Ex-Rangers defender faces sack decision as out-of-favour Celtic attacker reacts to latest snub on social media

Rangers and Celtic both return their attention to their European campaigns this week as they look to respond to a difficult weekend of results in the Scottish Premiership.

Title hopefuls Rangers slipped to an unlikely 1-0 defeat away to a defiant and well-drilled Kilmarnock team, leaving the Light Blues already six points adrift of the top two as pressure surrounding Philippe Clement’s long-term future intensifies.

Meanwhile, champions Celtic, failed to capitalise on a two-goal lead in an entertaining 2-2 draw against Aberdeen. 

Ahead of what promises to be a crucial week of European action, we take a look at the main headlines surrounding both Glasgow giants.

Ex-Rangers man faces imminent sack decision

Former Rangers defender Russell Martin has endured a nightmare start to life in the Premier League as manager of Southampton after winning the Championship play-off final against Leeds.

The Saints are winless in their opening eight top-flight matches and missed a huge chance to get three points on the board by letting a two-goal lead slip in a 3-2 defeat to relegation rivals Leicester City.

Football Insider reports that Martin is on the brink of losing his job after a disappointing start and claims that the Saints board have already begun contingency plans to find a replacement.

Former Man United, West Ham and Aston Villa scout Mick Brown shares the view that time is running out for Martin and told the outlet that he believes his refusal to adapt his style of football has been his main downfall.

He explained: “It’s the time of year now, October-November, when the clubs feel they have to make a decision, and I’m told they’ll make one soon.

“I’ve been surprised hearing his interviews when he’s insisted they will continue to play the same way despite the obvious failings.

“He wants his teams to play the same way in the last five minutes as they do in the first five minutes, but it doesn’t work that way.

“They make constant mistakes at the back and just can’t seem to defend.

“A big part of that is down to him.

“I know people who have told me this, he’s determined to stick to his guns and play in the same style regardless of the results.

“But if you keep losing games and keep conceding goals, you can’t complain when you ultimately get the sack.”

Luis Palma reacts to latest Celtic setback

Out-of favour Celtic wideman Luis Palma has taken to social media to react to his latest omission from Brendan Rodgers’ starting line-up at Parkhead.

The 24-year-old registered seven goals and nine assists in the Premiership last term but has so far been a peripheral figure this term with just 46 minutes of action across all competitions.

He is yet to make an appearance in October and has not featured since a League Cup win over Falkirk back in September.

The winger was dropped from Honduras’ most recent international squad and has failed to make his way back into Rodgers’ plans despite scoring a hat-trick against Sligo Rovers in a mid-season friendly victory in Ireland.

However, Palma remains confident that he can turn his season around and in a cryptic post on social media expressed his desire to keep fighting for his place in the team.

The Instagram post reads: “Patience: Don't rule yourself out, it may be the best year of your life, it's just that it's being reflected until the end. The day of the harvest is not the same as the day of the sowing."