Watch as Brendan Rodgers leads players off the bus to salute Green Brigade

Watch as Brendan Rodgers leads players off the bus to salute Green Brigade

Brendan Rodgers was first off the group bus to thank the Green Brigade for arranging a noisy and colourful ship off for the first group squad as they prepare for Sunday’s Glasgow Derby.

It appeared as if a few thousand fans had packed The Celtic Way to cheer the crew off earlier than a healthy in front of no Celtic fans.

After the manager got off the bus he was once accompanied by his players as they enjoyed some acclaim and backing in advance of a fixture which will be played in the most adversarial of territories.

If the players had been ever not sure how a lot this club means to us ….. More than a soccer club. Play for the people, play for the reason ??? pic.twitter.com/efGRLpREgz

— Gee (@Geemc90) April 6, 2024

Earlier the players had all been cheered for the primary act of parking their auto then reporting internal the front entrance.

After departing from Celtic Park the squad will have booked into a hotel to complete their preparations for Ibrox.

With a 12 noon kick off and arrival at the stadium predicted between 10 and 10.30 tomorrow morning will consist of little greater than breakfast then getting on the bus for the experience along the Motorway to Ibrox.

At 10.45am the crew will be announced, answering the large query of what role if any Callum McGregor plays in the match.

Green Brigade in epic Celtic send off as Brendan Rodgers salutes ultras’ banner ahead of Rangers clash…

Celtic fans turned out in their numbers this evening to cheer the team off ahead of tomorrow’s blockbuster at Ibrox

There won’t be any Celtic fans at Ibrox tomorrow. But Brendan Rodgers and his squad were left in no uncertain terms what’s at stake as thousands gathered to give them an epic send-off.

The champions were given a rousing reception at Parkhead tonight as they made their way for an overnight hotel stay ahead of tomorrow’s title showdown against Rangers. The Green Brigade and Bhoys ultras were out in force as they unveiled a banner reading “By any means necessary” along the Celtic Way.

The Hoops head to Govan a point ahead of their arch-rivals, having played a game more, and a victory would see them reclaim their grip on the title with just six games to go. Here, Football Scotland picks out the 10 best pictures from today’s electric send-off.

 

 

Celtic Targets Turkish Goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır as Joe Hart’s Successor – Report

Celtic is reportedly placing its attractions on Trabzonspor’s standout goalkeeper, Uğurcan Çakır, as they prepare for existence after Joe Hart. With Hart’s legendary profession coming to an cease following his retirement announcement, the club is actively looking for top brain to make sure the goalkeeping gloves are well-filled for the upcoming season.

Uğurcan Çakır, the 28-year-old Turkish countrywide team goalkeeper, has emerged as a high target for Celtic in their quest to bolster their squad. Having spent his complete expert career at Trabzonspor, Çakır has developed into one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the Turkish Süper Lig, showcasing his abilities with exceptional saves and constant performances.

Reports from Taka Gazetesi suggest that Michael Nicholson, Celtic’s chief executive, has initiated contact concerning Çakır’s transfer, indicating the club’s serious intent. Furthermore, it is believed that Brendan Rodgers is for my part driving the pursuit of Çakır.

The goalkeeper role has been recognized as a key place for reinforcement, especially with the void that will be left by using Joe Hart’s departure. Hart’s contributions to Celtic have been immense, and finding a necessary successor is paramount for the club’s future.

 

 

Philippe Clement excited instead than worried about keenly-awaited Old Firm derby

Philippe Clement is excited as a substitute than worried about Sunday’s keenly-awaited Old Firm sport at Ibrox.

Rangers are one point at the back of reigning cinch Premiership champions Celtic with a recreation in hand as title race tensions increase by means of the week.

It is the first of eight remaining league fixtures for the Govan side, who are determined to wrest the title again from Parkhead and it is the first home Glasgow derby for the Belgian boss.

Asked if there had been any nerves from within heading into the game, Clement said: “No, I love it. I’m no longer nervous, I’m excited about it, I’m looking ahead to it.

“This is something you need to embrace, not be frightened about. These are notable afternoons.

