'Mentally strong' Rangers star reflects on game time frustration as Celtic ace divulges Martin O'Neill words of wisdom
The latest news headlines surrounding Rangers and Celtic on Friday morning
It was yet another night of high drama in the Scottish Premiership this midweek with Rangers salvaging a 2-2 draw away at Dundee United and Celtic wiping out Hearts’ lead at the top of the table courtesy of a 1-0 win at home to Dundee.
With the January transfer window now just weeks away, both Danny Rohl and new Hoops boss Wilfried Nancy will face an early baptism of fire in their respective reigns and will undoubtedly be judged on the signings made this winter.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest news headlines surrounding both clubs:
Rangers star breaks silence on game time frustration under previous boss
One forgotten Rangers ace is willing to let bygones be bygones after returning to the frst-team fold since Rohl’s appointment.
Midfielder Nedim Bajrami found himself out of the picture under former Ibrox boss Russell Martin that he was omitted from the club’s Europa League squad, with most of his appearances so far this season coming off the bench.
Upon his arrival in October, Rohl offered his squad a clean slate and the Albania international has been one player eager to impress and prove he still has a future in Govan.
Bajrami started in the goalless home draw against Falkirk on Sunday and once against during Wednesday’s Dundee United stalemate at Tannadice, where his last-gasp penalty secured a 2-2 draw for the Light Blues.
Reflecting on being frozen out of the squad, the 26-year-old, who joined Rangers from Italian club Sassuolo in 2024, said: “The past is the past, I'm back in the squad and happy to help the team with my performance.
“I spoke with him (Rohl) in the beginning when he came in we had a chat. I was away with the national team. I think I played well against England, came back and got my chance.
“Happy to be back, and this is football. Three months ago I was away. Now I'm back. I was always focused on Rangers and this is football sometimes, you need to be mentally strong. I was, I think, strong enough to handle this situation.
“Obviously, when you train the whole week and then you are not in the squad, it was not really nice for me, but I always trained good. I give my best for this club. And I'm happy to be back and to help the team.”
Celtic defender reveals Martin O’Neill words of wisdom he’ll cling onto
Liam Scales has confessed he was gutted to see interim Celtic boss Martin O'Neill leave the club after the veteran transformed the team’s on-field performance amid a period of civil war off it.
O'Neill bowed out of Parkhead with a gritty 1-0 win over Dundee on Wednesday night before handing over the reins to newly-appointed Nancy. The Northern Irishman managed to steady the ship by leading the Hoops to seven wins from eight before being bidding an emotional farewell.
Scales admitted it was a thrill to play under one of the greatest figures in Celtic's history and reckons the 73-year-old will be missed by those in the dressing room and in the stands.
He said: "He's been really good. It's been a positive four weeks or five weeks. We've won a lot of games. We've obviously won a cup semi-final and won an away game in Europe as well. They were big wins. It's just been really enjoyable and positive. We've all enjoyed it.
“I think he would describe himself as old school and just being told that defenders defend first and that's your main job.
“In the game now, the defenders are on the ball a lot and you need to link play. But to go back to basics and just be told that you need to win your headers, you need to win your duels. I think I'll keep that with me.”