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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Macdonald

Martin O'Neill jokes about about England's Rangers training ground reception

Celtic hero Martin O'Neill has joked he would not recieve the same reception at Rangers' training ground as the England team have.

The Ibrox side have opened their doors to Gareth Southgate's side ahead of their friendly fixture against Scotland at Hampden.

And the ex-Hoops boss quipped that his reception at the training facility might be slighly more frosty.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Jim White was discussing England's injury problems going into the game.

The report cut back from Auchenhowie to the studio where O'Neill was put on the spot.

White asked: "You know where that is don't you? Once Murray Park..."

O'Neill responded: "I know where it is, I was never invited there like this. I'm not sure I'd be welcome."

Meanwhile, Celtic hero Peter Grant has urged midfielder Matt O'Riley to sign a new deal at Parkhead.

The Dane has made a positive start to the season under Brendan Rodgers, netting two goals and providing two assists in his first five games.

And Grant, who coached the 22-year-old at Fulham, feels he should stay at the Hoops for the immediate future.

He told Football Scotland: "It’s always massive to keep your best players and the way to do it is by bringing good players in to play alongside them.

"The attention and scrutiny you play under at Celtic is, apart from Manchester United, second to none and I keep telling him the adulation you get is very difficult to replicate.

"We know financially, other clubs can pay more down in England or elsewhere. We understand all of these things.

People always want your best players, so to keep them, get good ones alongside them and be successful.

"They may well still want to go and that’s fine. Matt is thoroughly enjoying his time at Celtic and that is when you play your best.

"There are so many benefits. He can still get picked for the national team, you can play in the Champions League.

"Matt has become one of the fans’ favourites players and his performances are worthy of that.

"God willing, Matt signs a new deal and he’s at Celtic for many years to come.

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