Match Pictures | Matches: 2024 – 2025
Trivia
- KO: 15:00; Sunday; Celtic TV Only,
- Rare but still annoying 3pm Sunday kick off. Sevco play St Mirren at same time! Aberdeen won 1-0 day before, Sevco won 2-1.
- Celtic remain on top with Aberdeen, on 25pts but ahead by 14 goals on +24GD. Sevco 6pts behind.
- First time a Brendan Rodgers Celtic side won a game at Fir Park without an injury time winner. An unusually comfortable victory.
- McGregor at the game but not in squad today (injured?). Taylor still out injured. CCV subbed on after being out injured of late.
- Johnston captain for the day and scores!
- 106,803 fans attended the six Scottish Premiership fixtures on matchday 9. Scotland always has, by a considerable distance, the best supported top flight in World Football per head of population, but even by our own standards, we’re doing very well this season.
- Inverness Caledonian Thistle issued with a 15pt deduction by the SPFL after being placed into administration. Now bottom of third tier League One on -3pts.
- Ex-Celt Tommy Callaghan passed away, RIP. Celtic players wore black armbands today in his honour.
- Danish billionaire and FC Midtjylland owner Anders Holch Povlsen interested in buying Dundee United. Povlsen’s fortune est £10bn.
- Ex-Sevco player Alfredo Morelos, was driving drunk when he ran over a motorcyclist on the Medellín-Airport road. The local police confirmed that he was arrested with a blood alcohol level of 2. The victim is fighting for his life.
- Celtic loanee Marco Tilio after scoring on the opening day of the A-League season last weekend:“I just want to play consistent games, do really well and put myself in a really good position to either return to Scotland or go on loan elsewhere in Europe.”
- Government advertises for Chair of Independent Football Regulator 5 year term £130k salary 3 days a week Deadline 8 November
- Ex-Celt Lewis Morgan named as a finalist for the MLS’s comeback player of the year award – whose previous winners include David Beckham and Clint Dempsey – after overcoming injury to become a key performer for NY Red Bulls this season.
Summary
Brendan Rodgers: “Second half really good. We asked the boys at half time to switch the ball quicker. We controlled and managed the game really well. The reason to bring Luke in is we know he has those goals in him. Trusty & Scales solid again and really good to have Cam back”
E-Tims @ETimsNet · 2h FT MWell 0 #Celtic 3 After slow start once McCowan scored it was all Celtic. Completely controlled the game at a traditionally difficult venue. Squad rotation again today and great to see CCV return off the bench. Excellent three points & now back on top of the league. Bravo
El Salto:
Shaky first fifteen minutes but settled after that
Deserved 3-0 win, could have been more
McCowan impressed, as did Bernardo
Second half was a stroll, I don’t think we got out of first gear
Kettlewell ffs
“Harsh red card”
“Fortuitous first goal”
“Foul to us” in build up to second goal
Funnily enough no comment on our disallowed goal, which was a clear fecking penalty.
Inside The SPFL @AgentScotland · 2h FT: Motherwell 0-3 Celtic First 20 minutes was the Lennon Miller show, after that Celtic found their rhythm, great goal from Luke McCowan to break the deadlock before Johnston powered a header in for a second and Idah coverted Kühn’s cross, Alex Valle was two assists was superb.
“I just want to lead by example, by playing well & most importantly going out to get the three points because it’s not an easy place to come as we’ve seen for the last couple of years.”
Alistair Johnston
“I think it’s unbelievably harsh”
Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell gives his thoughts on Liam Gordon’s red card. Embarrassing comments from Stuart Kettlewell regarding the horror tackle on Adam Idah.He’s tried to make every excuse up there in his TV interview to defend Liam Gordon.
Teams
Celtic:
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Formation: 4 – 3 – 3
01 K. Schmeichel
11 Álex Valle, subbed for C. Carter-Vickers at 68mins
05 L. Scales
06 A. Trusty
02 A. Johnston (c), Captain, 90’+5, Yellow Card at 90mins plus 5
41 R. Hatate
28 Paulo Bernardo 50′, Yellow Card at 50mins
14 L. McCowan, subbed for A. Engels at 75mins
38 D. Maeda, subbed for L. Palma at 86mins
08 K. Furuhashi, subbed for A. Idah at 75mins
49 J. Forrest, subbed for N. Kühn at 67mins
subs:
20 C. Carter-Vickers
27 A. Engels
09 A. Idah
10 N. Kühn
07 L. Palma
56 A. Ralston
12 V. Sinisalo
03 G. Taylor
13 Yang Hyun-Jun
Goals:
L. McCowan (27′)
A. Johnston (56′)
A. Idah (88′)
Assists:
Álex Valle (56′), N. Kühn (88′)
Motherwell
Manager: Stuart Kettlewell
Formation: 3 – 5 – 2
13 A. Oxborough
05 K. Balmer
04 L. Gordon 90’+3, Red Card at 90mins plus 3
02 S. O’Donnell (c), Captain59′, Yellow Card at 59mins
23 E. Wilson
38 L. Miller
06 D. Zdravkovski, subbed for T. Maswanhise at 64mins
11 A. Halliday, subbed for T. Watt at 64mins
21 M. Kaleta, subbed for D. Casey at 69mins
14 A. Stamatelopoulos, subbed for Z. Robinson at 64mins
07 T. Sparrow, subbed for M. Ebiye at 80mins
subs:
20 S. Blaney
15 D. Casey
24 M. Ebiye
01 K. Hegyi
22 J. Koutroumbis
55 T. Maswanhise
09 Z. Robinson
03 S. Seddon
52 T. Watt
Referee David Dickinson
Video Assistant Referee Alan Muir
Assistant Referee 1 Jonathan Bell
Assistant Referee 2 Steven Traynor
Fourth Official Iain Snedden
Assistant VAR Official Gary Hilland
Att: 8,692
Articles
- Match Report (see below)
Pictures
Match Links
Stats
Overall Possession
Motherwell 22.4% Celtic 77.6%
Shots
Motherwell 9 Celtic 21
Shots on target
Motherwell 2 Celtic 10
Shots off target
Motherwell 5 Celtic 5
Blocked shots
Motherwell 2 Celtic 6
Total touches in the box
Motherwell 16 Celtic 31
Goalkeeper saves
Motherwell 6 Celtic 2
Aerial duels won
Motherwell 17 Celtic 18
Fouls
Motherwell 11 Celtic 9
Corners
Motherwell 3 Celtic 10
Articles
Celtic reveal Callum McGregor injury timeline and provide Adam Idah update after red card tackle
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/latest-celtic-news/celtic-reveal-callum-mcgregor-injury-timeline-and-provide-adam-idah-update-after-red-card-tackle-4841792
Matthew Elder
By Matthew Elder
Deputy Sports Editor
Comments
Published 27th Oct 2024, 18:22 GMT
Updated 27th Oct 2024, 19:07 GMT
Celtic boss speaks after 3-0 win at Motherwell
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is hopeful Callum McGregor will be fit for Saturday’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Aberdeen after his captain sat out the 3-0 win over Motherwell with a thigh strain.
McGregor was posted missing for the first time this season but the defending champions were able to return to the top of the William Hill Premiership table in his absence thanks to goals from Luke McCowan, Alistair Johnston and substitute Adam Idah.
“It shouldn’t be too serious,” Rodgers said of McGregor’s injury. “I got the call late last night, and with the number of games he’s played over the years, I think it was really sensible as well. It was really mature, because maybe before he might not have mentioned it. He had a wee feeling after the training session yesterday. And then I got to find out, and we said let’s see how he is in the morning.
“Rather than take any risk with it, we didn’t want to put him on to maybe stretch it and then be out for a number of weeks. So, hopefully he’ll be fine over these next few days, and if not Wednesday, then hopefully he should be fine for next weekend. ”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers at full time after the 3-0 win over Motherwell at Fir Park. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers at full time after the 3-0 win over Motherwell at Fir Park. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) | SNS Group
The victory took Celtic back above Aberdeen on goal difference and Rodgers was delighted with how his team performed on the back of a gruelling Champions League effort in claiming a 0-0 draw away to Atalanta in midweek. The Celtic boss made four changes and handed a first start to McCowan, who excelled with his 27th-minute opener his fifth goal of the season and second in Celtic colours since his £1 million deadline day move from Dundee.
“I’m so happy for him,” Rodgers said. “As a Celtic supporter coming in, maybe there’s that enthusiasm first of all, but then that wears off. But he performs with great energy, a great passion for the game, and he has quality. Callum obviously wasn’t going to play, so the idea was to bring him in because he’s a goal threat, and I thought he was going to do really well.
“I’ve told all the players that they all have a role to play: don’t ever think it’s just about the XI, because with how we work, and with the number of games, the energy we have to put into games, they all know they have a big contribution to make.
