Scottish Football: Rest for Rangers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.RANGERS have been handed a respite from the rigours of domestic action, after a broken drain at Ibrox caused the postponement of today's Premier Division encounter with Dundee United, writes Rupert Metcalf. The Scottish champions, with some relief, can now turn their attention to Wednesday's European Champions' League match with CSKA Moscow in Bochum, Germany.
Walter Smith, the Rangers manager, can offer a proper rest to four of his walking wounded: Ally McCoist, Stuart McCall, Dave McPherson and Gary Stevens, who had all been named in the squad for today despite lacking full fitness.
The day's most interesting Premier Division fixture is now Celtic's Glasgow derby at Partick Thistle. The Parkhead men will have a makeshift defence, as Dariusz Wdowczyk, Mike Galloway and Tony Mowbray are definitely out, while Gary Gillespie and Brian O'Neil are very doubtful.
'It will be a case of improvisation,' Liam Brady, the Celtic manager, said. 'I'm going to have to juggle with my players and the bottom line is that a couple will be playing out of position.'
This weekend also sees the first round of the Tennents Scottish Cup, which features four clubs from the Press and Journal Highland League and two from the East of Scotland League: Spartans, who head south to Queen of the South; and Civil Service Strollers, who make the long journey north to Inverness Thistle.
Stranraer have the most taxing travelling to do: a round trip of almost 600 miles to Huntly and back. Their hosts, of the Highland League, are managed by Steve Paterson, once of Manchester United, and will include Doug Rougvie, the 36-year-old former Aberdeen, Chelsea and Scotland centre-half, in their defence.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments