Rangers

Mikey Moore's 88th-minute header rescued a draw for Rangers against Scottish Premiership strugglers Livingston, who blew a two-goal lead after Cristian Montano's red card.

Read the full match report here.

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Rangers head coach Danny Rohl: "Disappointed that we didn't take three points.

"We give them the set-plays too easily and then we tried everything. Big compliment to the team, to the supporters who pushed us."

On the challenge on Mikey Moore, late in the game, Rohl adds: "I can't understand when you see the replay and it's a clear foul, then the decision. In my view it was on the line and it's a penalty.

"It's a clear foul. Mikey said to me and you see on the replay. It's a pen but we have to move forward."

With Celtic up next, Rohl is relishing the run-in.

"We showed again our comeback character," he says. "Ten games to go and it is an exciting race.

"We are disappointed but we go again. We have to carry on. We cannot think too much about the past and I totally believe, the players believe, the club believe and the supporters believe we can do it.

"We showed against Hearts that we can beat top of the league. Next week we have the next challenge. We will hunt again and again."

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Rangers and Celtic will face competition from English and Italian clubs in the race to sign 21-year-old midfielder David Watson when his contract expires with Kilmarnock this summer. (Football Insider), external

Danilo, the 26-year-old Rangers striker on loan to Nijmegen, is hoping to persuade the Dutch club to sign him permanently this summer. (Glasgow Times), external

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed Rangers centre-half Emmanuel Fernandez is on his radar for his next squad. (The National), external

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Rangers midfielder Tochi Chukwuani believes competition in the squad may be key in their title push as they look to pip Hearts and Celtic to the Scottish Premiership.

Chukwuani, 22, became Danny Rohl's first signing as Rangers boss last month, having won the Austrian Bundesliga with former club Sturm Graz last season.

Rangers beat league-leaders Hearts 4-2 last weekend to narrow the gap at the top to just two points before this weekend's fixtures, while they are a point ahead of rivals Celtic having played a game more.

"One thing I must say is having the depth of squad," Chukwuani said when asked to reflect on what qualities help win titles.

"You can see now we have really high competition in the squad and I think that competition is very healthy.

"It gets to push each player to deliver each training and to be on it every match. I think that's one very key thing.

"That's what we all dream of, winning titles. I think it would mean the world to me to achieve that here.

"I think the main thing is just not to get carried away, to just try to keep our heads down and then do the work because when we do the work I think the work will also show on the pitch."

Chukwuani hopes the victory over Hearts will provide "energy" as the title race hots up.

Rangers travel to the Premiership's bottom club Livingston on Sunday at the same time as Celtic host Hibernian. Hearts host Falkirk on Saturday.

"The mood is good," he said. "It was a great win last weekend and the atmosphere was really fantastic from the fans.

"We could really feel the energy and the high spirits from the fans and we are trying to use this energy to go against Livingston and make three points, hopefully.

"The setting will be different from Ibrox but the objective will be the same, which is to get three points.

"We just try to focus game by game, the last game was a great one and it was a great confidence booster and we try to use this confidence for the next games."

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Livingston may include new signings Barrie McKay and Joel Nouble. Babacar Fati (thigh) could return, but Samson Lawal, Josh Zimmerman, Scott Arfield (hamstring), Connor McLennan (ankle) and Aidan Denholm (hamstring) are all likely to remain sidelined.

Rangers boss Danny Rohl has a couple of fresh injury concerns, although he refused to disclose names. Max Aarons has missed the last two matches and Connor Barron (knee) and Derek Cornelius (muscle) are still out.