“We were able to rest Arne [Engels], who’s come in as a young player and played so many games, the distance he covered in midweek was huge. Having the ability to be able to do that, I’m obviously very grateful to the club for getting the players in that allows us to do that.”
Motherwell defender Liam Gordon tackles Celtic striker Adam Idah which resulted in a red card after a VAR check. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Motherwell defender Liam Gordon tackles Celtic striker Adam Idah which resulted in a red card after a VAR check. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) | SNS Group
Second half goals from Johnston and Idah sealed victory for Celtic before Motherwell were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when defender Liam Gordon was shown a red card for catching Idah on the ankle with his studs showing. Referee David Dickinson initially showed a yellow card but upgraded it to a red after being sent to the VAR monitor.
The challenge left Idah limping heavily but Rodgers refused to be critical of the ‘Well centre-back as he gave an update on the Republic of Ireland striker’s condition.
“To be fair to the player, I don’t think he’s tried to do him,” Rodgers said. “The problem is when you leave the ground and he’s just rocked his ankle a bit. Adam couldn’t feel it initially. But then he was okay – obviously the goal helped. He’ll probably have a wee bit of swelling, I would say.”
Motherwell boss reveals frustration over ‘harsh’ red card and ‘fortuitious’ Celtic opener
Matthew Elder
By Matthew Elder
Deputy Sports Editor
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/motherwell-boss-reveals-frustration-over-harsh-red-card-and-fortuitious-celtic-opener-4841810
Comments
Published 27th Oct 2024, 19:05 GMT
VAR decision rubs salt in Motherwell wounds
Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell expressed frustration over what he felt was a “harsh” red card for defender Liam Gordon in the final seconds of the 3-0 defeat by Celtic at Fir Park.
Gordon was sent off in stoppage time following a VAR review after initially receiving a booking from referee David Dickinson for a challenge on Celtic substitute Adam Idah. Video replays showed that the Motherwell player’s studs were up as he caught the striker on the back of the ankle but Kettlewell was of the opinion that a yellow card was sufficient punishment.
“I just feel it’s so harsh to give the red card,” he said. “I think at the time the referee has a look at it, he can see that Liam has made contact with the Celtic attacker, but the first thing you see on a screen is still images and it looks bad, of course. I spoke to the referee after it in a calm fashion just to ask what he saw in the challenge. He spoke about hinging the Celtic player’s ankle but my counter-argument to that is you’re talking about Liam Gordon at full stretch not really with any force whatsoever trying to get a toe-end on the ball.
“I acknowledge he doesn’t get that toe-end on the ball which I thought he did at the time but I don’t think he’s come in with any reckless intent or trying to injure the Celtic player. We can look at these things a million times on the screen. I think the referee got it right at the time when he awards Celtic the foul and gave a yellow card. I don’t know how many times we need to look at that to try and determine and find a way that it’s a red card. There will be a number of other people who will think it’s a red card. I’m only giving my view. If that was a tackle on one of my players am I screaming and shouting for a red card? Absolutely not.”
Motherwell’s Liam Gordon is shown a red card for his challenge on Celtic’s Adam Idah after a VAR check. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)
Motherwell’s Liam Gordon is shown a red card for his challenge on Celtic’s Adam Idah after a VAR check. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group) | SNS Group
Kettlewell revealed Motherwell will now weigh up whether to appeal the decision that, as it stands, will rule Gordon out of next Sunday’s League Cup semi-final against Rangers. The Steelmen hit the woodwork twice in the opening 10 minutes through Lennon Miller and Kettlewell rued his side’s failure to make the most of their positive start.
“Real disappointment with the end result, but I felt that we started the game incredibly well,” he said. “I thought the first quarter of the game we were excellent, carved out a number of good opportunities, hit the woodwork a couple of times, and looked pretty comfortable. I felt we limited Celtic to very little in the first half, there wasn’t much for Aston Oxborough to do, there was nothing last ditch, just a couple of good cover challenges.
“Then Celtic got the goal which I thought was a bit fortuitous. I know you make your own luck in this game but there was a wee bit of ricochet for McCowan to get through and then he finishes it well. Up until the Celtic second goal, we felt we were well in the game. I felt we were in a place we needed to be and then the second goal is a killer blow. It’s a tough one to take. I feel we can do a little bit better. We know their quality but felt we could have defended our box better on that occasion. Then you start throwing caution to the wind and end up with four strikers on the pitch trying to see if you can chase to get it back to 2-1 and give yourself some sort of footing in the game. But you look at the quality and millions of pounds that start to come off their bench. I’ve heard a lot of people saying get up and get after them, start hunting the goalkeeper and the centre-backs, but you see in the dying embers of the game how open it is and the type of quality they’ve got to pick you off. We’ve got to try and do it methodically and the second goal takes it away from that aspect of the game.”
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cy0grpvexwyt#Report
Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland
Celtic returned to the top of the Scottish Premiership table with a solid win over Motherwell at Fir Park.
Lennon Miller hit the woodwork twice to scare the visitors, before Luke McCowan steered in the opener.
The former Dundee man replaced Callum McGregor in the midfield – the captain rested following an abductor complaint – with Alistair Johnston wearing the armband in his place.
The stand-in skipper rose to the occasion, ghosting in at the back post to guide in Celtic’s second.
Brendan Rodgers’ side continued to press, with substitutes Nicholas Kuhn and Adam Idah combining and the latter finishing for the third.
Motherwell ended with 10 players following a late Liam Gordon red card.
The Fir Park side are fifth, two points off Dundee United, while Celtic once again lead Aberdeen on goal difference.
Celtic host Dundee on Wednesday, when Motherwell visit Dundee United (both 19:45 GMT).
Subscribe for Motherwell updates
Get all your Celtic news and analysis here
After the intensity of Wednesday’s 0-0 Champions League draw away to Atalanta, the last thing Celtic wanted was Motherwell to fly out the traps – but that’s just what they did.
Teen sensation Miller hit the post with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel in no man’s land, before curling a free-kick on to the crossbar two minutes later.
However, Celtic soon matched their hosts’ tempo, creating plenty down the right with James Forrest and Johnston on fine form – but it was deputising McCowan who broke the deadlock.
Taking one touch to get away from Kofi Balmer, he was not closed down and on the edge of the box managed to roll the ball into the bottom corner.
That settled any nerves that Motherwell had created and the hosts struggled to really threaten Celtic’s goal again.
Some courageous home defending, and some decent stops from Aston Oxborough, meant the second goal did not come until the hour mark when Alex Valle’s brilliant cross was met by Johnston and the full-back guided his header in.
The strength of Celtic’s bench was notable and it was two subs who combined for the third. Idah, who had already hit the post, swept in a Kuhn cutback and the game was sealed.
Motherwell’s misery was further compounded when Gordon was sent off following a VAR check in added time. The home skipper could have no complaints – his studs-up tackle on Idah merited red.
Celtic wear Motherwell down
After that opening 20 minutes, it was a vintage Celtic performance at a potentially tricky venue.
Their last meeting at Fir Park in February finished 3-1 after two goals in added time. The two games before that were both 2-1 – both featuring late Celtic goals to win.
This time, they did not need to wait as long. Their persistent passing play wore Motherwell down, despite the loss of McGregor in midfield.
It was a full team performance. McCowan impressed, as did Valle and Johnston at full-back and Forrest, who looked back to his best on the wing.
There was also a confidence in defence – merited after the clean sheet against Atalanta – that meant once they weathered the storm and looked unlikely to concede.
Well fade after bright start
The start that Motherwell made must have thrilled and frustrated Stuart Kettlewell. Two shots off the woodwork and a few dangerous corners that caused chaos – Celtic may not have been rattled but were not far off it.
When Motherwell’s dam broke, it was no surprise. The midfield and defence had pulled apart and by the end they were being toyed with by Celtic.
Balmer and Marvin Kaleta were new into the Motherwell side and perhaps it was too tall an order for them to slot straight in. Up top, the new forwards are yet to start firing and there’s perhaps too much reliance on 18-year-old Miller to score.
In reality, any points would have been a bonus and they will move on to Tannadice undeterred.
What they said
Media caption,
‘ Celtic still looking to get better’ – Brendan Rodgers
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: “They’re a well-organised team. First half, the moments we were good was when we were switching the play. Against their system, it’s important to keep doing that.
“In the early stages, we trapped ourselves. The spaces started to open up and that’s where the first goal came from. Second half was about managing the ball better. The players were excellent.”
Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell: “I was desperately wanting us to put aside how we performed last week and I thought in the opening quarter we were excellent.
“We were really disciplined without the ball and Celtic didn’t really have much in the game in the way of chances, I thought we by far had the best opportunities.
“I think it’s a lesson that you have to capitalise on those opportunities. Lennon Miller will be disappointed with the chances he missed but I thought he was terrific again.”
Live Reporting
Clive Lindsay
Watch Premiership highlightspublished at 17:57 Greenwich Mean Time
17:57 GMT
Sportscene
The BBC’s Premiership coverage isn’t quite over for the day.
