The battle for the Premiership crown between Celtic and Rangers is reaching a critical juncture, promising an intense finale. Rangers currently sit atop the table with a slim two-point lead, setting the stage for a gripping title race that may go down to the wire. As both sides gear up for crucial fixtures, the footballing world is abuzz with the latest developments surrounding the Glasgow giants.
In an intriguing turn of events, Philippe Clement’s Rangers face a stern challenge against Dundee as they aim to bounce back from their Europa League disappointment. On the other side of Glasgow, Celtic will be hosting St Johnstone in a game crucial for maintaining their title aspirations. Amidst the high stakes, let’s delve into the recent news from both camps.
Defending the Hoops
Former Celtic stalwart Chris Sutton has come to the defense of midfielder Matt O’Riley amidst his recent slump in form. Sutton, speaking to the Daily Record, highlighted the collective struggles faced by Celtic in recent months, emphasizing that O’Riley’s performances shouldn’t be evaluated in isolation. Despite inconsistencies in team selection and performance, Sutton praised O’Riley’s contributions throughout the season, citing impressive displays in European competitions as a testament to his quality. Speculation regarding a potential transfer in the summer hasn’t affected O’Riley, as Sutton believes the midfielder could attract significant interest based on his strong showings on the pitch.
Backing Butland
Rangers’ goalkeeper Jack Butland has found support in former player Barry Ferguson, who expressed disbelief at Butland’s exclusion from the England squad. Ferguson questioned the decision to overlook Butland, emphasizing the goalkeeper’s consistent performances and composure under pressure. Highlighting the unique demands placed on a Rangers goalkeeper, Ferguson argued that Butland’s ability to maintain focus despite minimal shot-stopping opportunities showcases his unwavering concentration and skill. The snub of Butland from the national team selection raised eyebrows, with Ferguson suggesting a lack of recognition for the challenges and expectations faced by players in Scottish football.
As the Premiership title race heats up, the narratives surrounding both Celtic and Rangers add an extra layer of intrigue to the footballing landscape, setting the stage for a captivating conclusion to the season.