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Rangers are poised to reopen contract talks with Nicolas Raskin as they look to reward the 24-year-old Belgium midfielder, whose current deal ends in summer 2028, with improved terms. (Daily Record), external

Ryan Naderi's agent has revealed that the striker was originally due to join Rangers from Hansa Rostock this summer only for the Scottish Premiership club to complete the £4.2m transfer minutes before the end of the January window because of the rising costs of potential alternative loan deals. (Glasgow Times), external

Dujon Sterling is a huge doubt for next month's league and cup double header with Celtic after the Rangers defender suffered yet another injury set-back. (Daily Record), external

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Rangers boss Danny Rohl has praised January signing Ryan Naderi, saying the forward reminds him of former Bayern Munich and Germany star Thomas Muller.

Naderi has played for the Ibrox side four times since making the move from Hansa Rostock, scoring twice and contributing two assists.

He played his part in the 4-2 win over Hearts that narrowed the gap at the top of the Premiership table, starting alongside Youssef Chermiti with Andreas Skov Olsen and Mikey Moore either side in an attacking line-up.

Rohl said he is bringing something different to the squad and can help those around him.

He said: "I think you see it in the training, I said to Ryan he's a little bit like Thomas Müller, sometimes you don't know how but he is doing the right things.

"I think this is great, to play with two strikers in front helps as well. It's probably not always [going to be] the shape but I think it was good, we had our wingers in a good position as well.

"Ryan is very present I think against the ball, very sharp with a good intensity, wins a lot of balls and gives us a good structure.

"In the box he is always in the right moments and it gives a little bit more time for the other striker, I think this is the advantage of having two strikers in front."

Rohl also had praise for Chermiti, who showed a knack for big game performances with a hat-tick against Hearts.

"Of course, as a striker you always want to score," the head coach said. "I think he always tried to score, he comes into fantastic situations.

"I think it was always important that he had these moments, and now it's about being clinical. I think against Hearts he had a fantastic day. It was really outstanding."

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Danny Rohl has been speaking to the media ahead of Rangers' trip Livingston on Saturday.

Here are the key lines from his press conference:

• The Rangers boss says the win over Hearts was a "good statement", adding "the atmosphere was good" but stresses the need for players to "keep our intensity".

• On Youssef Chermiti, who scored a hat-trick against the league leaders, Rohl stresses "he had a fantastic day".

• Rohl says "playing with two strikers helps as well" and admits he's told striker Ryan Naderi he's "a little bit like Tomas Muller".

• After Celtic's late goal against Kilmarnock, Rohl admits "I would be lying if I say you focus only on your game" but stresses "it was more about our reaction".

• On John Souttar's new contract, Rohl says "it's important we have leaders", adding "John did a good job so far on the pitch, and also off the pitch."

• As they prepare to travel to Livingston, Rohl acknowledges "the teams lower down don't have so much to lose so they try everything," adding "it's very important that we take it seriously".

• On playing on the artificial pitch, Rohl insists "I won't make any excuses", adding "both teams have to play on this pitch".

• If Rangers can get the job done and win the league this season, Rohl says "it means a lot for me but more importantly for the club and my players" but stresses "you have to believe you can do it."

• On the injury front, Derek Cornelius has made "steps forward" in his return from injury while Connor Barron "could be part of training next week".

• Rohl admits "we have to change some players" for the trip to Livingston, stressing "I don't want to, I have to" but wouldn't go into detail on the injuries.

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• Livingston have lost 21 of their last 23 meetings with Rangers in all competitions (D2) since a 1-0 league victory in September 2018.

• Rangers have won 10 of their last 11 visits to Livingston in all competitions, including their last seven in a row (all in the league) since a goalless draw in August 2020.

• Livingston are winless in their last 12 home league games (D4 L8), the longest run by any side within a single Scottish Premiership season since Hamilton in March 2016 (also 12), while the last to go longer within a single campaign were St Mirren from August to February 2015 (14).

• After winning just one of their opening eight league games of the season (D6 L1), Rangers have since won 14 of their 19 league fixtures under Danny Rohl (D4 L1). Indeed, since his first Scottish Premiership game in charge on October 26th, the Gers have earned 46 points, at least nine more than any other side in the competition (Celtic second with 37), and 11 more than league leaders Hearts (35).

