Keith Jackson tears into ‘consistently untrustworthy’ Rangers after Celtic defeat
Keith Jackson ripped into Rangers following their 2-1 defeat to Celtic in the Old Firm derby on Saturday (11 May).
A goal from Matt O’Riley opened the scoring before John Lundstram put into the back of his own net. Cyriel Dessers offered some hope in the first half before Lundstram saw red for his challenge on Alistair Johnston.
The loss at Celtic Park leaves the Gers six points behind their Old Firm rivals in the Scottish Premiership title race, with just two matches of the season remaining.
Writing for Daily Record on Monday (13 May), Jackson said: “They may even believe they can make up for losing the league title by beating Celtic to the Scottish Cup at Hampden in less than a fortnight’s time without realising the dangerous levels of their own delusion. Who knows?
“Some of them may even be clinging to the misplaced belief that Brendan Rodgers and his players might collapse in spectacular fashion by failing to take a single point from their final two top-flight fixtures against Kilmarnock and St Mirren.
“But even if they are content to keep kidding themselves on, the truth of the matter is that they are fooling no one. This Rangers side has become so consistently untrustworthy over the years that it would probably still lose out on goal difference even if Celtic did fail to find the net in either of their remaining matches.
“Which, of course, they will not. Chances are Philippe Clement will have to settle for another second prize at the national stadium on May 25, when Rangers bring the curtain down on a failed campaign with one final Old Firm showdown. But the outcome of that final is really neither here nor there where the big picture is concerned.”
Rangers suffer major setback at Celtic Park
Philippe Clement will be feeling the heat a little following yet another defeat to Celtic this season, a campaign which has seen the Hoops claim victory three times in four meetings.
Rangers also showed little confidence at Ibrox in April, having gone 2-0 behind before James Tavernier, Abdallah Sima and Rabbi Matondo salvaged a 3-3 draw.
The Gers needed to step up at Celtic Park on Saturday but once again they were left wanting when it really mattered and stepping up in these clashes when it really matters is something Clement must address next season.
It also appears that Lundstram may have played his final minutes in the Rangers shirt. The 30-year-old midfielder has been linked with moves to Trabzonspor and Ipswich Town this summer.
After his red card, fans and media alike have called for the former Sheffield United man never to play for the club again, and those very people may see their wish granted after a major rebuild this summer.
Of course, Clement will feel his side can regain some pride when the two sides meet in the Scottish Cup on Saturday 25 May. However, they will have to achieve a feat they have otherwise been able to do this season – beat Celtic.
In other Rangers news, a star player may now never be seen at Ibrox after a ground-breaking update has emerged about him recently.
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