Hearts star's profile 'more suited to Celtic' says ex Rangers man as Ibrox hero expects 'busy' January
The latest transfer headlines as Celtic and Rangers plan ahead to January
Wilfried Nancy’s Celtic finally won a 90-minute battle at the fifth time of asking as they secured a 3-1 home victory over Scottish Cup holders Aberdeen, but the war to win the Scottish Premiership remains as fierce as ever after Hearts’ continued their pursuit of a first title in 66 years by defeating Rangers 2-1 at Tynecastle.
It leaves the Jambos top at Christmas for just the 10th time in their history and leaves the new Hoops boss with an almighty task if he is to repeat the achievements of Brendan Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou by winning the league title.
January looks set to be a defining period for the Hoops and the same is likely to be said for Rangers as well after they dropped to fourth position in what has so far been a calamitous start to the campaign. With that in mind, we roundup the latest headlines from both Glasgow clubs ahead of a busy winter window.
Former Rangers boss predicts busy window
Rangers icon Barry Ferguson, who managed the Light Blues on an interim basis in the second half of last season, believes the club will be busy this January as they look to overhaul the squad under new manager Danny Rohl.Predecessor Russell Martin was backed with a fair amount to spend in the summer but failed to hit the ground running with his new-look team, with some signings such as Joe Rothwell already looking set for an early exit.
Ferguson, speaking on Go Radio, said: "I do know that the chairman, Andrew Cavenagh, will try and back the manager as best he can.There are going to be players coming in, but there are also going to be players going out."
"The issue with players going out is these guys have not been playing, or have struggled in the first part of their Rangers career. Are clubs going to be wanting them?"
Ferguson went on to suggest that the club should focus their attention on players that are proven in the Scottish Premiership as opposed to players from other leagues with limited understanding of what it takes to succeed at Ibrox.
He added: "It's a tough place to play, people think it's an easy place to come and just kick a ball about - it's not like that up here. I know there are four loans, but for me, if Rangers are going to bring in players, it's players who have to strengthen the starting eleven. You don't want to bring in players just to make up the numbers."
Hearts star hailed as answer to Celtic problem
Former Rangers defender Andy Halliday has described Hearts ace Cammy Devlin as a player that would provide a solution to some of Celtic’s existing issues.
Halliday believes Celtic are likely to need more legs next to the experienced Callum McGregor to help him thrive in Nancy’s new-look system.
“I think Celtic need a Cammy Devlin more than Rangers do,” said Halliday via Clyde 1 Superscoreboard.
“I just think with this shape that Wilfried Nancy is taking with Celtic, the 3-4-3 and the two in the midfield, I think Celtic need more legs next to Callum McGregor. I still think over the five games they look a little bit wide open at times, I think they look susceptible to counter-attacks, whereas I think Rangers need for a midfielder is more someone that can get on the ball and progress the game up the pitch and create chances.
“So I actually think the profile of a player like Cammy Devlin is, I think, more suited to what Celtic need than Rangers.”