Farmington named a near un-changed line up, with Caren Webster replacing Julia Scott, being the only alteration. Rangers had the first chance of the match when a lofted through ball caught the Farmington rear-guard unawares.

Jen Callaghan chased the ball down but was met by a thundering challenge from Cat Fitzsimmons who reached the ball first to make an important early save.

Rangers tried again in the 11th minute when Alana Marshall shot on goal, but her effort sailed well off target. Five minutes later Alana Bruce tried her luck from distance also, and whilst struck with power, the ball cleared Kelsey Brown’s crossbar with some air to spare.

Jennifer Condie volleyed wide in the 23rd minute after the Rangers 8 had been quickest to capitalise on the scraps from a half cleared free kick. Farmington were enjoying the bulk of the possession, but without carving out any clear-cut chances of note. This trend would continue up to the break, with neither Goalkeeper being overly troubled.

The introduction of Julia Scott gave Farmington a fresh attacking outlet, and it was Scott’s interplay with Rachael Small that produced a delightful crossed ball that just evaded the head of Emma McCulley.

Two minutes later another ball was fired across the face of goal, but with no blue shirts on hand to capitalise. Lucy Graham was having an excellent game in midfield for Farmington, and in the 21st minute a surging run through the heart of the visitors ended in something of an anti-climax as the final shot rolled wide of target.

Small tried her luck with an audacious chip with quarter of an hour still to play, but this was not to be Farmington’s day.

The game duly proceeded to its almost inevitable conclusion, with neither side finding the goal required to secure a SWPL victory.

Report by Kev Candy

© Phil McCloy | Scotzine.com

Celtic passed up another great chance to go ahead on 26 minutes when Heather Richard narrowly missed after her sliding shot from five yards out was deflected of a Hamilton defender and out for a corner.

With Celtic really turning on the pressure and the weather turning up the heat, Hamilton started to make some bad decisions with a strong back pass nearly going into the net if not for the quick reflexes of Megan Cunningham in the Hamilton goal who managed to push the ball away for a corner. The resulting corner kick from Hayley Cunningham was a nice curling effort which swung in and onto the head of a diving Suzanne Grant whose header was unlucky not to go in as Cunningham made a diving save.

More bad decisions were to come from Hamilton as they gave away a silly penalty when captain Lynsey Hogg pulled down Emily Thompson in the box. Hogg was lucky to get away with a warning and her team’s fortunes continued when Chloe Craig hit her penalty well over the bar and into the field behind the goals.

However Hamilton’s fortunes didn’t last long when a few minutes later on the verge of half time Celtic finally got the goal that their pressure deserved. Emily Thompson found clear space in the box to slot the ball passed an onrushing Cunningham into the bottom right corner from eight yards after she had taken the ball down nicely from an over the top ball.

© Phil McCloy | Scotzine.com

Suzanne Grant again came close on 57 minutes when a Cunningham corner fell nicely onto the head of Grant who was unlucky to head just past the left hand post; however it did look like the keeper had it covered.

The game was never a bad-tempered a fair however one of the key battles in the game was between Rhonda Jones of Celtic and Cheryl McCulloch of Hamilton. The battle nearly turned into a fight when the two clashed on the edge of the area on 62 minutes leading to a scuffle between the players which needed to be broken up. Both players were lucky to receive just yellow cards and a warning from the referee, David Burns.

Celtic finally got their second of the game on 64 minutes through Hayley Cunningham. A lovely cross from the right by Suzanne Grant found an unmarked Cunningham at the far post who headed the ball down into the corner past a diving keeper.

With the second goal it looked like Hamilton had given up. Suzanne Grant got her first on 69 minutes when she took advantage of a defensive error and ran into the box before coolly slotting the ball into the bottom right hand corner.

Suzanne Grant was unlucky not to score a similar goal a couple of minutes later only to be hauled down on the edge of the box by Jennifer King who was lucky not to see red instead getting a yellow.

Cunningham made a great double save on 84 minutes, however Suzanne Grant got her second and Celtic’s fourth goal of the afternoon on 90 minutes. Hamilton’s tired defenders couldn’t keep up with Grant who outran the defence latching on to an over the top ball despatching it low into the bottom corner past the keepers clasping hands.

For more match photos from Phil McCloy check out Scotzine’s official Flickr page.