You can catch highlights of today’s games at Easter Road, Fir Park and Ibrox, plus the goals from yesterday’s three games, on Sportscene at 19:15 on the BBC Scotland channel and 23:40 on BBC One Scotland.
Former Scotland internationals Charlie Mulgrew and Michael Stewart join host Jonathan Sutherland.
Sportscene graphic
Pittodrie clash one of six in midweekpublished at 17:55 Greenwich Mean Time
17:55 GMT
That’s all from today’s live coverage of the Premiership, but we will be back on Wednesday with a full card of top-flight games.
As leaders Celtic host Dundee, the big one is at Pittodrie, where second-top Aberdeen host third-placed Rangers.
Join us then.
Rangers complete seven in a rowpublished at 17:53 Greenwich Mean Time
17:53 GMT
FT: Rangers 2-1 St Mirren
Rangers continue their dominance over St Mirren, winning seven in a row against the Paisley side and have not lost in 14 meetings since a 3-2 League Cup defeat at St Mirren Park in December 2020.
The Glasgow side have also won 14 in a row against the Buddies at Ibrox since a 1-1 draw in October 2011 and it is 25 games since the last St Mirren win there, 1-0, in November 1991.
Meanwhile, St Mirren have suffered a fourth consecutive defeat and have not won any of their eight away games this season.
Well’s Celtic misery continuespublished at 17:49 Greenwich Mean Time
17:49 GMT
FT: Motherwell 0-3 Celtic
So Celtic, who have won all five of their domestic away games this season, leave Fir Park having won on their latest 10 visits and have not lost there in 19 games since a 3-1 reverse in April 2013.
And Motherwell remain winless in 32 meetings with Celtic in all competitions since a 2-1 league victory at Celtic Park in December 2015.
‘We deserved something’ – Robinsonpublished at 17:44 Greenwich Mean Time
17:44 GMT
FT: Rangers 2-1 St Mirren
St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson tells BBC Scotland his side “should have taken something” at Ibrox.
The Northern Irishman thinks it was more like their level after “a complete reset” following three previous defeats in a row.
“We’ll take stock at the end of the week, after two home games,” Robinson adds, suggesting “we will be fine” if the level they reached at Ibrox is maintained.
St Mirren’s Stephen Robinson and Rangers’ Philippe ClementImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Stephen Robinson (left) took some solace in his side’s display
‘We’ll need to be better at Pittodrie’published at 17:40 Greenwich Mean Time
17:40 GMT
FT: Rangers 2-1 St Mirren
Looking ahead to that trip to face Aberdeen on Wednesday, Rangers manager Philippe Clement admits they will need a performance similar to the midweek Europa League win over FCSB.
“We need to be better than today,” he tells BBC Scotland. “We need to be at the level we were at on Thursday, but it’s a totally different game.
“Now it’s about recovering for Wednesday and seeing who is fit and available. It’s important to take these three points when they are well-deserved.”
Big Pittodrie challenge aheadpublished at 17:36 Greenwich Mean Time
17:36 GMT
FT: Rangers 2-1 St Mirren
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Ibrox
Philippe Clement’s men will have to be much better, you imagine, to get the better of joint table-topping Aberdeen on Wednesday.
That said, the white-hot atmosphere of Pittodrie may bring about the increased intensity the Rangers boss is after.
Cerny is ‘kind we need in the building’published at 17:32 Greenwich Mean Time
17:32 GMT
FT: Rangers 2-1 St Mirren
Vaclav Cerny’s fifth goal in four games sealed the points for Rangers as the Czech Republic winger responded to some criticism of his early performances on loan from Wolfsburg.
Manager Philippe Clement says: “He got a lot of stick three weeks ago and that was his reaction.
“Those are the kind of people we need in the building.”
Rangers manager Philippe Clement celebrates with Vaclav CernyImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Philippe Clement has much for which to thank Vaclav Cerny
‘Something to build on for St Mirren’published at 17:29 Greenwich Mean Time
17:29 GMT
FT: Rangers 2-1 St Mirren
Steven Thompson
Former Rangers and St Mirren striker on BBC Radio Scotland
St Mirren had a much-improved performance. They were far more like themselves.
They’ll feel unlucky to come away from here with no points.
It’s something for Stephen Robinson to build upon.
‘We created most chances’ – Clementpublished at 17:27 Greenwich Mean Time
17:27 GMT
FT: Rangers 2-1 St Mirren
Rangers manager Philippe Clement tells BBC Sportsound his side’s performance “could have been better”.
“You need a third goal for that,” he says. “Because, when you score the third, the opponent comes out more and maybe you score a fourth.
“It’s about winning the points and about deserving to win the points and clearly today we created most of the chances and we scored two goals and two good goals.”
Decisions, decisions, decisionspublished at 17:24 Greenwich Mean Time
17:24 GMT
FT: Motherwell 0-3 Celtic
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Radio Scotland
The big question mark now for Rodgers is who will he put in alongside Carter-Vickers?
Will it be Tursty or will it be Scales?
That’s a big, big decision.
Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston TrustyImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Cameron Carter-Vickers (left) returned from the bench for Celtic
Frustrated but encouragedpublished at 17:22 Greenwich Mean Time
17:22 GMT
FT: Rangers 2-1 St Mirren
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Ibrox
There will be a great deal of frustration for St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson, who knows his side came very close to a prized point at a venue where they have not won since 1991.
The Buddies boss will, however, be encouraged by a highly competitive performance that was night and day from the non-event of Tynecastle last week.
If St Mirren can maintain this level of energy and intensity, they will be difficult for most other teams to get the better of.
‘We had chances to make it four or five’ – Rodgerspublished at 17:20 Greenwich Mean Time
17:20 GMT
FT: Motherwell 0-3 Celtic
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers tells BBC Sportsound he “expected that start” from Motherwell.
“They’re a well-organised team,” he says. “First half, the moments we were good was when we were switching the play. Against their system, it’s important to keep doing that.
“In the early stages, we trapped ourselves. The spaces started to open up and that’s where the first goal came from.
“Second half was about managing the ball better. The players were excellent, scored two really good goals – especially Ali [Johnston]’s goal – and we had chances to make it four or five.”
Brendan RodgersImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 17:18 Greenwich Mean Time
17:18 GMT
Stay with us for reaction from the managers at Fir Park and Ibrox…
As it stands…published at 17:12 Greenwich Mean Time
17:12 GMT
Here’s how this afternoon’s three games leave the top half of the Premiership.
Celtic are back on top, on goal difference, from Aberdeen with a win that leaves Motherwell still in fifth.
Meanwhile, Rangers are back to within six points of the leading two after their win over a St Mirren side who miss a chance to move into the top six and instead remain 10th.
Meanwhile, Hibs and Hearts remain tied on points at the bottom after their derby draw.
Alasdair JohnstonImage source, SNS
‘Celtic happy with their work this week’published at 17:09 Greenwich Mean Time
17:09 GMT
FT: Motherwell 0-3 Celtic
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Radio Scotland
After they got their first goal, I think Celtic controlled the game, to a point.
I thought in the second half they upped the tempo a bit.
When the chances came along, they really took them and will be very happy with their week’s work.
‘Far from convincing from Rangers’published at 17:06 Greenwich Mean Time
17:06 GMT
FT: Rangers 2-1 St Mirren
Steven Thompson
Former Rangers and St Mirren striker on BBC Radio Scotland
There was a slight improvement in the second half from Rangers in terms of tempo and creating opportunities. The first half was incredibly disappointing.
St Mirren were excellent in the first half. Second half, they were good but didn’t create that big chance they were waiting for to try and get themselves in front.
Then Dessers did really well to cut it back for Cerny, who had a simple tap-in. It was an important win, but it was far from convincing.
Points if not plauditspublished at 17:04 Greenwich Mean Time
17:04 GMT
FT: Rangers 2-1 St Mirren
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Ibrox
This victory was met with only mild applause from the Rangers fans who stayed the course.
They got what they wanted in terms of all three points here at Ibrox but not the performance they would have hoped for.
This game was right in the balance up until the final whistle, with the home side only playing well in patches and unable to find the consistently high level of performance their manager is asking for.
Indeed, had St Mirren been more clinical, this game could have been altogether different.
Celtic cruise after early scarepublished at 17:03 Greenwich Mean Time
17:03 GMT
FT: Motherwell 0-3 Celtic
Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Fir Park
Celtic exerted almost complete dominance in the end, but it might easily have been different had either of Lennon Miller’s early strikes found the net instead of cracking off the woodwork.
However, once Celtic got that lead through a really controlled finish from Luke McCowan, they took a fierce grip on the game and earned a thoroughly deserved win.
Most telling was the visitors’ options coming off the bench. The return of Cameron Carter-Vickers was a big plus and Adam Idah once again contributed.
Liam Gordon’s late red card just compounded was turned into an afternoon of frustration for the hosts.
