Ex-Rangers and Newcastle man backs former teammate to replace Clement as Celtic hero set to play at Ibrox
A round-up of key headlines from Rangers and Celtic as both sides turn their attentions to European football
Celtic and Rangers return to action in Europe this week as both sides look to boost their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
Scottish champions Celtic play host to Belgian champions Club Brugge in a first ever Champions League meeting between the two sides at Parkhead.
The Hoops have a mixed record of four victories, one draw and three defeats against Belgium opposition, but enter with high hopes after winning both of their opening two home games in the competition this season.
Meanwhile, Rangers are in need of a boost after yet another disappointing display in the Scottish Premiership at the weekend. The Light Blues face a challenging trip to French side Nice before looking ahead to an all-British showdown with Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.
Ahead of what promises to be a crucial week of European football, we take a look at the main headlines surrounding both Old Firm heavyweights.
Former Rangers hero backs ex-team-mate to succeed Philippe Clement at Ibrox
Philippe Clement’s future as Rangers boss is believed to be on the tip of an iceberg after yet another disappointing display in the Scottish Premiership against Dundee United.
As it stands, the Light Blues are third in the Premiership table and already 11 points behind league leaders and archrivals Celtic.
Clement’s side currently look a shadow of the side that pushed Celtic all the way for the title last season and some sections of the fanbase are growing increasingly concerned about the direction that the team is moving in.
The Belgian arrived at Rangers 13 months ago to replace Michael Beale and was able to beat off competition from highly-rated Australian coach Kevin Muscat to secure the gig at Ibrox.
Muscat, who also played for Rangers briefly between 2002 and 2003, is building a strong reputation as a manager and recently guided Shanghai Port to a Super League and Chinese Cup double.
The 51-year-old has been heavily linked with the Rangers job if Clement was to leave, but former international team-mate Craig Moore claims that Muscat is settled in his role in Asia.
Speaking to the Daily Record’s Go Radio show, he explained: “He is doing brilliantly. His Asian experience is going to continue. I don’t see how anything would fall into place.”
Moore went on to advise Rangers to go domestic with their managerial search and added: “I think there is only one option if Rangers pull the trigger, and it’s a domestic option of Derek McInnes.”
McInnes, who played at Ibrox between 1995 and 2000, is currently the manager of Kilmarnock, who are 10th in the Premiership table despite beating Rangers back in October.
Former Celtic hero set to face Rangers in Europe
Former Celtic fan favourite Fraser Forster is expected to start for Tottenham Hotspur in their upcoming Europa League game away to Rangers next month.
The 36-year-old has been called into action after first choice goalkeeper Gugilelmo Vicario sustained a serious ankle injury.
The former England international has played just 24 times in the three seasons he has spent in North London but will be keen to make a big impression against his former Old Firm rivals.
Forster has an overall record of six victories, two draws and five defeats in his 13 career matches against Rangers.