© Patrick McGuire | Scotzine.com

City made a number of changes from the team that beat Rangers 3-1 last week. Lee Alexander dropped out with Claire Johnston replacing her in goals, while Ciara Barnes dropped to the bench with a calf strain and Leanne Ross taking her place in the starting line-up. Danica Dalziel who had been sent off last week after coming on as a substitute against Rangers, won her appeal against her dismissal and took her place on the bench along with Julie Melrose.

Glasgow City took the lead within the five minutes of the start through Lisa Evans, who lifted the ball over Jo Hutcheson in the Spartans goal. Despite claims of offside from the Spartan players and coaching staff, referee David Graham waved away their protests as City celebrated.

Minutes later, City threatened once more when captain Rachel Corsie sent a ball over the top of the Spartans defence into the path of Leanne Ross, before firing a ball across the face of goal, but the Spartans defence managed to shepard the ball out for a corner.

City continued to dominate the opening exchanges of the match, and Emma Mitchell had two chances soon after one another to double City’s lead. After good play from Nic Docherty down the left, the full back laid the ball off to City top scorer Jane Ross who slid the ball to Mitchell who shot just wide of the goal. Her second chance saw the midfielder trying an audacious shot from 30 yards out which went just over the bar.

However, her next chance on goal duly delivered City’s second. Jane Ross picked up the ball on the left before cutting the ball back to the on-rushing Mitchell who fired a low shot past Hutcheson in the Spartans goal.

Soon after it was 3-0, Jo Love pounced on a loose ball at the back for Spartans, before running to the byline and cutting the ball across goal only for Spartans defender Chloe Fitzpatrick to knock the ball into her own goal.

Spartans had a chance to pull a goal back when Sarah Ewens ran through one-on-one with only Claire Johnstone to beat. But the Spartans striker rushed her shot hitting the ball high and over the City goal, when a more composed and placed finish could have seen Spartans get back into the game.

Just after the half hour mark, Lisa Evans got her second of the game and City’s fourth, when she pounced on a Mitchell cross at the back post firing it low into the goal, after it had gone straight across the face of Spartans goal evading everyone.

City had a number of other chances through Evans, Leanne Ross and Eilish McSorley, before Hutcheson denied Mitchell with a save from close range.

Just under a minute into the second half and a driving run from Jane Ross, saw the City striker smash a shot off the cross-bar. Seconds later, it was City captain Rachel Corsie’s turn to try her luck as she curled a superb effort into the top corner of the Spartans goal.

City had the ball in the back of the net again soon after, but Emma Mitchell was flagged for offside sparing Spartans’ blushes for now.

Evans finally got her third after she ran onto a defence splitting pass from Jane Ross, Evans opened up her body before coolly slotting the ball past the helpless Hutcheson in the Spartans goal.

On the hour mark and for the second week in a row, City were reduced to ten as Emma Fernon was shown a straight red card for foul and abusive language, after she was taken out late by Spartans midfielder Lana Clelland on the touchline. After several minutes of discussion between the referee and the linesman, ref David Graham called Fernon over and flashed the red card to the bemused Fernon and watching support.

That sending off means the full back will miss out on the League Cup Final a week on Wednesday.

Hat-trick hero Lisa Evans made way for Dani Dalziel, as the full back came on to help shore up the City back line.

Despite being down to ten players, City continued their relentless domination of the game and pushed forward once more. Jane Ross, who is proving to be one of City’s top players this season, made it 7-0 to City with a superb strike from outside the box to fire into the top corner.

© Patrick McGuire | Scotzine.com

Leanne Ross made it nine as she got on the end of a cross from Emma Mitchell to head home at the back post.

Lana Clelland finally went into the referee’s book for a late challenge on Leanne Crichton, after several late challenges and digs throughout the match. Clelland was substituted straight away with Louise Mason coming on in her place.

City could have made it ten, when a header from Leanne Ross went goal bound, but it was superbly tipped over the bar by Hutcheson.

Both teams will face off against one another in the SWPL League Cup Final on Wednesday 30th May at Recreation Park, Alloa.

Speaking after the match, Black was full of praise for Docherty who scored her first goal for the club. He said: “I thought it was an excellent goal, to be fair a number of goals today were worked really well and we took our goals really well. I am delighted for Nic because she has came so close on a number of occasions and I did tell her that it was only a matter of time.

“Two minutes before that, I’ve actually said to her next time have a shot. She rolled one into the goalies hands or just wide and then she put that one in. You seen what it meant for her herself, I am really happy for her.”