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PENALTY APPEALpublished at 16:58 Greenwich Mean Time
16:58 GMT
Rangers 2-1 St Mirren
Another great chance for Cyriel Dessers.
The Rangers substitute is one-on-one with Ellery Balcombe and goes down in a heap claiming the goalkeeper has pulled him down.
VAR man says no!
Postpublished at 16:57 Greenwich Mean Time
16:57 GMT
Rangers 2-1 St Mirren
We are six minutes into stoppage time and Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers has a shot blocked in front of goal and St Mirren are still in this game.
FULL-TIME Motherwell 0-3 Celticpublished at 16:56 Greenwich Mean Time
16:56 GMT
Celtic return to the top of the Premiership table with a solid win over Motherwell.
Lennon Miller hit the woodwork twice to scare the visitors, before Luke McCowan steered in the opener to score on his first start for the club.
Stand-in captain Alistair Johnston grabbed Celtic’s second and substitute Adam Idah added the third to seal a victory that takes them above Aberdeen on goal difference.
Adam Idah scores Celtic’s thirdImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Adam Idah grabbed Celtic’s third goal
Postpublished at 16:53 Greenwich Mean Time
16:53 GMT
Motherwell 0-3 Celtic
Celtic go in search of a fourth, but they are denied by some last-ditch defending from Ewan Wilson.
Reo Hatate breaks free in the penalty box and slots a shot underneath the goalkeeper, but left-back Wilson is there to clear on the line.
RED CARD Gordon (Motherwell)published at 93 mins
93 mins
Motherwell 0-3 Celtic
Yup, he’s gone.
Goodbye Liam Gordon. A needless challenge by the Motherwell centre-half that will infuriate manager Stuart Kettlewell.
VAR check at Fir Parkpublished at 16:51 Greenwich Mean Time
16:51 GMT
Motherwell 0-3 Celtic
We’ve got a potential red card check here at Fir Park.
Motherwell centre-half Liam Gordon has gone in studs up on Adam Idah and referee David Dickinson is being called across to the screen…
That looks very nasty.
goal
GOAL Motherwell 0-3 Celticpublished at 16:48 Greenwich Mean Time
16:48 GMT
Adam Idah
We said the third was coming – and we’ve been proved correct.
Adam Idah combines with fellow substitute Nicolas Kuhn, getting on the end of a low cross to tuck home the third goal.
Celtic goalImage source, BBC Sport
Postpublished at 16:46 Greenwich Mean Time
16:46 GMT
Rangers 2-1 St Mirren
St Mirren are not out of this yet and slack play gives Conor McMenamin the opportunity to race into the home penalty box.
However, the forward’s low cross is cleared from in front of goal.
‘Outstanding’published at 16:45 Greenwich Mean Time
16:45 GMT
Rangers 2-1 St Mirren
Steven Thompson
Former Rangers and St Mirren striker on BBC Radio Scotland
It’s an outstanding save from Balcombe. He just gets his fingertips on it.
GREAT SAVE!published at 16:45 Greenwich Mean Time
16:45 GMT
Rangers 2-1 St Mirren
It should be three for Rangers.
Vaclav Cerny is found just inside the penalty box, the Czech winger has plenty of time to try a trademark curling right-foot drive aimed at the far post, but goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe does well to turn it wide at full stretch.
Last throw of the dice for St Mirrenpublished at 16:41 Greenwich Mean Time
16:41 GMT
Rangers 2-1 St Mirren
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Ibrox
On come striker Mikael Mandron and midfielder Caolan Boyd-Munce for St Mirren as Stephen Robinson goes for broke in search of an equaliser in the last 10 minutes here at a now rain-soaked Ibrox.
Postpublished at 80 mins
80 mins
Motherwell 0-2 Celtic
Celtic are toying with Motherwell now. Alistair Johnston drills a cross low to the back post, but Daizen Maeda cannot connect.
A third for the visitors very much feels on the cards.
Postpublished at 16:38 Greenwich Mean Time
16:38 GMT
Rangers 2-1 St Mirren
Rangers are really pushing now and a Cyriel Dessers hand ball near St Mirren’s corner flag gives the visitors a much needed break.
Postpublished at 16:38 Greenwich Mean Time
16:38 GMT
Rangers 2-1 St Mirren
Big chances slip away at both ends in similar circumstances.
Mohamed Diomande cannot gather a long ball into the penalty box that would have put the Rangers midfielder one-on-one with the goalkeeper – the Scott Tanser does likewise at the other end.
HITS THE WOODWORKpublished at 16:34 Greenwich Mean Time
16:34 GMT
Motherwell 0-2 Celtic
Almost a third for Celtic!
A brilliant ball from Reo Hatate finds Nicholas Kuhn, who takes a touch before teeing up Adam Idah – the striker just on as a sub – but his shot clips the outside of the near post and goes wide.
Cerny cheered once againpublished at 16:32 Greenwich Mean Time
16:32 GMT
Rangers 2-1 St Mirren
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Ibrox
That’s five goals in his last three and a bit matches for Vaclav Cerny, who is delivering well for Rangers.
His goal comes as a blessed relief to most of the 48,859 supporters inside Ibrox.
goal
GOAL Rangers 2-1 St Mirrenpublished at 16:29 Greenwich Mean Time
16:29 GMT
Vaclav Cerny
Vaclav Cerny to Rangers’ rescue again!
St Mirren are looking, hopefully, to the referee, but the goal stands.
It was an easy finish from the Czech winger, who is totally unmarked as he bolts into the box to tap in a deflected Cyriel Dessers cut-back.
Rangers goalImage source, BBC Sport
Rangers into a rhythmpublished at 16:29 Greenwich Mean Time
16:29 GMT
Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Ibrox
You sense this could be a long last 20 minutes or so for St Mirren as Rangers start to build up a head of steam.
There will be a better quality of delivery from the right-hand side now that James Tavernier is on the park – can the home side capitalise?
Postpublished at 16:29 Greenwich Mean Time
16:29 GMT
Motherwell 0-2 Celtic
Celtic change it up, with Cameron Carter-Vickers coming on to return from injury.
The centre-half replaces Alex Valle, with Liam Scales moving to left-back.
Carter-Vickers also takes the armband off Alistair Johnstone as soon as he comes on. Feels a bit harsh, that.
James Forrest is also off, replaced on the wing with Nicolas Kuhn.
Missing McGregorpublished at 16:27 Greenwich Mean Time
16:27 GMT
Motherwell 0-2 Celtic
Celtic captain Callum McGregor was ruled out with an injury this afternoon.
The midfielder travelled with the team, however, and is watching on from the side of the pitch.
Thankfully for Celtic, they remain in control in his absence.
Callum McGregor watches on from pitchsideImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Callum McGregor is watching on
LIVE stream page 3
Postpublished at 16:26 Greenwich Mean Time
16:26 GMT
Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
Striker Toyosi Olusanya goes down inside the Rangers box, but the penalty shout is waved away by VAR.
They do have a free-kick, though, but Mark O’Hara sends it way over the crossbar.
Motherwell changespublished at 16:25 Greenwich Mean Time
16:25 GMT
Motherwell 0-2 Celtic
Motherwell look to the bench to try and change this game. Andy Halliday, Davor Zdravkovski, and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos off.
Tawanda Maswanhise, Zach Robinson and former Celtic striker Tony Watt on.
Tavernier and McMenamin sent onpublished at 16:24 Greenwich Mean Time
16:24 GMT
Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
Here comes Rangers captain James Tavernier, with Robin Propper, who has been suspect at the heart of defence being the one to make way.
Neraysho Kasanwirjo goes to centre-back to allow Tavernier to slot into his usual right-back berth.
Midfielder Connor McMenamin is on for his first appearance of the season for St Mirren.
Pace picking uppublished at 16:22 Greenwich Mean Time
16:22 GMT
Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Ibrox
This one is coming to the boil nicely now.
The intensity is picking up from the home side at last, with better chances being created and Ellery Balcombe in the visiting goal getting busier.
The home fans are impatiently urging them on. Not sure how many of them were expecting to be at 1-1 after an hour?
And it could have been worse but for a more than decent save from Jack Butland to deny Toyosi Olusanya, who also missed a glaring first half chance at 0-0.
Postpublished at 16:20 Greenwich Mean Time
16:20 GMT
Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
Nedim Bajrami plays a nice ball into the visiting penalty box and Cyriel Dessers gets a head to it, but once again Ellery Balcombe does his goalkeeping duties to keep out the hosts.
Johnston rises to captain rolepublished at 16:19 Greenwich Mean Time
16:19 GMT
Motherwell 0-2 Celtic
Alistair Johnston celebratesImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Stand-in captain Alistair Johnston has scored Celtic’s second goal
Postpublished at 16:17 Greenwich Mean Time
16:17 GMT
Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
There is a check for a penalty at Ibrox as Greg Kiltie goes down, but no spot kick for the visitors. It did look soft.