“I have a lot of self assurance in my squad and I have a lot of confidence in our fans so these are the challenging moments because you play in opposition to a suitable team who will do their excellent to beat you and there will be a lot of fantastic from each sides.

“It’s the only way additionally to develop as a player, to have challenges, to have challenging games, to play towards accurate opponents.

“If you make the subsequent steps into that you go to every other level and that’s what I choose to do with this membership and with the squad subsequent season – to end up higher and to elevate the level time after time with a lot of success and possibly some disappointments alongside the way because that’s also the way to success. To study lessons out of that.

“I decide upon to have success on Sunday, let’s be clear about that.”

Clement admits Rangers will want to preserve an eye on Celtic captain Callum McGregor, who is predicted to return from injury to the Hoops midfield the place he was once instrumental in guiding his side to a 1-0 win at Ibrox in September – when Michael Beale used to be Gers boss – and a 2-1 victory at Parkhead in December.

He said: “I don’t definitely agree that he dominated the play at Celtic Park. There were moments that he used to be right on the ball but there have been additionally moments where he wasn’t dominating the game.

“I think my midfielders additionally dominated the sport in moments. I noticed the first recreation and it’s authentic he was dominating however I don’t need to say too plenty about that.

“He’s a very right participant and he’s any individual with a lot of quality.

“He’s simply suitable on the ball and he’s very important for their team so it’s important to take that energy out of their crew and that’s one part you want to do however it’s not only about one player. They have a lot of excellent players.”

 

 

Neil Lennon makes his massive Celtic vs Rangers derby prediction in advance of Sunday

We’re less than 24 hours away from Sunday’s huge in shape between Celtic and Rangers at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership.

Final coaching periods have been completed, the managers have given their pre-match media conferences and fans are establishing to sense acquainted tension and excitement.

One man who knows all about the fixture is Neil Lennon. Few are higher placed to offer their opinion on the matter.

As a player, he had an notable record against Rangers, dropping simply 9 of the 31 he featured in. As a manager, he additionally loved success in the derby and constantly knew how to get his gamers up for the huge occasion.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he’s now given his prediction on how Sunday’s healthy will pan out at Ibrox with the title race firmly in the balance.

Neil Lennon on Celtic vs Rangers

Lennon said: “Both of them have been notably consistent. Celtic have kind of found their mojo once more in the last few weeks. They’ve received players lower back fit.

“My personal opinion is I can’t see Celtic dropping it. It should be a draw or a Celtic win. Rangers will be up for it and the crowd will be up for it but Celtic have acquired the extra pleasant and extra match-winners. If Callum McGregor is fit, that may want to be pivotal.

 

“Kyogo is searching extra like himself again and he’s a huge recreation player. He hasn’t had the amount of dreams this season that he’s had in preceding years however he’s a big recreation player. His report in the derby is exceptional – it’s up there with Henrik Larsson’s really. He’ll be one to watch tomorrow.”

Celtic don’t want to blow Rangers away

Avoiding defeat would in reality be a high quality result from a Celtic perspective. Although Rangers would be able to go lower back to the pinnacle of the league with the aid of winning their game in hand, it would maintain the Bhoys’ future in their personal hands.

Brendan Rodgers and his group would then get the chance to deliver Rangers to Celtic Park after the break up and shoot for glory in the front of 60,000 domestic supporters.

Celtic aren’t going to settle for a draw tomorrow, they aren’t wired like that. However, if Lennon’s prediction rings authentic and the Bhoys tightly closed at least a point, Rangers will sense the pressure.

 

 

West Ham United: Celtic target Ardon Jashari makes transfer decision

West Ham and Celtic target Ardaon Jashari accomplished his cross to Club Brugge this week, according to Voetbal Nieuws.

The Dutch media outlet suggested on 5 April that the 21-year-old performed his transfer which value Brugge £5million.

He used to be linked to a quantity of golf equipment inclusive of the Hoops and Hammers however did no longer pass to the United Kingdom.

West Ham can do better than Jashari

While Jashari was linked with clubs like the Hammers, it doesn’t show up that the Hammers made a genuine effort to impenetrable his signature.

The focal point seems to have been extra on high-profile targets, as indicated through their pursuit of other players.