• Rangers have won each of their last 11 league games against opponents starting the day bottom of the Scottish Premiership since a 1-1 draw with Hamilton in February 2021.

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

The Rangers v Hearts encounter was a top-of-the-table clash for the ages and Rangers' comeback ensured they very much remain in contention for the title.

It was a performance and result that simply could not have happened earlier in the season as Rangers showed a grit and determination along with a clinical edge that had been missing under Russell Martin.

That short-lived era has been gradually erased from the memories of the club's supporters who are now revelling in the possibility of a turnaround in their season most would not have deemed conceivable when Danny Rohl took over in late October.

But since then, Rangers have taken 11 points more than Hearts and nine more than Celtic (from one game more) to give themselves a fighting chance of reclaiming the Premiership title.

His January signings all made significant contributions to Sunday's victory. Tuur Rommens' energy and strength on the left flank, allied to good crossing ability, make him a force to be reckoned with. Tochi Chukwuani has also added a powerful edge to the midfield as well as an element of guile that had been lacking previously.

In attack, Andreas Skov Olsen is improving with every passing game and could have a huge role to play in Rangers' quest for a league and cup double, while Ryan Naderi - although not on the scoresheet against Hearts - showed terrific positional awareness and a desire to put himself about.

Questions remain over Rohl's team selection against Motherwell last midweek. Rommens and Skov Olsen might have made the difference and Rangers could be in an even better position but the manager has earned the right to make the calls he believes are best for the team and given what he has achieved so far, it's difficult to be too critical.

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Rangers have stepped up their interest in Dundee defender Luke Graham (Scottish Sun), external.

Rangers have been ordered to pay former star Alex Rae more than £12,000 after he claimed he was unfairly sacked by the club (Scottish Sun), external.

Rangers midfielder Lyall Cameron admits he expected some negativity around his move after he saw the 'No Old Firm loans' banner displayed at Pittodrie ahead of his Aberdeen debut (Press and Journal), external.

Jamie Currie
Fan writer

I said a few weeks ago that Youssef Chermiti was a weird player. Last week was the evidence.

Against Motherwell he misses a sitter at 1-0 up and between that and Danny Rohl's weird decisions we draw, and throw away two points.

Yet on Sunday Chermiti and the manager got everything spot on. The starting line-up and 4-2-4/4-4-2 shape worked.

I felt Chermiti and Naderi worked well as a front two. And that gave Hearts issues, so much so they changed to a back five at half time.

But you cannot fault Chermiti's performance in this game — three good goals and a good all-round performance. The challenge for him now is to find his scoring boots against everyone.

On Sunday against Livingston, I think Rohl has to pick the same team and go again.

Consistency of selection with just one game per week could be key come the split.

Youssef Chermiti was centre stage as Rangers claimed a big victory in the Scottish Premiership title race, with the striker scoring three goals in the 4-2 victory over league leaders Hearts.

The Sportscene panel discuss his goals and analyse his performance.

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Rangers head coach Danny Rohl said Ibrox finally lived up to its billing during Sunday's statement victory over league leaders Hearts.

The German boss praised the atmosphere during the win, which now has his side only two points behind Derek McInnes' men. When he took over in October, that gap was 13 points.

"Yes, it was the first time since I've been here that Ibrox was like Ibrox," Rohl said. "I felt what it means. I'm very positive. We want to have this atmosphere in the stadium.

"I can understand this [restlessness] sometimes, but sometimes it's difficult when you need the extra pass to prepare something.

"Then it's sometimes difficult for my players, especially when you play against a deep block and they wait for transition moments.

"Sometimes you need the extra pass. But let's speak not about this. Let's speak about how the atmosphere was after the game.

"Outstanding. I think they pushed us today in every situation. They deserved these three points."

The head coach was also keen to praise his players, insisting they showed character after coming from behind not once, but twice, during the 4-2 win.

"Big respect to my group, I think we showed today how big is the personality, how big is the character.