Up the other end, goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe makes a great diving save to deny Rangers.
Captain Johnston looks to have sealed winpublished at 16:16 Greenwich Mean Time
16:16 GMT
Motherwell 0-2 Celtic
Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Fir Park
Deputising for injured captain Callum McGregor, Alistair Johnston has stepped up to find the crucial second and that will settle Celtic.
It affords Brendan Rodgers the chance to potentially make changes and that might bring even more threat given what they have on the bench.
The away crowd are loving this – even more so as Rangers continue to struggle at Ibrox.
‘Celtic wore Well down’published at 16:16 Greenwich Mean Time
16:16 GMT
Motherwell 0-2 Celtic
Stephen Craigan
Former Motherwell defender on BBC Radio Scotland
They simply wore Motherwell down.
There was no pressure and nobody went to engage, so Celtic were allowed to just keep moving the ball at will.
Propper reliefpublished at 16:15 Greenwich Mean Time
16:15 GMT
Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Ibrox
Robin Propper stopped there when Toyosi Olusanya ran in on goal.
The Rangers centre-half was assuming – and certainly hoping – that the offside trap he had set had worked. Dangerous game.
The natives are getting a little more restless here, however, with too much of the game still being played in Rangers’ own half for their liking. They need a spark from somewhere – or someone.
goal
GOAL Motherwell 0-2 Celticpublished at 16:13 Greenwich Mean Time
16:13 GMT
Alistair Johnston
Looks like game over at Fir Park!
Celtic work it brilliantly. Alex Valle crosses to the back post and Alistair Johnston ghosts in to guide his header into the back of the net.
A third away goal of the season for the Canada right-back. That’s more than some teams in the Premiership have managed…
Celtic goalImage source, BBC Sport
DISALLOWED GOALpublished at 16:12 Greenwich Mean Time
16:12 GMT
Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
St Mirren sriker Toyosi Olusanya is one-on-one with Jack Butland and sends it beyond the Rangers goalkeeper before the flag is raised for offside.
Postpublished at 16:12 Greenwich Mean Time
16:12 GMT
Motherwell 0-1 Celtic
Motherwell work a chance, but once again it’s squandered.
Apostolos Stamatelopolous tries to volley a cross but slices it horribly.
Thankfully for the striker, it turns into a great pass to Ewan Wilson behind him, but the midfielder’s volley is also pulled well wide.
Rangers fans condemn board againpublished at 16:11 Greenwich Mean Time
16:11 GMT
Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
Rangers supporters once again show their feelings towards the club’s hierarchy with a banner.
A display with a similar sentiment was displayed at Rugby Park last weekend, when the side lost to Kilmarnock.
A banner unfurled at IbroxImage source, SNS
Image caption,
A banner was unfurled at Ibrox
Postpublished at 16:11 Greenwich Mean Time
16:11 GMT
Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
A better start to the second half from Rangers.
Mohamed Diomande gets the ball on the edge of the St Mirren box thanks to a decent pass from Vaclav Cerny, but the midfielder smacks his shot wide.
Postpublished at 16:10 Greenwich Mean Time
16:10 GMT
Motherwell 0-1 Celtic
There’s been an early second-half booking for Celtic midfielder Paulo Bernardo for a foul in the middle of the park.
Celtic almost find a second goal moments later.
Kyogo Furuhashi turns nicely on the edge of the box and cuts on to his right, drilling a shot at the near post, but goalkeeper Aston Oxborough is down well to save.
KICK-OFFpublished at 16:07 Greenwich Mean Time
16:07 GMT
HT: Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
Here come the Rangers players at last – and there is a change at the break.
Cyriel Dessers is up front in place of Hamza Igamane, who was anonymous in the first half.
A big half for Rangerspublished at 16:04 Greenwich Mean Time
16:04 GMT
HT: Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Ibrox
As things stand, Rangers are eight points behind Aberdeen and Celtic. After nine games.
That simply won’t do around these parts, so there’s a massive incentive for these Rangers players to up the ante, up the intensity levels and make sure no further points are spilled.
KICK-OFFpublished at 16:03 Greenwich Mean Time
16:03 GMT
HT: Motherwell 0-1 Celtic
We’re off at Fir Park, but no signs yet of the players again at Ibrox.
Home manager Philippe Clement could be giving the home side the verbals.
‘Nowhere near good enough for Rangers’published at 16:01 Greenwich Mean Time
16:01 GMT
HT: Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
Steven Thompson
Former Rangers and St Mirren striker on BBC Radio Scotland
The intensity levels for Rangers are nowhere to be seen. It’s been so, so poor.
You have to give St Mirren a massive amount of credit. They’ve been excellent and they started the game ever so well.
The fans are right to be booing the home side off the pitch. That is nowhere near the standard expected here at Rangers.
That’s the problem for them the whole of the season – it’s one good game, one bad game, one okay game, one bad game. They can’t get a level of consistently good performance.
LIVE stream page 4
Half-time omens for both sidespublished at 15:59 Greenwich Mean Time
15:59 GMT
HT: Motherwell 0-1 Celtic
Celtic are unbeaten in their last 18 top-flight matches when they are ahead at half-time, a run dating back to 10 December 2023, against Kilmarnock, a game that finished 2-1 to the Ayrshire side.
Motherwell, contrastingly, are on a run of three straight losses when trailing at half-time in the Premiership this season.
Luke McCowan celebratesImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Luke McCowan was delighted with his opener
Clement to ring changes?published at 15:57 Greenwich Mean Time
15:57 GMT
HT: Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Ibrox
A few boos greet the half-time whistle from some Rangers supporters. Big cheers from the wedge of St Mirren fans.
There’s a big team-talk coming from home boss Philippe Clement.
He’s looking for consistency of performance but can’t find it at the moment.
His team were poor at Kilmarnock, better against FCSB and below par again so far this afternoon.
Credit to St Mirren who have been much better than recent performances, but Ranges have the likes of James Tavernier and Cyriel Dessers as options from the bench should Clement feel he needs a change or two.
Celtic ahead but have been testedpublished at 15:54 Greenwich Mean Time
15:54 GMT
HT: Motherwell 0-1 Celtic
Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Fir Park
Celtic are one up, might have been two, but they have been pushed.
Motherwell were so unlucky with Lennon Miller twice striking the woodwork on top of a couple of other great chances.
You did wonder if they would pay for that. They did, with Luke McCowan stepping up again to signal he has a big contribution to make for his new club.
They might feel they should have had a second when Daizen Maeda appeared to have been fouled in the box before his arm then netted.
It’s been fiercely contested, but Celtic now have a level of control.
HALF-TIME Rangers 1-1 St Mirrenpublished at 15:51 Greenwich Mean Time
15:51 GMT
St Mirren the end first half having to defend successive corners, but it is the away dressing room that be the happier of the two at the break.
A solid start to the match from St Mirren was dampened when Mohamed Diomande gave Rangers the lead against the run of play.
However, Alex Gogic’s bullet header brought St Mirren back level – and deservedly so.
A big 45 minutes coming up if Rangers are not to end the weekend further behind in the title race.
Rangers v St MirrenImage source, SNS
HALF-TIME Motherwell 0-1 Celticpublished at 15:49 Greenwich Mean Time
15:49 GMT
A fascinating first-half at Fir Park comes to an end with Celtic narrowly in front.
It started frantically, with Motherwell hitting the woodwork twice through Lennon Miller, but the visitors’ possession paid off as Luke McCowan was able to work an opening and put Celtic in front on his first start for the club.
Luke McCowan tucks away Celtic’s openerImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Luke McCowan tucked away Celtic’s opener
Postpublished at 15:45 Greenwich Mean Time
15:45 GMT
Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
Vaclav Cerny’s neat footwork wins his side a corner and takes it short.
Charles Dunne clears at the near post and looks to send St Mirren on the attack again.
Four minutes of added time to be played in Govan.
McCowan among the goals againpublished at 15:44 Greenwich Mean Time
15:44 GMT
Motherwell 0-1 Celtic
Luke McCowan has now scored two goals for both previous club Dundee and now Celtic this season.
The central midfielder is the Premiership’s second-joint top goalscorer on four after his strike gives Celtic the lead against Motherwell.
Luke McCowanImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 15:42 Greenwich Mean Time
15:42 GMT
Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
Just a few minutes to go in the first half at Ibrox and it’s St Mirren who have had the better of the opening 45 minutes as they win another throw-in inside the Rangers half.
Celtic’s right heavily involvedpublished at 15:39 Greenwich Mean Time
15:39 GMT
Motherwell 0-1 Celtic
Celtic’s right flank has been involved in the majority of their attacking play so far.
James Forrest and Alistair Johnston have been busy boys at Fir Park.
Celtic attacking third graphicImage source, Opta
St Mirren reacting wellpublished at 15:38 Greenwich Mean Time
15:38 GMT
Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Ibrox
Visiting gaffer Stephen Robinson said he wanted a huge improvement and a big reaction from last week’s thumping at Tynecastle.
