Jermain Defoe struck by Rangers flashback live on TV as Celtic hotshot shines amid Sunderland interest

Celtic and Rangers attentions are slowly turning towards cup final action but not before a big midweek of European football.

The Hoops are already in Hampden preparation mode after a hard-fought 0-0 draw away to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League. Their rivals at Ibrox meanwhile face ex-Parkhead gaffer Ange Postecoglou on Europa League business against Tottenham this Thursday.

Then it is onto the Premier Sports Cup final at the national stadium where both teams will be keen to clinch major silverware. Here are some of the key headlines surrounding both clubs in this big week.

Hoops youngster continues hot streak amid Sunderland link

Celtic hotshot Daniel Cummings is reportedly being courted by a host of English clubs with his deal expiring at the end of the season, including Sunderland. The Black Cats and more would have perked up as the young striker netted a stunning curling effort in the UEFA Youth League for Celtic, the Hoops ultimately losing 2-1 to Dinamo Zagreb. It takes his tally for the term to a staggering 23 goals in 21 games.

Defoe’s Rangers flashback

In a segment on his career flanked by Jamie Carragher on Monday Night Football, Defoe couldn’t help but reference his stint at Rangers. The striker helped the club win their last title to date in 2021 and brought up former teammate and ex-Ibrox defender Connor Goldson on the flagship Sky Sports show.

Defoe was asked about powerful shooting and responded with: “I remember Ian Wright saying to me to really concentrate on the contact. I remember I was at Rangers and I remember Connor Goldson one day after training. He said to me ‘I was watching you finish and I could see the concentration in your face.’ The concentration with the contact, whether I am running with it, just every strike really, that concentration.”