"Let's not speak until the end of the season about the mentality of this group, because we have a lot of mentality.

"We fully deserved over 90 minutes to win, we gave them two presents today.

"I cannot really remember that they had a more dangerous situation. We were in the game, we played even before the conceded goal with high intensity.

"Now it's about recovery, enjoy the evening and then we go again."

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He may be the man for the big occasion, but Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti still has work to do if he is to be considered a top striker, according to former Celtic full-back Jackie McNamara.

The much-maligned striker scored two goals in Rangers' Old Firm victory back in January, and added to his tally with a hat-trick in the crunch match over Hearts on Sunday.

The former Everton man still has just seven goals in his debut campaign, and now faces competition for a starting spot with new signing Ryan Naderi.

"The biggest thing is consistency," McNamara said. "Has he got attributes? Yeah, he can move, he's physical, he's good in the air.

"Technically, he's not brilliant, but he scores a hat-trick, and he looked world-class against Celtic in the second half.

"If you're going to lead the line for Rangers, you've got to have that every game."

However, Cyriel Dessers - a striker who was often criticised yet had an outstanding goal record for Rangers - only struck eight goals in his opening 19 league matches, a goal more than Chermiti after the same number of appearances.

"You've got have that consistency," the former Dundee United boss added. "You've got to be on the end of everything and be able to finish.

"What's his reaction to the hat-trick now? Again, strikers are all about confidence, but for him it has to be some kind of consistency there."

• Jackie McNamara was speaking on the Scottish football podcast, available here.

Two Celtic stars, duos from Dundee and Dundee United, and a pair from Motherwell. It's time for Jonathan Sutherland's team of the week, so let's take a look and see who impressed...

Raphael Sallinger - Hibernian

Not a vintage weekend for goalkeepers. Sallinger gets the nod for a couple of stops and a clean sheet. An overall impressive addition at Easter Road.

Julian Araujo - Celtic

What a big goal. Ended up in hospitality with his celebration, but it was a big moment.

Stephen Welsh - Motherwell

Outstanding again after his goalscoring heroics midweek. An assist for Just as well. Not sure what Celtic don't see in him.

Ross Graham - Dundee United

Goal and a doughty warrior at the back. His four touches in the opposition box was only bettered by teammate Kristijan Trapanovski, while he made more clearances than any other player.

Cameron Congreve - Dundee

A continuous threat down the right for the Dark Blues. What a good loan signing he has been by Steven Pressley. Took eight shots and created three chances.

Craig Sibbald - Dundee United

Pulled the strings in midfield and scored a vital goal. Set up four chances, the most of any United player, and won more duels than any of his teammates.

Elijah Just - Motherwell

For me, Elijah Just has to be in with a shout of player of the season. The New Zealand international has been consistently excellent, showing guile, creativity and goalscoring ability. On the scoresheet again this weekend, against Aberdeen. Ghosts around the pitch with elegance, class and endeavour.

Sebastian Tounekti - Celtic

Loves Rugby Park. Great on his debut there, scored there against Auchinleck Talbot and sparked Celtic's comeback on Sunday with a goal of the season contender.

Simon Murray - Dundee

Murray in a hurry at Dens Park. After a barren spell, the Dundee captain looked pumped for action with his quick fire double.

Youssef Chermiti - Rangers

Michael Stewart told me on Sportscene he doesn't think Chermiti has the potential to be a top striker. But he has scored six of his seven goals this season against Celtic and Hearts, including his hat-trick yesterday on what was a huge occasion.

The challenge for the 21-year-old is to start delivering this sort of performance more consistently against the other sides in the Premiership.

Tyreece John-Jules - Kilmarnock

The former Arsenal youth - and nephew of Red Dwarf star Danny John-Jules - was a force of nature for Kilmarnock against Celtic, following on from his midweek hat-trick.

Scored a great goal, clipped the crossbar from a free-kick and just generally showed star potential. Such a shame he limped off with what looked like a thigh muscle strain.