He’s certainly got it so far as his side have been much more like themselves with the half-time whistle about 10 minutes away.
Postpublished at 15:37 Greenwich Mean Time
15:37 GMT
Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
Vaclav Cerny is the latest to have a go. The Rangers winger gets a decent strike away, but it’s straight at goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe, who has no trouble gathering the ball.
Postpublished at 15:37 Greenwich Mean Time
15:37 GMT
Motherwell 0-1 Celtic
It’s been given as a handball.
Daizen Maeda looked very sheepish as he got back up – the Celtic forward knew that wouldn’t stand.
No penalty given either.
DISALLOWED GOALpublished at 15:35 Greenwich Mean Time
15:35 GMT
Motherwell 0-1 Celtic
The ball is in the back of the net, but no-one has a clue what’s happening.
Alistair Johnston unlocks the defence with one pass to pick out Daizen Maeda, who seems to be pushed to the deck by Stephen O’Donnell.
Maeda falls to the deck, the ball hits his hand, and trickles into the back of the net.
Referee David Dickinson doesn’t seem to have given anything, so we’re just waiting to see if VAR will get involved.
Penalty to Celtic?published at 15:35 Greenwich Mean Time
15:35 GMT
Motherwell 0-1 Celtic
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Radio Scotland
I think there might be a shout for a penalty here.
‘Moans and grumbles’published at 15:34 Greenwich Mean Time
15:34 GMT
Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Ibrox
It’s curiously flat here at Ibrox. The home fans know their side haven’t been at it in the opening half hour.
There’s a frailty about them at the back, as well, with St Mirren having two big chances and scoring from the second.
There are a few impatient moans and grumbles around the four stands.
Postpublished at 15:33 Greenwich Mean Time
15:33 GMT
Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
A big chance for Nedim Bajrami to give Rangers the lead again!
The winger sends his close-range shot into the side netting.
Up the other end, Greg Kiltie rifles his effort well wide of goalkeeper Jack Butland’s post.
Positive Buddiespublished at 15:32 Greenwich Mean Time
15:32 GMT
Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
St Mirren have been rewarded for their positive start.
This graphic of their average position in the opening half hour shows they have committed bodies into the opposition half.
St Mirren average positionsImage source, Opta
McCowan unlocks Well on first startpublished at 15:31 Greenwich Mean Time
15:31 GMT
Motherwell 0-1 Celtic
Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Fir Park
Everything so far had been about Lennon Miller’s display for Motherwell, but it’s another Scottish midfielder, Luke McCowan, who has made the difference.
This, on his first start, continues an impressive start to his Celtic career. His finish was decisive and calm, showing the quality he has.
Motherwell might feel hard done-by as Miller has been at the centre of everything any time Stuart Kettlewell’s side have threatened and they have done so consistently so far.
They’ve had the better chances and have been punished for not taking them.
‘Beautiful goal’published at 15:30 Greenwich Mean Time
15:30 GMT
Motherwell 0-1 Celtic
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Radio Scotland
Celtic have that ability in the team to cut you up at any moment – and that was all made by Luke McCowan.
He gets into a great area, gets it passed the defender and drills it past the goalkeeper.
A beautiful goal from a player who is enjoying this game so far.
Rangers have battle on handspublished at 15:29 Greenwich Mean Time
15:29 GMT
Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Ibrox
It’s no more than the Buddies deserve. They were a tad unfortunate to be behind and Alex Gogic’s crashing header reminds the hosts they’re in a proper contest here. Game on at Ibrox.
It’s a while since St Mirren scored here – April 2023 in fact, in a 5-2 defeat.
LIVE stream page 5
goal
GOAL Motherwell 0-1 Celticpublished at 15:27 Greenwich Mean Time
15:27 GMT
Luke McCowan
Luke McCowan’s first Celtic start – and he scores!
What a way to make an impression. The midfielder takes one touch around Kofi Balmer, isn’t closed down by the Motherwell defence and just steers the ball into the bottom corner.
A dream come true for the boyhood Celtic fan.
Celtic goalImage source, BBC Sport
‘St Mirren deserve to be level’published at 15:26 Greenwich Mean Time
15:26 GMT
Rangers 1-1 St Mirren
Steven Thompson
Former Rangers and St Mirren striker on BBC Radio Scotland
The delivery is absolutely superb from Mark O’Hara – right into the middle of the six-yard box.
It’s no more than St Mirren deserve.
Postpublished at 15:26 Greenwich Mean Time
15:26 GMT
Motherwell 0-0 Celtic
Nine shots in the first 22 minutes – and Motherwell have had the majority of them.
They need to make one count soon – they won’t keep getting gifted these chances.
Looking at the other stats, though, it’s Celtic who are dominating the ball – with 72% possession.
goal
GOAL Rangers 1-1 St Mirrenpublished at 15:25 Greenwich Mean Time
15:25 GMT
Alex Gogic
St Mirren level – and it’s no real surprise!
After saving St Mirren up the other end, Alex Gogic levels things up for the visitors.
It’s a lovely ball in from Mark O’Hara who swings the corner right onto the head of Gogic who bundles it into the back of the net.
St Mirren goalImage source, BBC Sport
Diomande opens accountpublished at 15:25 Greenwich Mean Time
15:25 GMT
Rangers 1-0 St Mirren
Mohamed Diomande strikesImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Mohamed Diomande swept home the game’s first goal at Ibrox
Mohamed Diomande celebratesImage source, SNS
Image caption,
It is Diomande’s first goal of the season
Postpublished at 15:22 Greenwich Mean Time
15:22 GMT
Motherwell 0-0 Celtic
Another deep Motherwell corner to the back post causes chaos.
Lennon Miller wins the header, nodding it down to Apostolos Stamatelopolous and it pinballs around before Celtic are finally able to clear.
A VAR check for a potential hand ball is over quickly.
Postpublished at 15:22 Greenwich Mean Time
15:22 GMT
Rangers 1-0 St Mirren
Rangers are growing into the game at Ibrox as centre-half Alex Gogic has to send it behind for a corner off the toes of home striker Hamza Igamane.
Vaclav Cerny plays it short before it’s sent into the box, but Gogic is there again to clear the danger.
Postpublished at 17 mins
17 mins
Motherwell 0-0 Celtic
This game has started at 100mph.
Celtic are flying down the right through James Forrest and the winger’s had a few crosses and cut-backs stopped at the final second.
A truly breathless beginning, but somehow it’s still goalless.
Well testing Celtic in thrilling startpublished at 15:17 Greenwich Mean Time
15:17 GMT
Motherwell 0-0 Celtic
Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Fir Park
Recent games between these two have been tight and they’re both going at it here again.
Motherwell will barely believe they haven’t scored after Lennon Miller hit the woodwork twice, but Celtic are threatening themselves.
It’s been a fabulous opening.
‘Out of nowhere’published at 15:16 Greenwich Mean Time
15:16 GMT
Ranges 1-0 St Mirren
Steven Thompson
Former Rangers and St Mirren striker on BBC Radio Scotland
It’s come out of absolutely nowhere for Rangers.
He did look offside, it falls to Diomande, who has the simplest of tasks, but whether or not he came from an onside position…
For Rangers, it’s pretty much their first attack and St Mirren find themselves 1-0 down.
goal
GOAL Rangers 1-0 St Mirrenpublished at 15:13 Greenwich Mean Time
15:13 GMT
Mohamed Diomande
Rangers’ lead comes out of the blue!
It’s totally against the run of play, but Rangers have the lead with the easiest of goals for Mohamed Diomande.
The initial shot from Nicolas Raskin is saved by Ellery Balcombe, but it falls right into the feet of his fellow midfielder, who makes no mistake.
Rangers goalImage source, BBC Sport
HITS THE WOODWORKpublished at 10 mins
10 mins
Motherwell 0-0 Celtic
Lennon Miller hits the crossbar!
Fouled on the edge of the area, the midfielder gets up and dusts himself down to curl a free-kick off the face off the crossbar.
Inches away twice in the space of two minutes.
‘Got to hit the target’published at 15:12 Greenwich Mean Time
15:12 GMT
Rangers 0-0 St Mirren
Steven Thompson
Former Rangers and St Mirren striker on BBC Radio Scotland
You’re not going to get a better chance at Ibrox than that.
He just snatched at the shot. It’s poor defending from Rangers.
One-on-one, at a slight angle, but you’ve got to hit the target. The one thing you cannot do is miss the target.
What an opportunity for St Mirren.
Olusanya should scorepublished at 15:12 Greenwich Mean Time
15:12 GMT
Rangers 0-0 St Mirren
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Ibrox
Stephen Robinson has his head in his hands as Toyosi Olusanya misses that glorious chance to put St Mirren ahead.
There’s a real snap about St Mirren in the opening stages, showing good energy and a willingness to get forward.
Slow and sloppy from Rangers so far.