Additionally, Jashari’s go to Club Brugge for £5million suggests that he can also not have been considered as a priority for the London outfit, who might have been looking for more set up or pricey midfield options.

Considering Jashari’s age and distinctly modest switch rate in contrast to different rumoured targets, it’s not going that he would have straight away reinforced their starting lineup.

Even although the 21-year-old has conceivable and could develop into a exceptional player in the future, his signing may no longer have been a top priority.

Join the West Ham Zone WhatsApp channel to get all our exclusives and the breaking switch news FIRST.

David Moyes is struggle the sack at West Ham

Should he increase into a serious intelligence in the future, there is a precise hazard that the Hammers re-light their interest in him.

 

Ahead of the Ibrox Derby Clash, an anxious Kris Boyd breaks ranks.

 

Celtic take on Rangers in the early Sunday kick off and Boyd has damaged ranks to pile pressure on Rangers.

In a stunning shift from the ordinary bravado, Kris Boyd has overtly expressed his concerns in advance of the much-anticipated conflict between Rangers and Celtic.

Traditionally seen as an unwavering cheerleader of Rangers, Boyd’s current remarks have added a fresh narrative surrounding the upcoming game.

Contrary to the prevailing trust that Celtic is underneath stress to invulnerable a win, Boyd has pointed the highlight closer to Rangers and their manager, Philippe Clement, emphasising the imperative nature of this the Ibrox clash.

With the recreation set to take area on Sunday, Boyd highlighted Rangers’ less-than-stellar file at Parkhead and their latest failures to overcome Celtic at home, which capacity this tie turns into pivotal for Rangers.

His blunt evaluation leaves no room for ambiguity: “So overlook this view that a draw isn’t the worst end result for Rangers tomorrow. Nonsense. This is a must-win game.” He told SunSport.

Boyd’s comments also carry interest to the psychological component of the match, in particular the conceivable have an impact on on both teams’ morale. “If Celtic even get a factor tomorrow, all at once Brendan Rodgers’ facet will odor blood,” he fearfully remarked.

The game is now not just a physical contest but a psychological battleground, with the effect in all likelihood to sway the momentum in favour of the victor.

Both teams are bringing their strengths to this fantastically expected showdown. Rangers will gain from the home subject gain and the absence of away supporters, which may want to tilt the ecosystem in their favor.

On the other hand, Celtic’s tested music record and their ability to impervious crucial points below stress are elements that can’t be underestimated.

Anticipation is constructing among fans. Boyd’s unexpected show of subject has brought a layer of intrigue. Making it clear that the result will have far-reaching implications for each Rangers and Celtic. The stage is set for an enthralling encounter.

 

 

“A draw wouldn’t be the worst end result for Celtic,” Jackie McNamara

It’s all to play for the next day lunchtime and if Celtic had been to win at Ibrox against theRangers, then it really would be a statement victory which places us in pole role to hold our Scottish Premiership title. However, if we can’t win, it’s imperative that we do no longer lose it -that’s the view of former Celtic first-rate Jackie McNamara.

Jackie McNamara and Henrik Larsson  celebrates with the trophy after triumphing the 119th Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Dunfermline at Hampden on May 22, 2004. (Photo by means of Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Jackie knows all about these fits and pressurised title fights into the bargain, having been a imperative cog all through the Martin O’Neill-era at Celtic Park, when each aspects were absolutely slick outfits.

Part of a side with the likes of Neil Lennon, Chris Sutton, Alan Thompson and Henrik Larsson, McNamara was once a magnificent utility participant who used to be very adaptable and was once deployed in quite a number areas with the aid of O’Neill in the course of these golden years at Paradise. He used to be always dependable and regularly helped plug holes in that terrific team.

Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates for the duration of the Scottish Premiership healthy between Celtic and St. Johnstone at Celtic Park on March 16, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The participant who used to be signed from Dunfermline Athletic returned in 1995 via the Hoops, rekcons that there are differences to Celtic this term under Brendan Rodgers. Speaking to Sky Sports Scotland’s Mark Benstead beforehand of this one, he said: “Yeah, I suppose there’s delicate differences in terms of how they play.