On the Emma Fernon sending off, Black admitted: “My own players told me what she said, so there is nothing to query [with the referee]. If she said that then she deserves to get sent off and the consequence is she doesn’t get to play in the cup final.”

The city rivals travelled along the M8 to battle for the oldest club cup competition in the world. While Hearts were looking to secure their eighth cup victory, their rivals Hibs were looking to end a 110-year wait to secure the trophy.

Hearts had not lost to their city rivals for three years and that omen looked to continue when the Tynecastle side took the lead, albeit through an unlikely scorer.

The Hibs defence failed to deal with a Danny Grainger corner from the left, and as the ball ricocheted around the penalty box, McGowan’s blocked shot fell nicely to Darren Barr who prodded the ball past Hibs keeper Mark Brown from close range.

Just before the half hour mark, and after Hibs captain James McPake had headed a Leigh Griffiths free kick wide of the far post, Hearts talismanic playmaker Rudi Skacel doubled Hearts’ lead, with the Hibs defence playing a significant part in their own downfall.

Ian Black – playing in what could be his last game for Hearts – laid the ball to Skacel who at the edge of the Hibs box, was given too much time and space before he fired a deflected shot past the helpless Brown.

Hearts were dominating the game and should have been three goals to the good, when a Suso Santana shot looked goal-bound but McPake was on the line to clear the danger.

And it was that man McPake who hauled Hibs back into the game minutes before the interval. The on-loan Coventry defender latched onto the end of an Isaiah Osbourne cross to slide the ball past Jamie MacDonald from close range.

With the Hibs fans contemplating a comeback over the half time break, two goals in four minutes straight after the break signalled who would be celebrating at the final whistle.

Just a minute into the second half referee Craig Thomson awarded a controversial penalty after Kujabi, who was having a mare of a game, grabbed a fistful of Santana’s shirt before appearing to trip the Hearts midfielder just outside the box. But Thomson, rated as one of the best whistlers in Scotland, awarded a penalty and sent the Hibs left back off having booked him in the first half for a foul on the same player.

From the resulting free kick Danny Grainger fired past Brown to make it 3-1 and just three minutes later Hearts extended their lead through Ryan McGowan.

A Grainger corner found Skacel whose mis-hit shot was helped towards goal by Elliot, but the Hibs keeper knocked the ball up into the air for McGowan to head the ball over, when it looked like creeping in any way.

That goal killed off any slim chance of Hibs getting back into this game and thousands of their supporters made their way to the exits fearing a rout was on the cards.

Those Hibs fans who stayed, saw their side concede another slack goal as Skacel scored his second of the game from the edge of the box with 15 minutes remaining.

In the final minute of the game, referee Craig Thomson sent Hibs manager Pat Fenlon to the stand, for making an alleged gesture to the celebrating Hearts fans who were chanting Fenlon’s name mockingly.

After the match, Hibs manager Pat Fenlon apologised to the supporters. He admitted: “We didn’t turn up, we didn’t shine, we didn’t deserve to win the game. We didn’t show anything. I apologise to the fans for having to sit and watch that.

“The club has been like this for a while. There’s no desire and we’ve got to change the players to change the outlook of the club. We’ll work as hard as we can to turn things around.”

A jubilant Paulo Sergio commented: “I am very happy, it is a fantastic moment for us. The players deserve this more than anybody so I’m very happy with that performance.

“We had the control all of the whole game. I don’t think that at the end of a result like this we should speak too much about the game. I respect our opponents.”

Match Highlights

Match Information

Hearts: MacDonald; McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, Grainger; Suso, Barr, Black, Driver; Skacel, Elliott.

Subs: Ridgers, Beattie, Taouil, Robinson, Prychynenko.

Hibs: Brown, Doherty, McPake, Hanlon, Kujabi; Claros, Osborne, Stevenson, Soares; O’Connor, Griffiths.

Subs: Grant, Sproule, Doyle, O’Hanlon, Francomb.

Referee: Craig Thomson

Att: 51,041

© Liam McFadden | Scotzine

In a statement published on the trust’s official website, it read: “With the SPL meeting to discuss proposed new financial fair play rules scheduled for 30th May and the related ongoing uncertainty over whether a newco application may be received in the possible event of a Rangers liquidation, there remains a healthy debate amongst supporters about attempting to influence any decision which the Club may face in this regard, with many threatening not to renew season tickets and others seeking clarification on certain issues.

