It's almost crunch time for Celtic as they aim to win a third piece of major silverware under Ange Postecoglou in the Viaplay Cup final vs Rangers on Sunday.
Having won the tournament last season in an enthralling 2-1 win over Hibs at Hampden Park, the Hoops will aim to reclaim their title against their major rivals in a first Hampden Old Firm showdown since 2019. The Hoops were victorious that day, and Postecoglou won't settle for any less than inflicting pain upon their local rivals in a bid to win the League Cup once again.
However, a tough test against Rangers stands in their way. Michael Beale's men have not lost under his watchful eye, with their only draw coming in the most recent Old Firm clash back in early January. But with bragging rights on offer, Ange has talked up the passion of the Hoops faithful ahead of the clash. Elsewhere, Neil Lennon has claimed that he could have won the title had it not been for Covid-19, Sam Allardyce revealed that he put his name into the hat for both Old Firm jobs and former transfer targets have cropped up as shortlists are drawn up ahead of the summer window.
Walker backs Sakala over 'other mob' comments
Andy Walker has backed Rangers attacker Fashion Sakala over calling Celtic 'the other mob' - saying that nobody will be offended by his comments. Sakala's press conference on Wednesday led to him giving the Hoops a tag that caused a stir, but Walker claims he won't have been malicious.
He said: "All I would say is that whenever he's interviewed at Sky, he's got a lovely manner about him. He's talking about the interest in the game in Zambia, which I think is fantastic.
Ange talks up cup final passion
Ange Postecoglou says he wants to pay Celtic fans back for their unwavering support on cup final weekend. The Australian is focused on one thing only ahead of Sunday, and insists he remains as passionate about the club as possible. But he bowed down to the green and white faithful by marvelling at the support and adoration that fans continue to show with every passing day.
Lennon wails at Covid-halted season
Neil Lennon has hinted that he could have won 'The Ten' with Celtic back in 2021 - had it not been for Covid-19 scuppering his plans. Having won the Scottish Premiership title the season before when the pandemic curtailed the season on a points-per-game basis as they sat 13 ahead of Rangers before the SPFL decided to settle the campaign early. But with Celtic losing out to Rangers by 25 points the season after, Lennon claimed it would have been different had the virus not played a part.
Joe Hart lauded by Craig Gordon for his 'comeback trail'
Former Celtic stopper Craig Gordon has praised Joe Hart for dodging criticism after a series of moves led him to Parkhead. After being ousted at Manchester City by Pep Guardiola, Hart underwent unsuccessful spells at West Ham, Burnley and Tottenham before finding a home at Celtic. And Gordon has praised him for coming back whilst shunning the doubters - with the Hearts keeper stating that nobody talks about the ups.
Cho 'still target' for Celtic, says Jeonbuk chief
Cho Gue-sung could well line up in Celtic colours next season, according to Jeonbuk sporting director Park Ji-Sung. Park, who spent the majority of his illustrious career at Manchester United, acknowledged Celtic's interest in January despite a deal not coming to fruition, although the former South Korea star claimed that a move to Rangers could also blossom in the summer should sufficient moves be made.
Allardyce 'would have managed' Celtic
Sam Allardyce is perhaps the most archetypal English manager of all-time. Having taken charge of Bolton, Everton, Newcastle and West Ham amongst others, 'Big Sam' knows the nation and its footballing landscape well - even taking the England job before being dismissed after just one game over a bribe scandal.
However, in a recently revealing interview, Big Sam claimed that he 'would have taken jobs' at either Celtic or Rangers had he been offered the hotseat
Greek midfielder linked with move
With Oliver Abildgaard and Yosuke Ideguchi departing in the January transfer window, there may be a space in Celtic's midfield come the summer transfer window with Postecoglou always looking to improve his ranks. Links have surfaced today linking the Hoops with a move for Panathinaikos star Dimitrios Kourbelis - though Rangers have also been linked. It could be yet another battle between the Old Firm duo.
