well to intelligently clear away a volleyed back-pass from Alan Hutton with his head seven minutes after the restart as a through-ball from Wyness looked set to carve open the Ibrox club's defence.

Rankin subsequently fired wide from the edge of the box before the former Ross County midfielder struck the foot of a post from an acute angle after a shot from Wilson broke into his path.

McGregor was soon forced another brilliant save, this time from a curling Black shot, while a powerful Wyness shot from the edge of the box had to be beaten away.

But the visiting goalkeeper could do nothing to prevent Rankin's outstanding last-gasp strike, which means Rangers remain two points behind second-placed Aberdeen in the Bank of Scotland Premier League