Rangers

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

I suspect Rangers might now have given themselves too much to do in terms of winning the title.

They may yet prove me wrong, but with post-split trips to Tynecastle and Celtic Park, it's difficult to see them gaining sufficient points in the remaining nine games to overhaul Hearts.

Sunday's derby against Celtic was another case of points dropped when really they should have been able to see out the victory, as champions do.

Rangers will look back at Emmanuel Fernandez's big chance before half-time to make it 3-0 as perhaps the pivotal moment.

There was so much to like about their first-half display, not least Youssef Chermiti's two fabulous goals. The overhead kick to open the scoring was sensational and he has shown himself to be capable of moments of stunning quality. If he can provide them more consistently then that £8m price tag will eventually look a snip.

There have been a lot of questions about this Rangers side's mentality again in the wake of letting the two-goal lead slip and you have to say those questions are fair.

The main gripe I have heard from Rangers fans is Danny Rohl went too defensive too soon rather than trying to kill the game off straight after half-time.

They certainly didn't do so in terms of the team's shape or personnel, but maybe the mindset changed to trying to protect what they had rather than build on it.

Either way, it is another example of Rangers being unable to sustain a good performance for 90 minutes and that is not something that has just developed under Rohl. I remember writing exactly the same when Phillipe Clement was in charge.

If they can somehow win the title, all these questions about mentality will have been answered, so let's see how that pans out. For the moment, all attention turns to the rematch in the Scottish Cup this Sunday.

Before that, Celtic are at Pittodrie in the league and if they can win that, I feel like that will give them the psychological edge coming to Ibrox, given the way they played in the second half and the manner in which the game finished.

But ultimately you never quite know what you're going to get with these two sides, especially not in this, the strangest of seasons.

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We asked for your views on Andreas Skov Olsen's early Rangers performances following the Denmark winger's loan move from Wolfsburg.

Here's what some of you said:

David: Disappointing is a one word summary for Skov Olsen since he joined us. Just does not look like a top player I'm afraid. The fact Wolfsburg are looking to move him on in the first year of a four-year contract tells its own story. We'd be crazy to take up the reported £10m signing option. Return to sender.

David: Not cut out to wear the jersey. That fee to land him on a permanent deal is laughable.

Stewart: I honestly think as a player he is very skilful and aware, he will undoubtedly be an exceptional player for Rangers as soon as he gets to grip with the Scottish game.

Ross: It is too early to tell and anyone who says otherwise must be watching a different season. Sure, he hasn't exactly had the impact of, for example, Djeidi Gassama when he first came in, but anything can happen for Skov between now and the end of the season. I'm hoping he does well, we need everyone firing on all cylinders if we really want this title.

Ian: Slov Olson has been poor since his arrival. He does not have the speed or trickery to beat a man, his workrate off the ball is poor. So far not convinced he is any better than we have.

Galloway: Absolute waste of money. Gassama and Oliver Antman are far better options.

Ronnie: Olsen has been effective without being outstanding. Much of the criticism surrounding him can be credited to the high expectations when he arrived which was built on the media hype. He has shown in the six games he has played there is a quality player there. I think we reserve judgement until the season ends. We may well be demanding that Rangers sign him on permanent contract.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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After a winter transfer window expected to raise Rangers to the next level, Andreas Skov Olsen was viewed as the marquee acquisition.

Signing on loan from Wolfsburg - where he has struggled for minutes and form - the winger has moved to Scotland in the hope of recapturing his best.

The 26-year-old scored 49 goals and provided 30 assists in 124 games for Club Brugge before his move to Germany and has eight goals and 10 assists in 40 Denmark caps - numbers that highlight his top level.

On the face of it, a goal and two assists in just five Scottish Premiership starts for Rangers is a good return for any wide man, never mind one who is still attempting to work his way back to full match sharpness at a new club.

However, some Rangers fans have been underwhelmed by the Dane's introduction.

Olsen struggled to make a real impact in his first two starts - a win at home to Dundee and goalless draw at Hibernian - and was hooked at half-time at Livingston with the league's bottom side a goal up.

In starts against title rivals Hearts and Celtic, though, the winger has registered assists in each of those games, setting up Youssef Chermiti on both occasions.

But what does the underlying data tell us?