CLOSE!published at 15:11 Greenwich Mean Time
15:11 GMT
Rangers 0-0 St Mirren
Toyosi Olusanya gets the first real chance of the game, but the forward fires it wide!
He makes a great run, gets one-on-one with goalkeeper Jack Butland towards the near post but sends his shot wide of the other upright.
Bit of a warning sign for Rangers, who have not started well at all.
HITS THE WOODWORKpublished at 8 mins
8 mins
Motherwell 0-0 Celtic
Motherwell almost take a shock lead!
Celtic play themselves into trouble, Apostolos Stamatelopolous almost gets around Kasper Schmeichel but his touch is poor.
However, the ball drops to Lennon Miller with goalkeeper Schmeichel in no-man’s land, and the teenager’s drive smacks the post!
Big crowd expects at Ibroxpublished at 15:09 Greenwich Mean Time
15:09 GMT
Rangers 0-0 St Mirren
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Ibrox
Not too many seats at all here at Ibrox where the home faithful have arrived in expectant mood this Sunday afternoon.
Six points behind Celtic. Nine behind league leaders Aberdeen.
The equation is simple for those of a Rangers persuasion: only a win will do as there in no margin for error now whatsoever.
Postpublished at 15:08 Greenwich Mean Time
15:08 GMT
Rangers 0-0 St Mirren
St Mirren are showing serious attacking intent in these opening stages.
They win an early throw-in deep into the hosts’ half, but Rangers regain possession and Toyosi Olusanya gives away a free-kick to the Glasgow side just outside their own penalty box.
‘Can Stamatelopoulos make solo impact?’published at 15:07 Greenwich Mean Time
15:07 GMT
Motherwell 0-0 Celtic
Stephen Craigan
Former Motherwell defender on BBC Radio Scotland
It’ll be interesting to see how Apostolos Stamatelopoulos plays.
Any time I’ve watched him, it’s been as part of a front two, so on his own, can he run in behind, can he hold it up, does he have the pace for it, to bring others in to play?
Postpublished at 15:07 Greenwich Mean Time
15:07 GMT
Motherwell 0-0 Celtic
A small chance for Lennon Miller at the back post as the Motherwell midfielder gets his head on a deep corner, but the teenager nods well wide.
LIVE stream page 6
Early booking for Igamanepublished at 15:05 Greenwich Mean Time
15:05 GMT
Rangers 0-0 St Mirren
A very early chance for St Mirren as they win a free-kick deep in Rangers’ half, with home striker Hamza Igamane picking up the first booking of the game.
Scott Tanser sends it towards the back post and it falls for Toyosi Olusanya in the box, but Rangers defend well.
Postpublished at 15:03 Greenwich Mean Time
15:03 GMT
Motherwell 0-0 Celtic
An early chance for Celtic as captain for the day Alistair Johnson gets in behind and fires a low cross into the box that is cleared at the last second by Liam Gordon.
An early statement of intent from the visitors.
KICK-OFFpublished at 15:00 Greenwich Mean Time
15:00 GMT
We’re off at Fir Park and Ibrox.
Will Aberdeen still be out on their own at the top of the Premiership by the final whistles?
Tune in to Sportsoundpublished at 14:59 Greenwich Mean Time
14:59 GMT
BBC Radio Scotland and online
There’s separate dedicated commentaries of both this afternoon’s games via BBC Radio Scotland.
At Fir Park, former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner and ex-Motherwell centre-half Stephen Craigan join commentator Stuart Mitchell.
Meanwhile, former Rangers and St Mirren striker Steven Thompson is with Thomas Duncan at Ibrox.
Click on the links at the top of this page to listen.
BBC microphoneImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 14:59 Greenwich Mean Time
14:59 GMT
The teams are out at Fir Park and Ibrox. Healthy crowds at both – getting excited?
‘We’ve got the formula’ – Kettlewellpublished at 14:58 Greenwich Mean Time
14:58 GMT
Motherwell v Celtic (15:00)
Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell tells Sportsound: “The main reason I’ve [handed first starts to a few players] is because they’ve been training really well, had good impacts in games they’ve come on in. They bring freshness, energy and pace – especially Marvin Kaleta.
“Tom Sparrow would’ve started last week were it not for a knock, so they’ve all earned the right and there’s no pressure on them.
“We’ve been incredibly close to Celtic over the four games that I’ve been in charge. We want to be more than close, but we understand the size of the task.
“We’ve got the formula from those four games, but Celtic’s changes today change it a little – no Callum McGregor for example – but we all know what they’re about. I’ve got two or three things up my sleeve.”
Stuart KettlewellImage source, SNS
Will Buddies mark Robinson deal with win?published at 14:56 Greenwich Mean Time
14:56 GMT
Rangers v St Mirren (15:00)
It’s surely not often that a manager is handed a contract extension despite three straight defeats and one win in 11.
However, St Mirren showed their faith in Stephen Robinson in doing just that last week.
Nevertheless, his side head to Ibrox having not won in seven away games this season.
St Mirren manager Stephen RobinsonImage source, SNS
Buddies looking to do a Motherwellpublished at 14:55 Greenwich Mean Time
14:55 GMT
Rangers v St Mirren (15:00)
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Ibrox
All of the stats – as well as the strength and cost of the respective squads – point to a home win here at Ibrox.
Of the last 24 league encounters between these sides, Rangers have won 22 and drawn the other two.
The last time the Buddies avoided defeat by the Ibrox men was Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s last game in charge of them, a 1-1 draw in Paisley in November 2022.
There were a similarly weighty raft of statistics lining up against Motherwell when they came here at the beginning of March, but Stuart Kettlewell’s men overturned them to win. A template for St Mirren today?
Rodgers ‘happy’ to give McCowan chancepublished at 14:54 Greenwich Mean Time
14:54 GMT
Motherwell v Celtic (15:00)
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers tells Sportsound: “Callum [McGregor] felt a slight twinge after training yesterday. There’s no need to make the risk. We’ve got more important games coming up, so we want to make sure he’s right going forward.
“Everyone has seen the pride and joy Luke [McCowan] had of becoming a Celtic player. It always takes time to adapt to how we play and the intensity of our work, but when I’ve put him in, he’s contributed.
“It’s a nice start for him, he’s a goal threat and he works hard so I’m happy to put him in.”
Brendan RodgersImage source, SNS
McGregor injury offers opportunitypublished at 14:52 Greenwich Mean Time
14:52 GMT
Motherwell v Celtic (15:00)
Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Fir Park
Callum McGregor’s absence with an abductor issue offers opportunity in the centre of the park for both sides.
For Celtic, Luke McCowan, Paulo Bernardo and Reo Hatate have a chance to showcase what they can offer as a trio, McCowan with his first start. A lot of Celtic fans have wanted to see him start given his cameo contributions so far.
For Motherwell, McGregor not being there might offer a touch more encouragement that they can impose themselves in that area.
These games can be tight. Motherwell have come close in them of late. It looks likely to follow a similar pattern.
Seven in a row for Rangers?published at 14:51 Greenwich Mean Time
14:51 GMT
Rangers v St Mirren (15:00)
Not surprisingly, there is more pressure on Rangers manager Philippe Clement than his St Mirren counterpart.
But some of that was eased after his side bounced back from last weekend’s league defeat in Kilmarnock by sweeping aside FCSB in the Europa League.
The Belgian’s side have lost at home to Lyon and Dynamo Kiev in Europe this season, but they have won all six domestic games at Ibrox, the latest five without conceding.
Buddies chase first Ibrox win since 1991published at 14:50 Greenwich Mean Time
14:50 GMT
Rangers v St Mirren (15:00)
St Mirren’s record against Rangers is equally as dismal as Motherwell’s against Celtic.
The Ibrox side have won six in a row against their Paisley rivals, including all four meetings last season, with a combined score of 19-2 – the Buddies only scoring in one of those games.
Rangers have not lost in 13 meetings since a 3-2 League Cup defeat at St Mirren Park in December 2020 and have also won 13 in a row at Ibrox since a 1-1 draw in October 2011.
It is 24 meetings overall since the last St Mirren win at Ibrox, Kevin McGowne scoring the only goal of the game in November 1991.
Kevin McGowne celebrates for St Mirren at IbroxImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Kevin McGowne is the last player to score a St Mirren winner at Ibrox
Robinson looking for ‘simple things’published at 14:48 Greenwich Mean Time
14:48 GMT
Rangers v St Mirren (15:00)
St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson tells BBC Scotland: “You need to do the basics right to get anything out of a game at Rangers and that’s first and foremost what I’m looking at.
“The performance, we’re in control of, all the simple things in football. We’re not in control of the referee’s decisions or what Rangers do to an extent. If we control those, we’ve got an opportunity today.If we don’t, we lose the game.”