“ArabTRUST has continued its dialogue with the Club on these issues and this statement has been prepared to maintain the lines of communication to Dundee United supporters with regards to the situation and its potential impacts.

“We fully understand the powerful arguments in favour of sporting integrity when it comes to dealing with an application for re-admission to the SPL from a newco, should that situation arise. The club has been made well aware of the strength of feeling amongst supporters on this issue. We have been assured that these factors will be taken into account in any decision facing the Club.”

The trust is fully aware of the financial implications of the vote and in what happens to Rangers, but they have set out to correct what they call as ‘ambiguous information’.

They added: “Additionally, it should be understood that the United board must also take into account the financial well being of the club in any such decision.

“In this regard it is important to correct some ambiguous information regarding the financial consequences in order to allow an informed and balanced opinion to be reached.

“The club has four main budgeted income streams – season ticket sales, gate income, SPL distributions and commercial income. This year, the club should receive some £1.4m in respect of SPL distributions. The SPL funds derive from all of the commercial contracts entered into by the centre, the largest one of which, the SKY/ESPN TV deal, accounts for almost 80% of the total funds distributed.

“If Rangers were not in the SPL, the Club stands to lose gate and commercial income of approx £300k. For many of us, this is a price worth paying to preserve sporting integrity. Indeed, there is a strong argument that this amount could be recouped from the fruits of a more competitive league and a more equitable distribution of SPL monies. It is therefore misleading for some reports to suggest that SPL clubs are dependent on this source of gate income to survive.

Rather than seeing the loss of a Rangers away support as a major factor in the matter, the trust believe that the SKY TV deal would have a major effect on the vote.

They continued: “Of far greater consequence however, is the potential impact on the total amount of centrally distributed SPL revenues. The situation with the SKY contract and the clause apparently stipulating four Old Firm games has been widely reported. The new contract has not yet been signed. If SKY decides not to renew altogether, as some reports suggest, it follows that the distribution to clubs would be reduced by some 80%. Based on this year’s figures, instead of receiving circa £1.4m, Dundee United would receive something like £300k – a reduction of £1.1m. Added to the shortfall in gate income, the Club would stand to lose some £1.4m, or 30% of turnover. For many other clubs, the relative reduction in turnover would be even greater.

“A reduction in income of this sort of magnitude would have a serious impact on some clubs’ ability to continue trading without drastic action being taken, assuming this is even possible for some in the time available.

“Even if the contract was renewed, but at a lesser value, it will be seen that any significant reduction will also have a serious impact.”

The trust then looked at recent events with the likes of Sandy Jardine and others associated with Rangers Football Club making veiled threats towards the whole of Scottish football.

“There is little doubt that over the last few weeks, the attitude amongst many supporters has hardened against the re-admission of a Rangers newco to the SPL. This has been due, in large part, to the damning report issued by the SFA and also to what many regard as the unapologetic attitude and threatening, bully boy antics of certain individuals associated with them.

“However, it remains incongruous that in denying a re-admission, many completely innocent clubs may, in relative terms, be punishing themselves much more than the guilty party. This defies natural justice and, given such circumstances, it is understandable that some are reluctant to call for a “no” vote.

“It is imperative therefore that the situation with SKY is clarified as a matter of urgency. As a national broadcaster they should be called upon to confirm their ongoing commitment to the SPL as a whole and not just appear to give the impression that their interest is solely based on the provision of four Old Firm games per season. This is additionally important given the Rangers management teams’ assertions that the transfer ban for season 2012/13 could cause them to finish in the bottom six of the SPL or indeed suffer relegation.

“In the event of a vote on a newco application to the SPL, clubs must be able to vote on the grounds of sporting integrity alone, without the fear of the unknown preserving the membership of a club which has been found guilty of such serious breaches that the SFA considered terminating its membership.”

While many supporters are holding off on renewing their season tickets, as they await news or judgement on the Rangers issue, the ArabTRUST have called on the fans to support the club and to renew.

“We will maintain our regular communications with the Dundee United Board in order that they continue to understand the views of their supporters in this crucial matter for the Club and Scottish football. In the meantime, we would urge all Dundee United supporters to focus on supporting their club in the first instance, particularly by renewing or buying season tickets for 2012/13, to help ensure that revenues from this vital income stream are not impacted by the fall out of mismanagement at another club.”

Gordon signed from Hearts back in August 2007 for £9 million, a British transfer record fee for a goalkeeper.

The former Scotland number one made 95 appearances for the North East side in five years, however his time at the Stadium of Light was beset with injuries and a lack of form.

Gordon broke his arm twice and then was hit with a knee tendon injury and anterior cruciate ligament damage, which ruled him out for eight months back in April last year.

With Belgian Simon Mignolet as Sunderland’s regular number one and Keiren Westwood battling for the jersey, Gordon’s time at Sunderland was up as his contract runs out.

After Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill called time on Gordon’s career at the Stadium of Light, the keeper has once again been linked with a move back north to SPL champions Celtic.

The newly-crowned champions are currently weighing up a permanent move for Newcastle United loanee Fraser Forster, but with Gordon a free agent and only his wages to take on, Celtic could make their move for the keeper safe in the knowledge that they have the experienced Zaluska on their books, along with American Dominic Cervi in the wings.

Hodgson’s appointment was seen as a smart move by the FA as he was out of contract at West Bromwich Albion and wouldn’t cost nearly as much as having to take Harry Redknapp away from Tottenham Hotspur.

Hodgson brings a wealth of international experiences over five different decades in the game having started management in the mid 70’s at Swedish top flight side, Halmstads. In 1992 he took his first international job as the Switzerland manager and helped them qualify for the World Cup at USA 94, this was their first World Cup since 1966. He helped take Switzerland up to their highest ever FIFA ranking of 3rd in the world and even helped them qualify for Euro 96 before leaving for Inter Milan before the tournament began. Roy Hodgson has also managed successful spells with the national sides of Finland and the United Arab Emirates.

Back to England’s squad and there were a number of uncapped players in the group of 23 with former Motherwell goalkeeper John Ruddy getting his first senior call up along with the young Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who at 18 years old is definitely the youngster of the group. Hodgson has also chosen Wayne Rooney among his strikers even though he is suspended for England’s first two group games against France and Sweden having got a red card in their last qualifying game against Montenegro for violently lashing out at an opposing player.

Rooney is joined up front with Jermaine Defoe who hasn’t played a competitive game for England since September 2010 although he did score three goals in his two qualifying appearances. Also up front are Liverpool front man Andy Carrol who has one goal in three games for England and Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck who is yet to score for England in his four appearances for the senior side.

Hodgson has also named a number of England golden ‘Premiership’ generation players such as Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Gareth Barry, Scott Parker, Joleon Lescott and England captain Steven Gerrard.

John Ruddy’s goalkeeping teammates are West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green who hasn’t pulled on an England jersey since his embarrassing performance against the USA at the last World Cup and Manchester City number one, Joe Hart who has 17 England appearances to his name including all eight qualifying games where he kept five clean sheets and only conceded five goals, three of which came against Hodgson former side, Switzerland.

In defence England name a strong back line with; Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Joleon Lescott joining former captain John Terry.

These players are very much tournament experienced and will be going into Euro 2012 with a lot less expectation than any tournament they have played before. This lowering in expectations is less to do with the strength of the team and more the poor preparations for the tournament with the media being unable to big up the squad without the figure head of a big name manager.

This lowering of expectations could see England upset the apple cart by maybe progressing further than they have in previous European Championships having not qualified for Euro 2008 and being knocked out in the quarter finals of Euro 2004.

England certainly have the experience with a squad full of players who have being played at Footballs highest level for nearly ten years now along with a raft of exciting young players especially on the wing in Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott and Ashley Young. This mix could potentially achieve the aspirations of a demanding English public who crave the success of their European neighbours who seem to be leaving them behind internationally. The minimum expectations for this England squad will be to get out of a tough group including the hosts Ukraine as well as a young French side and an experienced Swedish team who will be targeting England as the team to beat if they want to progress to the quarter finals. Anything further than the quarter finals will be seen as a great success and could have the England supporters forgetting that they ever wanted Harry Redknapp as manager.

England play two warm up friendlies against Norway in Oslo on the 26th of May and against Belgium at Wembley on the 2nd of June.

England squad:

Goalkeepers – Joe Hart, Robert Green, John Ruddy.

Defenders – Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Joleon Lescott, John Terry.

Midfielders – Gareth Barry, Stewart Downing, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Ashley Young.

Strikers – Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck.

Standby – Jack Butland, Phil Jagielka, Jordan Henderson, Adam Johnson, Daniel Sturridge.

According to Green, he has been inundated with requests to join the consortium, a great PR statement from the former ‘hatchet man’ of Sheffield United chief executive.

He told Rangers TV: “I can now provide two names, as I have clearance to do so on their part, of investors who are on the list. One guy is Jude Allen who is an Indonesian investor and the second is a lawyer from the Middle East Mazen Houssami.

“These two are very prominent in their areas. It’s a great opportunity for us to build on their experience, their connections in those regions because we want to take the Rangers brand into these areas.

“There are other names but for today they are two very prominent businessmen who are backing the football club. And in addition to these two previous names there is also a Singapore family trust.

“The reluctance to reveal investors initially was because a lot of these investors are offshore trusts and individuals who didn’t want their name in the press and media because they, like everyone else in the world, have been watching the Rangers story unfold through the media since February and indeed before that and these people are not publicity seekers.

“They want to invest in the football club for the right reasons and the other problem is that we have got an extensive list of interested parties and that list is growing daily.

“Since the announcement was made we have had a number of people who were not in my original contact list and some of those are local people that we are speaking to.

“We have visitors today at the club we had visitors yesterday – all of whom are interested in becoming investors. That’s great news for me because first of all it shows there is a belief that this club can be rescued.

“We read articles that the forecasts for the club were misleading. To be honest we have looked at these figures and we have made our own assumptions and we have made our own assessments and we believe we understand this club.

“Perhaps egotistically we believe we have the ability to resolve these challenges. We have viewed historical numbers as a guideline and we have to set our own budgets.

“Unfortunately for us we don’t know if the CVA will go through. We don’t know if we can get the transfer embargo overturned and these two things to have a material impact on budget.

“So we’ve approached this with complete flexibility and we have approached it on the basis that this not a one-year or two-year deal, this is a five-ten year plan.

“So I have to balance which of the investors are going to be best for this football club.

“I can assure fans that it is very easy to raise money, even in this financial market we are in, for an institution like Rangers. Raising the real best type of money that’s going to help us expand the club, develop the club in the Asian markets.”

Again it is a great rallying cry from Green in regards to rebuilding Rangers into a force on and off the field, once the financial fiasco is put behind them one way or another.

But it’s not the first time that Rangers have tried to develop the Asian market. Rangers tried to tap into the Indian market, by setting up a Rangers Hindu twitter page. With around 258 million Hindus to target on the back of inviting Indian footballers Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua on trial, Rangers used a league game against St.Johnstone to launch the service.

It was heralded with much fan fare – similar to what Green is doing just now with his growing band of investors. But just over three months after the final tweet on the 11th February, the Hindu market has proven to be a huge stumbling block for the Ibrox side. The page has a mere 206 followers, and how many of those are from India or are Hindu? Eight. Eight followers are capable of reading the tweets in Hindu.

There is a lot of rhetoric in terms of promoting the Rangers brand in the Asian market. Celtic did it successfully with Shunsuke Nakamura in Japan, Ki Seung Yung and Cha Du Ri in Korea and to a lesser extent with Zheng Zhi in China. However they linked their brand marketing with signing players from that market also.

Rangers are trying to delve into a market that is fixated on the English Premier League. On Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool. They can throw as many Asian businessmen into their consortium as they want, however with no Asian footballer on their books that will set the heather on fire in the specific country or region, they will be with all due respect pissing in the wind as per the evidence of their failed Rangers Hindu twitter page.

They can post all the official statements and propaganda rhetoric they like, but talk is cheap. Rangers fans heard plenty of talk from Craig Whyte and that was just it – talk. Charles Green and his investors have a lot to live up too especially given the numbers they are throwing about with ease, likewise the comments in regards to financial stability and winning titles within five years.

First of all a CVA must be agreed, then Green has to stump up the cash and then hear of the SPL sanction proposals which could be imposed on Rangers for next season if any. Then there is the big tax case which could ultimately put the final nail in the Rangers 1872 coffin.

For the purposes of the article, I have envisaged a situation where all our best players are fit; however Steven Fletcher is still unavailable for inclusion due to his falling out with Levein.

So who would be making that plane journey?

Goalkeepers:

Allan McGregor (Rangers): The stick-on for the number one jersey. He has been in superb for his club again this season.

Craig Gordon (Free Agent): Released by Sunderland this week, the keeper could well be heading back north to Celtic. A truly world-class keeper when fit, Levein would have no qualms about selecting him as back up to McGregor.

Cammy Bell (Kilmarnock): Bell is extremely unlucky that McGregor and Gordon are ahead of him as he is an excellent young keeper who is more than capable of being a national team number one. Outstanding in the League Cup Final when Kilmarnock beat Celtic.

Defenders:

Gary Caldwell (Wigan): The former Celtic man has his critics, but he was outstanding in his sides great run to ensure Premiership survival for another season. Maturing as a leader on the pitch too.

Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic): One of the SPL’s top performers this season, Mulgrew would be a shoo-in for a place in the squad and probably the starting 11 alongside Caldwell at the heart of defence. Big threat from set-pieces too.

Christophe Berra (Wolves): Despite being relegated with his club side this season, Berra was a regular in the qualifying campaign under Levein. However, he would probably have to make do with a spot on the bench.

Grant Hanley (Blackburn): A very promising young defender, Hanley produced many good performances for Rovers in the Premiership and would be a very solid back-up to have.

Phil Bardsley (Sunderland): Excellent during recent performances for club and country, Bardsley could play in either full-back rule and is comfortable in going forward too.

Lee Wallace (Rangers): Wallace had an excellent first season at Rangers despite the clubs turmoil, with galloping displays down the left wing. He would be able to fit into many formations, meaning he would be a real asset to Levein.

Steven Whittaker (Rangers): Like his teammate Wallace, Whittaker is comfortable playing in either a defensive or midfield role. He has bags of big game experience as well and is more than capable of chipping in with a goal or two.

Midfielders:

Darren Fletcher (Manchester United): The Scotland captain may have been suffering from ulcerative colitis, but is slowly making his return to football. Whilst he hasn’t always delivered for Scotland, Fletcher is a positive influence on the squad and no one can deny his commitment for the jersey. If there was any chance he could play, Levein would have taken him.

Charlie Adam (Liverpool): Despite an indifferent season for Liverpool, there is no doubt Adam would have taken place in the squad. He still produced some decent displays and his passing ability gives Scotland another weapon.

Scott Brown (Celtic): Brown has really came to the fore this season for Celtic, in what has easily been his best season since joining from Hibs in 2007. He has become more aggressive, but in a more mature way and has really bossed games from the heart of midfield on a regular basis.

James Morrison (West Brom): Morrison may not be a household name, but he was very consistent during the qualifying campaign and produced similar displays for West Brom this season. Always committed to the cause, he also has an eye for goal.

James Forrest (Celtic): The SPL’s young player of the year may not have much experience for the national side, but his pace and trickery would surely offer Levein a different option for the Championships.

James McArthur (Wigan): Like Caldwell, McArthur produced a series of excellent displays for Wigan in their battle against relegation. He has a great passing range and always links well with strikers. A very good option to have on the bench.

Robert Snodgrass (Leeds): Snodgrass’s inclusion means some other very good midfielders miss out but the Leeds man is well worthy of a place in the squad. He has been excellent in the Championship division all season. He also provides a goal threat as well as some creativity.

Strikers:

Kenny Miller (Cardiff): Miller is now 32, but his experience and work-rate will ensure he always has a place in the Scotland team for a while yet. He may often have us tearing our hair out when he misses ‘easy’ chances, but he will always run his heart-out and with Levein’s preference for a lone frontman, Miller is the best option in the absence of Steven Fletcher.

Steven Naismith (Rangers): Naismith is one of the top performers in Scotland when fit and as I stated for the purposes of the squad, he is currently fit. He has been outstanding for Rangers for the best part of 18 months and he provides a wonderful option to play off the lone striker.

Jordan Rhodes (Huddersfield): Rhodes has scored 40 goals this season and despite only having one cap for the senior side, he would simply have to be picked by Levein. He provides a real predatory option that Scotland haven’t had up front in far too long.

Johnny Russell (Dundee United): The surprise inclusion in the squad. Russell has scored 15 goals this season and has produced many excellent displays as Peter Houston’s men qualified for the Europa League. A real secret weapon to have.

David Goodwillie (Blackburn Rovers): Despite not playing much for Steve Kean’s side this season, Levein is a big admirer of Goodwillie whom he used to manage at Dundee United. He is also a predator and can also play the lone frontman role.

For arguments sake, let’s say we took the place of the Czechs in Group A. I really think there are enough options in the squad to get points off of Poland, Russia and Greece which sums up the disappointment of Scotland not qualifying.

Scotland Has Talent

In addition to the 23 man squad, these players were very unlucky to miss out on making the journey to Poland and Ukraine.