The depth that Ange had in his team, I think positive groups are needless to say sitting in towards them, which makes it a bit extra difficult. Your no longer seeing the fantastic in the likes of Kyogo. You see that they’re at their quality when they’re pressing. It sets the tone. It lets in the midfield to come up and it creates house for them. And it’s difficult for the opposition to get again in. And I think we’ve considered that in the closing few weeks – getting back to that.

Looking returned over some of the goals, he continued: “I think when they’ve received this space to go in to, Kyogo isn’t getting picked up and he’s bought his returned to goal. He’s usually better when he’s going through the opposition goal and there’s area to run in to.

I assume that’s been the predominant distinction from this season. He’s not scored as many dreams due to the fact he’s perhaps bought his back to intention more. But as I said, there’s been exact symptoms the last week’s that we’re starting to see a higher intensity. They’re transferring the ball quicker. They growing more opportunities.”

When requested without delay if depth ought to be extra vital this weekend and if Celtic ought to get any pleasure in a specific region in opposition to Phillipe Clement’s men, he replied: “Yeah, I think they’ve been stable enough. Again, when the supervisor came in there’s been a shielding structure. They’ve modified little bits there. They’re out wider gamers in and it’s saved their full-backs defending more.

But I suppose there’s house there. In between the centre-backs and full-back, Celtic can hurt them. You comprehend just over the top, if it’s Kyogo coming in to the house there. And the ultimate factor you favor is your centre-backs away out in the left-back area.

That’s some thing that I assume Brendan will attempt and implement at the weekend. You recognize simply balls over the top. I know it’s a bit special however you see the electricity there. They seem to battle when their backs are towards goal.”

With the want for the home side to come out and really press the Champions, McNamara counseled it could supply Celtic with the chances they need to win the match in Govan. “Yeah, they’re at home.

Celtic’s won the first two video games this season. Their problems haven’t been against theRangers. It’s other teams sitting in. But you expect theRangers being at home with all the supporters to try and dominate the ball, which creates space and as I said, if Celtic get proper in about it from the begin and preserve that intensity up, which they’re capable of doing, I think it’s areas they can harm them.”

On the decisive nature of the consequence of the fixture for each sides, Jackie said: “Yeah, it’s A without a doubt necessary one due to the fact there’s now not many games left. I think it’s necessary Celtic don’t lose the game. TheRangers have bought the game-in-hand. There’s not many video games to go and a draw wouldn’t be the worst end result for them”

🗣️ “I think it is quintessential Celtic don’t lose the game. A draw wouldn’t be the worst result.”

Jackie McNamara appears at how Celtic could approach Sunday’s recreation against Rangers – stay on @SkyFootball and NOW: https://t.co/kkHulPnZP2 📺 pic.twitter.com/eoeMF9OF5E

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 3, 2024

 

 

Part Seven of RODGERS v. RANGERS

BRENDAN RODGERS is preparing for his players for the visit to Ibrox tomorrow, his third derby stumble upon considering that returning to Celtic in June last year.

The Irishman has already loved a double triumph in the preceding meetings – 1-0 at Ibrox on September three and 2-1 at Parkhead on December 30.

Now Rodgers is gearing up to go again in the High Noon showdown.

In his first stint, the Hoops gaffer enjoyed phenomenal success between May 2016 and February 2019 when he faced Celtic’s city foes on thirteen occasions and triumphed 10 instances whilst drawing two and losing solely one.

In another CQN EXCLUSIVE series, we look at the fifteenth conflict before the flip of the year – and another celebration.

 

JOY RODGERS…the Celtic boss acknowledges the celebrating followers after the 2-1 derby success at Parkhead in December.

 

December 30, 2023: Premiership:

CELTIC 2 (Bernardo, Kyogo), Rangers 1 (Tavernier)

A SPECTACULAR double strike from Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo Furuhashi fired Celtic to a vital triumph at Parkhead.

It used to be a rollicking, rocking stumble upon as the champions eased eight points in advance at the Premiership pinnacle in their quest for their twelfth title in thirteen years.

The site visitors have been decreased to 10 men in the 71st minute when Leon Balogun floored Daizen Maeda as the Japanese speedster raced through on goal.

Referee Nick Walsh had no alternative however to banish the Ibrox defender and there could be no argument as the player headed for the tunnel.

STRIKE ONE…Paulo Bernardo thunders an unstoppable right-foot force toward the Ibrox net for the opening goal.

The hosts have been two desires in advance at the time and have been in whole control, but, inexplicably, allowed the visitors lower back into the contest when James Tavernier despatched a 20-yard free-kick high previous Joe Hart in the 88th minute.

The deadlock was broken with a surprise strike from Bernardo in the twenty fifth minute that nearly ripped the internet from the stanchion behind Jack Butland.

Luis Palma whipped in a right-wing corner-kick to the near put up where Abdallah Sima rose to head away. However, his clearance fell solely as a ways as the lurking on-loan Benfica midfielder.

Bernardo hit the ball first-time with ferocious timing from 16 yards and his effort sincerely bulleted previous the Ibrox keeper at his left to thump against the net.

Parkhead rocked to its foundations as 60,000 joyous fans rose in unison to greet the superb effort  from the new Bhoy who only scored his first goal for the Hoops in the Boxing Day win at Dundee.

STRIKE TWO…Kyogo Furuhashi fires a breathtaking shot high past jack Butland.

Bernardo picked up a booking from over-fussy fit offical Walsh for celebrating with the supporters.

In the thirty fifth minute, Rodgers was once pressured to make a exchange after Stephen Welsh, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers, hurt his left shoulder in an awkward fall.

Maik Nawrocki, who hadn’t figured considering the League Cup loss towards Kilmarnock in the third recreation of the season, came on in his place.

The Polish centre-back slid into the back-four as although he had been there at some point of the campaign. It was a fantastically stunning return for the summer recruit.

PARADISE…Kyogo Furuhashi is congratulated with the aid of ecstatic Celtic team-mates Daizen Maeda, Paulo Bernardo, Alistair Johnston, Luis Palma, Liam Scales and Callum McGregor after his marvel 2d goal.

The second-half had an explosive start when Kyogo claimed a breathtaking intention for Scotland’s title kings as he notched his seventh strike this 12 months towards the Govan club.

Maeda and Nawrocki have been involved in the build-up on the proper with the defender choosing out Matt O’Riley with an astute forward pass.

The elegant Danish worldwide playmaker moved the ball onto the Japanese hitman lurking 25 yards backyard the box.

The hazard indicators right away flared as Kyogo jinked inside and then dragged the ball to his left before sending a certainly stupendous 47th-minute strike excessive past Butland into his pinnacle left-hand corner.

JOLLY RODGERS…the Celtic boss acclaims Kyogo Furuhashi’s splendid purpose to make it 2-0.

Rodgers made a 2d change in in the 71st minute when he changed Bernardo with David Turnbull and only moments later Balogun saw pink when he hauled down Maeda.

In the 83rd minute, the Hoops gaffer made three changes as he took off marksman Kyogo, Maeda and Palma and despatched on Oh Hyeon-gyu, Liel Abada and Mikey Johnston.

Some slack play allowed the 10-man opposition again into the fit and Tavernier had the nerve ends jangling with a free-kick that swirled high past Hart.

The remaining whistle used to be greeted with almighty cheers amid massive relief as Rodgers smiled at a job nicely executed

 

 

Mum who receives her package off for greater cash makes daring Rangers vs Celtic prediction…

EXCLUSIVE: Rangers host Celtic this weekend and one Gers fan has made a daring prediction in advance of the derby – no matter announcing she will be too nervous to sleep the night time before

Cherry Bloom believes Philippe Clement will carry the title again to Rangers (Image: Instagram/cherrybloombabe)

An NHS cleaner turned raunchy model has made a bold prediction ahead of the grudge healthy between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox.

The Bhoys have a slender one point lead at the top of the table however have played one sport more than their Glasgow opponents – and Cherry Bloom, 42, is assured her cherished Rangers will triumph on Sunday.

Despite feeling positive, the Scottish mum-of-four, whose real title is Lisa, stated she would be too nervous to sleep appropriate the night before the derby.

 

The mum believes it will be a comfy victory for the guys in blue (Image: Cherry Bloom)

Speaking to Daily Star, she said: “I’m feeling excited about the game. The construct up is first-rate all week and these games are tough to pick out a winner. But the momentum we have just now has absolutely impressed me and I suppose all symptoms factor to a Rangers win that will be a large step to winning the league.

“I’m very confident it will be a 3-0 Rangers win. I simply can’t see any different outcome. I assume the January signings have been huge for us and we have the momentum.

“On Sunday I will be up early and won’t truely sleep – I in no way do. I will attempt to have some food however it will rely on the nerves and then get ready, get my kit on and get settled to watch the game and then have a excellent night time celebrating after.”

The footie lover works part-time for NHS Lanarkshire however she bolstered her bank balance over 12 months ago by growing a subscription web page on OnlyFans.

She recently had a £1,000 advert close to Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium removed after complaints – however despite the setback, embracing her attractive facet has been a welcome enhance for her household all through the cost-of-living crisis.

The married mum works as a cleaner and as a racy mannequin to supply for her family (Image: Instagram/)

Cherry says she will be sporting her Rangers package to the stores if they get the win at the weekend (Image: Cherry Bloom)

While existence may additionally be desirable for Cherry who makes £2,000 a month from her titillating content, that will be difficult to appreciate if Celtic leave Ibrox with three factors this weekend.

She said: “I simply don’t go out if we lose. I’m now not an handy person to be round on the off occasions that occurs lol. I would just continue to be in and have some dinner and would be in mattress early as well. It can take me till the subsequent sport to recover before I’m in a happy mood again.

“But when we win my mood is notable and I typically text or telephone household or buddies and head to the keep whilst shopping in my package – that’s a must.

“I will have a proper night time as well whether or not that potential going out or just a takeaway. I am a completely happy lady, that’s certain.

“I will possibly be on my OnlyFans too because there is big wide variety of fans on there are looking for something extraordinary after a top result so I higher now not disappoint them and make it a great day for everyone.”

 

Kolo Toure talks about how his Celtics teammate convinced him to retire in the middle of the season

When Kolo Toure arrived at Celtic in 2016 it used to be well-acknowledged that he used to be coming towards the end of his career.

The Ivorian signed for the Bhoys from Liverpool at the age of 35 as Brendan Rodgers looked to bolster his new backline with an experienced professional he depended on implicitly.

He was at first a starter in Rodgers’ team, taking part in European qualifiers, a resounding 5-1 derby win over Rangers and a 3-3 draw away to former club Manchester City.

However, his contribution lessened as the season went on. He found himself on the bench earlier than subsequently retiring at the cease of the Invincibles marketing campaign and transitioning into a coaching role.

Toure has now revealed that this decreased role was once due to his very own realisation he was once no longer capable to compete in the way he’d like and that he was about to hold up his boots.

Selfless Kolo Toure opens up on retirement moment

The embellished defender says that the coaching performances of Dedyck Boyata made him apprehend that he had to step apart for the properly of the Belgian and Celtic.

Toure advised the High Performance podcast: “There was a game. We had a wreck after December and we got here back. I had a conversation with Brendan and he asked if I would be in a position to play that game.

“We had a young player, Dedryck Boyata – he was once doing very well at education that week before we started the 2nd 1/2 of the season. I concept I had to make certain I didn’t play that recreation or I’d make the team lose. I wasn’t at my full potential.

“I said to the boss play that young player. As a human, you have to know your limitations. I realised at that moment, let this boy play. He’s doing very nicely in training, just give him this chance.

“Going again to Martin Keown – he supported me when I got here to Arsenal. He by no means stopped me developing myself and I was once wondering I don’t desire to stop this younger boy from developing.”

Kolo Toure’s Celtic spell used to be quick however sweet

Toure solely ended up playing 17 instances for Celtic but he made pretty an affect on supporters and squad mates.

He was a very famous character and that helped him end up an influential member of Rodgers’ coaching staff.

There’s obviously a lasting mutual perception between Toure and the Bhoys, with the defender additionally not shy about sharing his admiration for the present day manager.

Hopefully, he will stop up back in a distinguished coaching or administration position soon, so we can see where the next phase of his profession takes him.