St Mirren manager Stephen RobinsonImage source, SNS
Not all well with Celtic?published at 14:47 Greenwich Mean Time
14:47 GMT
Motherwell v Celtic (15:00)
The one crumb of comfort for Motherwell is that Celtic have only won one of their latest four outings since their 7-1 Champions League thrashing by Borussia Dortmund.
A narrow victory away to Ross County has been followed by two draws.
In saying that, those were against in-form Aberdeen and then Wednesday’s much-praised result away to Atalanta and Brendan Rodgers’ side have won all four of their domestic games on the road, conceding just one goal on the way.
Van Veen foot issuepublished at 14:44 Greenwich Mean Time
14:44 GMT
Rangers v St Mirren (15:00)
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Ibrox
St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson says he’s had to “strip everything back to the basics” this week to remind the squad of what they’re good at and how they got into Europe last season.
Striker Kevin van Veen misses out today due to a foot injury that’s not thought to be too serious.
Robinson is looking for a massively improved performance after the shocker against Hearts at Tynecastle last week, but St Mirren haven’t won here since 1991, when the respective managers were Walter Smith and Davie Hay.
Clement wants ‘hunger and desire’published at 14:41 Greenwich Mean Time
14:41 GMT
Rangers v St Mirren (15:00)
Rangers manager Philippe Clement tells BBC Scotland: “We will play more games than ever in the history of football this season so we need to make more and more changes.
“We need two, even three players, in each position to be ready all the time.
“I want to see a lot of hunger and desire to continue what they did on Thursday, against a different kind of opponent of course.”
ClementImage source, SNS
Souttar ‘rested’ for fear of injurypublished at 14:39 Greenwich Mean Time
14:39 GMT
Rangers v St Mirren (15:00)
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Ibrox
Rangers manager Philippe Clement tells me that Tom Lawrence’s injury isn’t as bad as first feared, but he still doesn’t know when the midfielder might be fit to play again after picking up a knee problem in the win over FCSB.
John Souttar is rested due to the number of games he’s played recently – the medical staff told the manager there was a risk of the centre-half picking up another injury if he played him today.
Kaleta given first Well startpublished at 14:37 Greenwich Mean Time
14:37 GMT
Motherwell v Celtic (15:00)
Motherwell make two changes from their defeat by Dundee last time out, with on-loan Wolverhampton Wanderers 20-year-old Marvin Kaleta handed a first start and being joined in midfield by Tom Sparrow.
They replace defender Dan Casey and striker Zach Robinson, who both make the bench.
Motherwell midfielder Tom SparrowImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Tom Sparrow returns for Motherwell
McGregor misses out, McCowan’s first startpublished at 14:34 Greenwich Mean Time
14:34 GMT
Motherwell v Celtic (15:00)
As mentioned earlier, Callum McGregor is missing from the Celtic squad, with right-back Alistair Johnston captaining the visitors in the former Scotland international’s absence.
Luke McCowan, who makes his first start since arriving from Dundee, and Paulo Bernardo replace McGregor and Arne Engels in midfield, with the latter dropping to the bench despite manager Brendan Rodgers defending the Belgian’s recent displays in his pre-match media conference.
James Forrest replaces Nicolas Kuhn on the wing, while Kyogo Furuhashi is up front in place of Adam Idah.
Defender Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor join Idah and Kuhn on the bench after recovering from injury.
Celtic’s Luke McCowanImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Luke McCowan starts for Celtic
Celtic eye 10 in a row at Fir Parkpublished at 14:31 Greenwich Mean Time
14:31 GMT
Motherwell v Celtic (15:00)
Although Motherwell have come away with a draw on their latest two trips to Celtic Park, it is a different story at Fir Park, where today’s visitors have won on their latest nine visits, scoring 30 times in the process.
Indeed, Celtic have not lost in 18 visits since a 3-1 defeat in April 2013 and Well have not enjoyed a victory over the Glasgow side in 31 meetings since a 2-1 league success at Celtic Park in December 2015.
To make an upset even more unlikely, Stuart Kettlewell’s team lost last time out at home to Dundee as their seven-game unbeaten run – and three-game winning streak – on their own ground came to an end.
Michael Higdon celebrates against CelticImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Michael Higdon scored the last time Motherwell beat Celtic at home
LIVE stream page 7
Old Firm to continue long runs?published at 14:28 Greenwich Mean Time
14:28 GMT
It ought to be a major surprise if either Motherwell or St Mirren get anything from today’s games.
Celtic and Rangers both enjoy long unbeaten runs against this afternoon’s opponents.
Should Well overcome the odds, a victory would take them above Dundee United into the heady heights of fourth spot, while a similarly unlikely Buddies win would lift them up four places into sixth.
Dons keep run goingpublished at 14:23 Greenwich Mean Time
14:23 GMT
FT: Aberdeen 1-0 Dundee United
As mentioned earlier, Aberdeen are the current Premiership leaders after the side rejuvenated under new manager Jimmy Thelin maintained their unbeaten run with a 1-0 victory over Dundee United on Saturday.
It means reigning champions Celtic need a win at Fir Park to return to the top on goal difference.
The pressure is probably even more so on Rangers given the side expected to put up the biggest challenge to Celtic are now nine behind the Dons.
Media caption,
Jimmy Thelin reacts to 1-0 win over Dundee Utd
Double change for Buddiespublished at 14:19 Greenwich Mean Time
14:19 GMT
Rangers v St Mirren (15:00)
Stephen Robinson makes four changes to the St Mirren side that started the 4-0 defeat by Hearts last weekend.
Midfielder Oisin Smyth drops to the bench, while striker Kevin Van Veen misses out completely.
Forward James Scott and full-back Elvis Bwomono are in for only their second starts of the season.
Forward Conor McMenamin is back on the bench after recovering from a knee injury, as is midfielder Dennis Adeniran after missing out last week with an illness.
St Mirren striker James Scott (left) at IbroxImage source, SNS
Image caption,
James Scott (left) starts at Ibrox
Souttar misses out for Rangerspublished at 14:15 Greenwich Mean Time
14:15 GMT
Rangers v St Mirren (15:00)
John Souttar is a surprise absentee for Rangers, with the Scotland centre-half being replaced with Robin Propper after Thursday’s 4-0 victory over FCSB.
And, as mentioned, captain James Tavernier drops to the bench, with Neraysho Kasanwirjo given a start at right-back.
Mohamed Diomande comes into central midfield in place of the injured Tom Lawrence, while Hamza Igamane is up front in place of Cyriel Dessers, who was an injury doubt but is named among the substitutes.
Rangers players at IbroxImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Robin Propper (right) is back in Rangers’ starting line-up
LINE-UPS from Fir Parkpublished at 14:10 Greenwich Mean Time
14:10 GMT
Motherwell v Celtic (15:00)
Motherwell: Oxborough, Kaleta, O’Donnell, Gordon, Balmer, Wilson, Zdravkovski, Halliday, Miller, Sparrow, Stamatelopoulos.
Substitutes: Hegyi, Seddon, Robinson, Casey, Blaney, Koutroumbis, Ebiye, Watt, Maswanhise.
Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Valle, McCowan, Bernardo, Hatate, Forrest, Maeda, Furuhashi.
Substitutes: Sinisalo, Taylor, Palma, Idah, Kuhn, Yang, Carter-Vickers, Engels, Ralston.
LINE-UPS from Ibrox Stadiumpublished at 14:06 Greenwich Mean Time
14:06 GMT
Rangers v St Mirren (15:00)
Rangers: Butland, Kasanwirjo, Balogun, Propper, Jefte, Barron, Raskin, Diomande, Cerny, Bajrami, Igamane.
Substitutes: Kelly, Tavernier, Dessers, Dowell, Sterling, McCausland, Fraser, McKinnon, Lovelace.
St Mirren: Balcombe, Tanser, O’Hara, Gogic, Dunne, Olusanya, Fraser, Scott, Phillips, Bwomono, Kiltie.
Substitutes: Urminsky, Penman, Smyth, Boyd-Munce, Adeniran, Idowu, McMenamin, Ayunga, Mandron.
Tavernier and McGregor miss outpublished at 14:03 Greenwich Mean Time
14:03 GMT
Let’s get straight to the team line-ups – and there’s some particularly interesting news coming from the two Glasgow clubs, with both captains missing from the starting line-ups.
Celtic captain Callum McGregor misses out with an injury, but defenders Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor return from injury – although only to the bench.
Meanwhile, Rangers captain James Tavernier drops to the bench along with striker Cyriel Dessers.
Old Firm in Aberdeen chasepublished at 13:59 Greenwich Mean Time
13:59 GMT
With the Edinburgh derby having been drawn at Easter Road, we turn our attention to two games involving sides chasing the Scottish Premiership title.
Both Celtic, who visit Motherwell, and Rangers, who host St Mirren, find themselves in the usual position – in recent years at least – of chasing Aberdeen at the top of the table.
Stay with us for the build-up, live commentary and post-match reaction on BBC Radio Scotland and here on the website.