The sample size is small, given Olsen has only played just 352 minutes, but he is averaging more assists per 90 minutes than any of his team-mates.

His per-90 average of three for chances created is also higher than any other Rangers player.

However, Olsen ranks outside the top 10 for dribbles attempted and completed, while he is 16th for shots and has managed just three shots on target in total.

Those numbers perhaps suggest Rangers have got themselves more of a creator, rather than a modern wide forward who will rack up goals.

With Danny Rohl, whose side have suffered from a lack of open-play creativity, seemingly content to deploy two centre forwards, that could prove beneficial for the run-in.

Rangers fans, how would you judge Olsen's start to life in Scotland? Send us your thoughts.

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Don Robertson has been confirmed as the referee for Sunday's Scottish Cup quarter-final when Rangers host Celtic for the second time in a week.

Robertson will be assisted by Ross Macleod and David Roome. Andrew Dallas takes charge of VAR duties, assisted by Matthew MacDermid.

The Old Firm rivals meet for a place in the cup semi-finals after a thrilling 2-2 Premiership draw last Sunday where Celtic hit back from a two-goal half-time deficit for a point.

Robertson last took charge of an Old Firm derby in August when the sides met for the first time this season, drawing 0-0 at Ibrox.

Jamie Currie
Fan writer

The derby was a must-win. Yet despite cruising at 2-0, in typical Rangers fashion we couldn't see it over the line.

In the first half we were excellent. It's everything you want to see; the high press, the winning of second balls, and physically dominating Celtic all over the pitch. The two goals from Youssef Chermiti put the icing on the cake.

In the second half we did what we always do, sit back and become reactive rather than proactive.

The subs just didn't help either. Taking off a striker, Ryan Naderi, helped Celtic's build-up because they could get out much easier into midfield.

Reo Hatate was allowed to run the second half because of how deep we were. Whether that's on the players, the manager or both is irrelevant.

And the penalty, if it was up the other end I'd be screaming for it in all honesty. However, I'm more annoyed that no Rangers player was alive to the rebounds after Butland's two saves.

Yet again it's another opportunity missed when in a good position. Much like the draw at Motherwell, you cannot throw points away like that.

The Scottish Cup quarter-final will be interesting to see how things change, but I'd assume by the time Thursday morning comes we'll be playing catch-up on Celtic and Hearts.

What a ridiculous position we have put ourselves in. And given how we've seen Rangers teams completely collapse before, it's hard to see anything other than that coming again, sadly.

Maybe that's just the hangover of disappointment but that's how I feel. Only Rangers can prove me wrong.

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An £8m summer deal for Andreas Skov Olsen hangs in the balance as the 40-times capped Denmark international has flattered to deceive on loan at Rangers from Wolfsburg. (Daily Record - subscription required), external

Rangers defender Clinton Nsiala, on loan at Westerlo, has publicly apologised after being sent off for violent conduct in Sunday's game with Union Saint-Gilloise. (Glasgow Times), external

Chris Condy, 16, is to leave Rangers and join Brighton, with a fee agreed for the striker. (Daily Record - subscription required), external

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Do Youssef Chermiti's chances of being a success at Rangers rely on the striker playing in a front two?

Former Ibrox midfielder Andy Halliday feels that could be the formula to get the best out of the big-money summer signing from Everton.

Despite netting a clinical double against Celtic for the second time this season in Sunday's Old Firm draw, including a stunning overhead kick, Halliday feels criticism about a lack of goals is fair.

Chermiti has shown up in the big games, scoring eight times against Celtic and Hearts, but he has just nine goals in 31 games across all competitions.

The 21-year-old's recent impressive showings against Rangers' title rivals have come with the striker playing alongside winter recruit Ryan Naderi.

"I think that's now the fourth game Rangers have played with two strikers," Halliday said on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Chermiti's scored a hat-trick against Hearts and a double against Celtic, so I just feel like that burden is taken off him with a striker playing alongside him.

"He doesn't have to do so much running outside the box, so much link-up play outside the box and running channels.

"He can be a bit more of a predatory striker that's in the box and try to get on the end of things. And I think at this moment in time it looks like it's suited him a lot better."

Former Hearts man and current Motherwell midfielder Halliday added: "In terms of attributes, I think he's got pretty much everything. The one thing you could probably criticise him for, though, is obviously his lack of goals.

"There's been a lot of occasions in games that I don't think he's looked like scoring. I don't think he's been on the end of cross balls enough or had enough shots on goal."

A trio of Motherwell stars, duos from Hearts and Falkirk, and one each from Rangers, Celtic, Hibs and Dundee.

Jonathan Sutherland has picked his team of the week, so let's take a look and see who impressed...

Calum Ward - Motherwell

A key part of the Motherwell success story at the back. Yet another clean sheet.

Harry Milne - Hearts

Mr Versatile and Mr Reliable all rolled into one. Another team of the week appearance for Milne. Taking the liberty of forcing this auxiliary dynamo into right-back here.

Luke Graham - Dundee

A goal and an assist from the highly promising Dundee defender. His finish for the Dark Blues was like that of a striker.

Kieran Tierney - Celtic

Huge goal at a huge time in the Old Firm Derby. The Scotland international has quietly been a big player for Celtic over the past few weeks and will no doubt be a big leader for this side in the finale of this incredible season.

Nicky Cadden - Hibernian

There is almost laser precision to his deliveries from the left-hand side. His assist for Owen Elding's header was a perfect example, knowing exactly where to put the ball to elude the defence and allow the striker the best chance to finish.

Elliott Watt - Motherwell

The Motherwell orchestrator has been a key part of the Fir Park ensemble, which continues to hit all the right notes.

The ominous thing for Hearts, Rangers and Celtic is there appears to be no reason why Motherwell cannot keep on winning.

Watt is a central cog in that winning machine. An assist for Tawanda Maswanhise's second.

Dylan Tait - Falkirk

Two goals and so much to enjoy from the Falkirk midfielder. Part of a group completely in sync with each other, and loving life under John McGlynn in the top flight.

Claudio Braga - Hearts

Has led from the front in the absence of Lawrence Shankland and always seems to be in the right place at the right time.

The personification of Hearts this season, plucked by analytics from the relative obscurity of the Norwegian second division to spearheading a title charge threatening to destroy 40 years of Old Firm dominance.

Barney Stewart - Falkirk

Another barnstorming weekend for young Barney Stewart. The Grangemouth Harry Kane was on fire against Kilmarnock and was unlucky not to claim another hat-trick.

The story of the university lad now playing Premiership football has been well told, but it's now moved on to just how quickly he has developed into one of the most exciting strikers in the league.

The only thing missing from the McGlynn Falkirk success story was a goal-getting number nine. They have certainly found him.

Youssef Chermiti - Rangers

Talk about a big game player.

Looks decidedly pedestrian at times in more run-of-the-mill fixtures, but when it slams to the big matches against the big teams the 21-year-old has been the man to deliver. And in spectacular style.

His first goal was Scott McTominay-esque, an iconic Old Firm moment. His second was pure gallus opportunism full of ingenuity and initiative.

Tawanda Maswanhise - Motherwell

Another two goals for the jewel in the crown of the Motherwell story. The top scorer in the Premiership, if Maswanhise can stay fit and keep this form going the Steelmen really do have a shot at glory.

Their combination of goals and clean sheets is quite incredible. What an extra dimension Motherwell and Maswanhise have brought to this quite sensational season.

We asked for your views on Rangers' 2-2 draw against Celtic.

Here's what some of you said:

Iain: Any team aspiring to win a league can't afford 12 draws in 29 games played - too many points lost so far. This team don't seem to have the mentality or ability to see out wins as was proved again today.

Alexander: That was a disgraceful second half from Rangers, they were fortunate to draw from a position of total dominance to also-rans - unacceptable. The game lasts 'til the final whistle not half-time, they let themselves, the manager and the fans down in a terrible second half."

Simon: Let's learn the lessons and go again. High intensity and concentration needed for 96 not 50 minutes. In future let's help Jack Butland - after his two heroic penalty saves we needed defenders hungry to beat their strikers to the goalmouth.

Peter: Having just witnessed yet another game where Rangers have thrown away more points. Now eight dropped from their last six games. I can honestly say the title now belongs to Hearts. They will be playing three teams from the bottom four of the league before the split. So clearly, they are well ahead and in the driving seat.

Lex: Two wins in six league matches is abysmal. This is still the same Rangers team that lost 9-1 against Club Brugge. Any improvement is superficial and illusory. Danny Rohl certainly isn't a tactical genius.

Gary: Another farcical VAR decision going against Rangers in another Old Firm game. What is Dujon Sterling supposed to do when the ball is headed on to his hand at pace, from a foot away? The handball rule needs reviewed. It's not a free-kick anywhere else so why a penalty?

A number of Championship clubs have joined Celtic and Rangers in the race to sign 20-year-old Huddersfield Town midfielder Cameron Ashia, who is a free agent in the summer. (Football Insider), external

Despite claims linking Jesse Lingard with Rangers, the idea was never advanced by either party and the 33-year-old former Manchester United and Nottingham Forest winger is poised to join Corinthians after leaving Seoul amid interest from Feyenoord. (Football Insider), external

Former Liverpool and Stoke City winger Jermaine Pennant admitted he would love to have played for Rangers after witnessing the atmosphere at Sunday's Old Firm derby draw at Ibrox. (Daily Record), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Watch the best of the action as Celtic come from two down at Rangers to earn a point in a gripping Old Firm draw.

MATCH REPORT: Rangers 2-2 Celtic

Available in UK only

Resurgent Celtic came from two goals down to salvage a dramatic point in the 91st minute against Rangers as both Old Firm sides remain detached from Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.

Read the full match report here.

Let us know your thoughts here.

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Rangers head coach Danny Rohl tells BBC Sportsound: "At the moment, the feeling is more disappointment because you dropped two points after a 2-0 lead.

"It's not about 50 minutes, it's about longer. We had high intensity, we played really nice football, we found our space. It was great.

"In the second half, we were not clinical in possession. We made some wrong decisions then we lose the ball, we give them a little bit of momentum then they score early in the second half and then you know it's 2-1 and they have nothing to lose.

"Finally, it's a draw. It's always a little bit lucky for a team to get a late pen. This is normal I would say it's the same when we get a pen late in the game. It's about the next game and we have to move on.

"We go again. We'll try next week in the cup game again a good performance and hopefully we can keep our performance over 90 minutes.

"There are still nine games to go, this is 27 points. All games now will be tough for all the teams. We believe until the end. This season, the decision making will be on the last match day."

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin insists the derby meeting with Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday is not "do or die" in the race for the Scottish Premiership title but admits it would be a "massive push" for the victor.

Danny Rohl's side lie two points clear of Celtic having played one game more and four adrift of leaders Hearts going into the weekend fixtures.

Rangers are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Celtic at Ibrox, albeit it three have been draws, with their last defeat coming in September 2023

"It's a massive game for the club," Raskin said.

"It's just an exciting fixture. It's a fixture you look ahead to when the calendar comes out. But again, it's three points, like the next one and the next one. So, it's just making sure we get the win and then we look forward to the next one."

"Obviously, if you win the game, you get a boost of confidence. I think the one that's going to win [the title] is the one that's going to be the more calm, whether it's in the squad or whether it's in the building because there are still 10 games to be played. Loads of things can happen.

"It's not going to be do or die tomorrow or Sunday. But obviously it's going to be a massive push for the one that wins."

Raskin, who was left out of the squad by former head coach Russell Martin the last time the teams met at Ibrox, admits it has been quite a transformation since the start of the campaign to now be in contention for the Scottish Premiership title.

"It was a big turnaround," he said. "I think the manager is a big part of this. He brought us freshness, calmness, stability and some confidence.

"It's really good to see where we came from to now but we need to make sure we keep going because there's no point in doing all this to just lose everything now.

"So, that's why we're now focused on the last ten games and we need to make sure we make it."

Raskin was keen to avoid adding additional pressure when asked to respond to comments made by Celtic midfielder Luke McCowan that no team in Scotland could touch the champions when they are on form.

"I don't need to respond to that," he said. "I just don't care. I can't lie. We just focus on ourselves..

"We go to the game, we know what we want to do. There's no need to put pressure on us saying we are the best.

"It's just about who's going to show it on the pitch and who's going to win that game. That's it.

"I think the last couple of games against them in the league shows that we've been quite consistent in those games.

"Obviously the momentum now is different than we had last season. So, we are quite confident to go into that game and we know what to do."