Rangers come out on top of Old Firm

Against all odds, the Rangers defeated Celtic 1-0 to take a two point lead in the SPL race with three weeks remaining in the campaign. The result was as outstanding as the comeback in which Celtic appeared to be sailing clear in the early spring. Given the split schedule the Scottish Premier League uses the Gers remaining schedule is far from an easy one but they are definitely in the pole position to end Celtic three year hold on the crown.

The only significant change to the lineup was Kenny Miller's return to the starting eleven with Lithuanian international Andrius Velička pushed to the bench. The addition of Scottish international to the fold proved vital as his attacking pulse showed early on and ultimately it was his cross that led to Stephen Davis plunking in the winner eight minutes before the break.

To the surprise of many the pacing of the Old Firm derby stepped away from the expected plow like approach and was decidedly up-tempo. With both sides choosing to "win" the match, opportunities began to emerge with Shunsuke Nakamura forcing the best out of by Gers 'keeper Neil Alexander. Moments later a Steven Whittaker attempt rang off the post and the back and forth pace continued until seven minutes past the half-hour when Kris Boyd's provision to Kenny Miller resulted in fine cross being sent pass Celtic's Artur Boruc by Steven Davis. Prior to the break Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink came within a whisper of equalizing the match however Steven Davis proved to be up to the task on the other end as he cleared the former PSV man's header off the line. After the break Kris Boyd's misfortune in the Old Firm as he was unable to close the day out on two separate occasions yet Celtic equally were denied by a morsel of fate. As the match turned to this final quarter-hour Aiden McGeady beaded down on the leveler but his effort rattled the woodwork before falling to safety. Without further the mark concluded with Rangers victorious and head towards Hibernian on Wednesday with the championship before them.

Rangers - Hamilton Accies match preview

The three-week break in action is finally over as the Rangers face the Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park later today. Oddly enough it is the first of two match between both clubs in three days as they return to Ibrox in the Scottish League Cup on Tuesday.

Walter Smith will have Steven Whittaker, Lee McCulloch and Chris Burke returning from injury with captain Barry Ferguson nearing ready but unavailable for this match.

Commenting on the skippers return, Walter Smith said:

"Barry Ferguson's been a big factor in our team, so we look forward to him coming back.

The Accies are fully-fit from last weekend and after a great start to the campaign have suffered four straight losses. Conversely the Rangers will be looking to make up for lost time and competition within the squad for positions is becoming a heavy motivating factor.

Kris Boyd is angling in the media to be paired with Kenny Miller, noting:

"We have shown already this season that we can work well together as we both have different attributes."

"If we get the chance against Hamilton, I am sure we can show that again."

"It's down to the gaffer at the end of the day, but I just want the chance to show him what I can do."

"I don't mind who I am playing with as long as I am on the pitch.

"Obviously, I have not been involved as much as I would have liked recently, but it's up to me to change that by showing the manager how hungry I am day in, day out in training and in games."

"It's frustrating when you are sitting on the bench, any footballer will say that, but I am always confident I can score and hopefully I can do that this weekend against Hamilton."

"He has to pick the team and, if I am not part of that, it means I have to work harder and take my chance when it comes along."

"The last couple of weeks have been tough, but my decision has been made with regards to Scotland and all I want to do is keep my head down and work hard so that I can get back into the Rangers team," Boyd added.

"Hopefully, we can go one better this season by bringing the league trophy back to Ibrox."

While the club naturally will be slightly "off" from inactivity they are definitely ready to go on the attack.

I will report on the match as it concludes.