Alan Hutton (Aston Villa)
Barry Bannan (Aston Villa)
Graham Dorrans (West Brom)
Kris Commons (Celtic)
Chris Burke (Birmingham City)
Jamie Mackie (QPR)
Gary Mackay-Steven (Dundee United)
Shaun Maloney (Wigan)
Matt Phillips (Blackpool)
Craig Bryson (Derby)
Craig Mackail-Smith (Brighton)
Ross McCormack (Leeds)

So with those 35 players that I’ve put forward, Craig Levein has an abundance of great talent to choose from going into the World Cup qualifiers. Utilise them properly and we might just do it.

Here’s hoping we can make Brazil in 2014.

EURO 2004, the 2006 World Cup and EURO 2008 were all held without any representative from the Emerald Isle. The FAI made a decision to appoint a manager with serious pedigree, in an attempt to get Ireland back to the top table. Step in Giovanni Trapattoni.

With a CV that reads like a who’s who of world football, the appointment of “El Trap” was met with universal acclaim. Well known RTÉ (The Irish BBC) pundit Eamon Dunphy was dancing in the studio with delight – and the Irish public were already saving for an expedition to South Africa.

Then came that fateful night in Paris. 18th of November 2009. Its 1-1 in the 103rd minute in a crucial World Cup playoff between France and the Republic of Ireland, and French winger Florent Malouda prepares himself to take a free-kick. He clips a high ball into the back post, which somehow ricochets to find its way right in front of Thierry Henry. What happened next will be written into the Irish football folklore forever – and not for the right reasons.

So in the end, the nation’s finest had to watch the World Cup from their television sets. Thierry Henry became the antagonist for everything that went wrong within Ireland. Many Irish people burned their Henry vacuums in a method of protest, and hundreds of schools (I know mine did) refused to speak French for up to a week after the incident in Paris. Some predicted that the “Henry incident” would demotivate the Irish players. Suffice to say – It didn’t. Quite the opposite actually!

Trapattoni then set his sights on Euro 2012, and was determined to get the Republic of Ireland to Poland and Ukraine. He immediately started to build his squad for the tournament – over his managerial career he has perfected the art of “Teambuilding”, something that might stand Ireland in good stead for the tournament. “El Trap” values a strong team ethic and players he can trust who know his system inside out. He has brought in players like Keith Andrews and Glenn Whelan – players that have endured difficult spells at club level in the past few years, but ones that the manager has continued to stick with.

As a result of this, the Republic haven’t exactly set the world on fire with their playing style. As I said before, Trapattoni favours the team ahead of the individual, he favours a flawless defence ahead of attacking flair. A method that undoubtedly gets results, but isn’t always the most popular. The RTÉ panel of Eamon Dunphy, John Giles and Liam Brady like passing football – Giles and Brady in particular were two of the best ball-players to ever grace the island of Ireland – And so they haven’t been all too keen on the Republic’s playing style – Giles himself described the performance against Croatia as “a disgrace”.

So after a hard-fought qualifying campaign (that included the “Irorn Curtain” Richard Dunne performance in Russia) Ireland finished Group B second – a place in a Euro 2012 playoff awaits.

I can only give my own experience of the playoff draw, me and my buddy sitting in the back of Maths, with a lot on my mind (and triangular inequalities was certainly not one of them). Who would we get? My friend and I discussed. We both agreed Estonia was the favourable draw. And so we waited, with bated breath, as I received the text from my Dad. I opened it, with my friend staring over my shoulder, and read “Estonia”.

15th of November 2011. As I looked around the Aviva Stadium, it was a cacophony of noise and celebration. I glanced down to Stephen Ward, who was wheeling away in celebration. Ireland were now 5-0 up on aggregate. Barring a miracle of unseen proportions we were there. A place in Poland and Ukraine was ours!

The following few months were brilliant. The Irish national team’s remarkable success was a much-needed tonic for the Irish public. Cue nation-wide excitement. Cue nationwide budgeting. Cue a recurrence in interest in Irish football not seen since the heady days of Italia 90’.

So while we may not have world-class players, quality strength-in-depth of a brilliant national league, what we do have is a colourful and passionate support, a team spirit I doubt is present in any other team in the tournament, and a manager proven at the highest level, internationally and at club level.

I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to seeing how the grit, determination and desire of Ireland come up against the guile skill and pure talent of Spain.

We may not win it, but we will most certainly enjoy every single second of it!

COYBIG!!!

Written by Alan Feehely