Ex-Rangers boss reveals stance on Steven Gerrard return as 20-goal forward sends Celtic defiant title message

Scottish League Cup holders Rangers staged a dramatic second half comeback in a 2-1 victory against Motherwell to book their place in this year’s final against 2022 winners Celtic.

The Light Blues responded excellently to an early goal from former defender Andy Halliday to win the game at Hampden Park after strikes from Cyriel Dessers and summer signing Nedim Bajrami.

Fans had demanded a reaction from Rangers after a costly defeat to title rivals Aberdeen earlier in the week, which had only increased the scrutiny surrounding Philippe Clement’s long-term future at Ibrox.

As it stands, Rangers are already nine points adrift of champions Celtic after just 10 games and many fans are beginning to doubt whether the Belgian is the man to take the team forward.

Celtic, meanwhile, are looking to lift the one trophy that eluded Brendan Rodgers and his team last season. They breezed into the final with a comprehensive 6-0 victory over Aberdeen to mark the first defeat of the Jimmy Thelin era at Pittodrie.

After a dramatic weekend of semi-final action, we take a look at the main headlines involving both Glasgow clubs.

Ally McCoist says Steven Gerrard would be welcomed back at Rangers

Rangers icon Ally McCoist says that former Premiership winning manager Steven Gerrard would be welcomed back at Ibrox as pressure continues to intensify on Philippe Clement.

Gerrard is currently managing Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia but is under pressure to turn results around after a poor start to the Pro League season.

However, McCoist, who also managed Rangers between 2011 and 2014, insists that the problems at Ibrox go much ‘deeper’ than the Belgian and claims that problems at the top of the club need to be addressed if the team is to once again return to the summit.

Speaking to TalkSport alongside Jeff Stelling, McCoist explained: "He would be welcomed back. He won the title in his time at Rangers and he would be welcomed back.

"But I have to tell you Jeff [Stelling] the problems at Rangers go far greater than the manager at this moment in time and a lot deeper. I think they need to get things sorted at the top level before anything else.

"It works its way down if things aren't right at the top. No full-time chairman, director of football or chief executive. There is none of that happening at this moment in time and that has to happen. I don't care what anyone says, it must have an effect on the pitch if things are not good off it.”

“So in answer your question, would he be welcomed back? I think he would, yeah. But he clearly has his work cut out over there [Saudi] at this moment in time."

Aberdeen ace sends Celtic key title message

Aberdeen striker Duk fired out a defiant title warning to reigning champions Celtic despite his side’s Cup drubbing at the hands of the Hoops.

Duk was subbed on at half time during the 6-0 loss to Celtic at Hampden Park, but has not lost sight of the bigger picture despite the scoreline in a game which marked the first defeat under new boss Jimmy Thelin.

Duk took to Instagram to say: “Proud to be a part of this team, we lost a battle but the war is not over. Thank you for the support. We go again Saturday.”

Aberdeen remain level with champions Celtic at the top of the table after a run of nine victories and one draw from their opening 10 games. They play host to Dundee this weekend as they bid to continue their unbeaten start in the league.